Protect Yourself! Be aware of the following scams and fraud attempts.
This is not a comprehensive list.
November 2, 2011 - Several members have reported receiving an email (which appears to come from the Federal Reserve) warning them that their outgoing wire transaction was cancelled by the Federal Reserve Wire Network. The email encourages them to "click here" for further information. This is a scam, trying to get you to reveal additional information. Never click on links within an email! The members receiving this email did not even have an outgoing wire.
Sony Corporation - Sony reported that it's PlayStation online network was breached between April 17 and April 19, 2011, and as many as 77 million people could be affected. Believed to be taken were names and birth dates, with a possibility that credit card information was also breached. Sony has warned members of its PlayStation Network to monitor their credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Users should also be on alert against phishing emails, telephone and postal scams.
Avoid Foreclosure Scams -with mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures at an all time high, borrowers are seeking relief where ever they can. This has created opportunity for the fraudsters and, again, targets those misfortunate souls that can least afford it. These fraudsters claim they can help with your foreclosure problems. Here are a few signs that could indicate fraud:
- They ask for a fee in advance - Often times these fees are thousands of dollars, and if you pay, that's the last you'll hear of them.
- They guarantee they will stop your foreclosure - If they make this claim before they know anything about your particular situation it is almost certain to be a scam.
- They urge you to pay them instead of your mortgage holder - This should certainly raise a red flag for you. It's likely they will keep your funds and never turn anything over to your mortgage holder.
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments you should contact HUD for your nearest HUD approved counseling agency at 1-800-569-4287.
Text Messages Many members have notified us that they have received a test message, email, or automated phone call indicating their credit and / or debit card has been deactivated. To activate the card they need to email or call to re-activate the account. If you call the number they request your account number, card number and PIN. This is a fraud and usually occurs on a Friday evening - so you can't contact your financial institution.
Overpayment Scams Someone responds to your ad for a car, big ticket item, room to rent, etc., and offers to pay with a cashier's check. Later the respondent notifies you that the check will exceed the item's price, and requests that you return the difference - often via wire transfer. It isn't until later the check has bounced, and now you're liable for the entire amount.
International Lottery Scams Congratulations! You've won a major prize or a large amount of money. All you have to do to collect is pay the taxes and /or fees on your winnings.
Here's how it works: You're contacted about the fact that you have won a particular prize either via email, the US Mail, or over the phone. But, in order for you to collect your winnings, you have to pay some taxes up front. They may even send you a cashier's check for the amount, or more than the amount, and have you wire the funds back to them.
File a complaint with the FTC Contact the FTC at 1-877-438-4338 or click here to file online. Although the FTC does not help resolve individual cases, they do track and detect patterns of wrong-doing. Your complaints lead to investigations and prosecutions. Their secure online database is used by thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide.
The following sites can help teach you how to avoid scams and Identity Theft. Once you click the link below you will be leaving the WEA Credit Union web site.