Beware of Scammers
Tips to protect yourself from fraud
Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to access your account information. Here are a few examples of the latest scams and ways you can prevent them:
1. Scammers posing as employees of the credit union will call from a "spoofed" phone number matching that of the credit union. Remember this:
- If Power CU calls you, we will NOT ask for personal information.
- Do not share login info, passwords, account information, or anything else only known to you.
- It is only when you call Power CU, we MAY ask for personal information to verify your identity.
- Please call us immediately at (719) 564-0710 if you feel you have shared your personal information with anyone that had called you posing as a Power CU Employee.
2. Scammers posing as Power CU’s fraud department will send a text message asking you to click on a link to confirm or deny fraud. Remember this:
- Power CU will never send you a text message asking you to click on a link.
- Text messages are sent from Power CU’s fraud department, and you will be asked to respond with a Yes or No text.
- If you have clicked on a link and entered your online banking credentials, log out immediately and open your online banking in the app or via www.powercu.org. Change your password and contact us at 719-564-0710.
3. Scammers posing as computer technicians in order to gain personal information. This usually begins when you clicked a link that loaded malicious software on your computer, at which time a link or phone number appears for an offer to fix the problem.
- Always use the latest virus/malware protection on your computers.
- Do not share your computer with a "technician" that you did not find on your own.
Placing a Fraud Alert
If you’re the victim of identity theft, or think you may be at risk, you should act quickly to protect yourself from further financial damage.
You need to place a fraud alert as soon as you are aware that something could be wrong.
Placing a fraud alert is free to do, but the protection it provides could be priceless. All you have to do is contact any one of the three major credit-reporting agencies:
- Equifax (1-800-685-1111)
- Experian (1-888-397-3742)
- TransUnion (1-888-909-8872)
Tell them that you may be a victim of identity theft and need to put a fraud alert on your credit file.
Make sure to give the reporting agency your current contact information—such as a phone number and email address—so they can reach you if necessary.
The agency you call is required to tell the others to set up alerts as well, but ask just to make sure.
A fraud alert makes it harder for criminals to open new credit in your name because a business will have to verify your identity before a new account is opened.
Phishing & Smishing
Phishing and Smishing are methods criminals use to trick you into giving them personal financial information.
The criminals are after details like credit card numbers, bank account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information. They use that information to steal your money or use your good name to open new loans or credit cards.
Phishing uses an email message to gather that information. Smishing uses an SMS text message to your phone.
The Justice Department suggests three simple steps that will help you avoid being a victim of Phishing or Smishing fraud and theft:
- First, STOP.
• The message is designed to get an immediate reaction from you by making it seem like an emergency.
• Do not click any link or call any number included in the message.
- Instead...LOOK.
• Think about the message.
• Does it make sense that your account would be closed if you don't respond immediately to a link in an unexpected message?
• A safer choice would be to log in to your account normally. Don't use the link or phone number inside the message. Just log into your account the way you typically would.
• If you don't see any problems or alerts when you log in normally, you know it's not a legitimate message.
- Finally...CALL.
• Use the toll free number on your card...or a telephone number listed in the phone directory.
• Tell the company or financial institution that you received a suspicious message.
Skimming
Skimming involves the use of a portable device that is temporarily attached to the original card scanner on any ATM or gas pump. As your card passes through the scanner, the information contained on the magnetic strip is captured by the skimming device.
Later, when the criminal retrieves the device, they have captured all the information needed to fraudulently steal money from your account.
They may even use secondary devices like cameras that record your keypad entries, or even high-tech overlays placed on the keypad to record your PIN number.
Because the devices used for skimming are temporary and will be removed by the criminal, alertness can pay off.
- Look at the card reading slot. Are there seams or gaps in the surrounding plastic? Are any stickers partially covered? If so...don't use it.
- Grasp and pull on the card reader. If it moves...find another ATM or pump.
- Look at surrounding card readers. Do they look the same as yours?
- Use gas pumps that are visible to the employees. Use ATMs that are inside the store. It's harder to install a skimmer under the watchful eye of a cashier.
- At the gas pump, choose the CREDIT option. That way, you don't have to enter a PIN number.
- Shield the keyboard with your second hand while you enter your PIN number. That will block cameras from seeing the keys you press.
Resources
If you need to dispute or suspect fraudulent activity on your Power Credit Union Visa Credit Card or Debit card, you may Report Fraud online or see Lost or Stolen Cards for contact information.
Want to learn more about fraud and improve your financial literacy?