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 FRAUD ALERTS
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An Advisory posted by NACHA August 19, 2010 ~
The Electronic Payments Association has received reports that a fraudulent email is circulating that claims to be from NACHA. The email states:
Dear Bank account holder,
The ACH transaction, recently initiated from your bank account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the Electronic Payments Association.
Please find Attached Transaction Report
Paul Arnold
Electronic Payments Association Manager
NACHA reports that phishing emails such as this one often have attachments and/or links to web pages that host malicious code and software. Do not open any attachments or follow any links in these types of emails. If you have accessed the attachments or links by accident, it's advised that you consult with a computer security or anti-virus specialist to remove the malicious code.
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| Fraud Alert: Phishing Attack Targeting First Data’s FI Clients
The Members Group has received notice from First Data of an email phishing attack that is targeting financial institutions who are customers of First Data specifically in an effort to steal their account log-in credentials.
First Data is actively working to eliminate the fraudulent websites and apprehend the perpetrators of this phishing attack. We will provide more information about this alert as we receive it.
Phishing attacks use email or malicious websites to solicit personal information by posing as a trustworthy organization. Attackers may send email seemingly from a reputable credit card company or financial institution that requests account information, often suggesting that there is a problem. When users respond with the requested information, attackers can use it to gain access to the accounts.
To avoid becoming a victim of phishing attacks, don't use the links in an email, instant message or chat to get to any web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic or you don't know the sender or user's handle.
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NCUA Email Hoax
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is reporting recently simulated NCUA email boxes. The fraudulent emails solicit credit union member participation in an Online Survey or Member Survey, and promise compensation of $40 as an inducement to respond to the email.
The emails are fraudulent, and may be an attempt to obtain confidential member information. NCUA does not solicit such information from credit union members. This is a phishing activity with no NCUA activity or approval. If you have received these emails please do not respond. If you have any questions or concerns please email NCUA at pacamail@ncua.gov.
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FRAUD "PHISHING" Attempt
Members, credit unions and CU leagues across the country continue to report a high volume of text message and phone phishing attacks against credit union members and nonmembers. Many of the individuals being targeted do not belong to the credit union whose name appears in the text message or phone call. The automated message indicates the individual’s card has been de-activated and to re-activate the card, he/she must enter their 16 digit card number, CVV2/CVC2, card expiration date, and/or PIN. In some cases there was no number attached to the call. Some CU members have fallen prey to the scam and provided their card information, which resulted in subsequent fraud. Automated call says your card has been deactivated
Protect yourself:
1. NEVER respond to a text message or phone call that requests personal or account information
2. Report incidences to the FTC www.ftc.gov and you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov
3. Monitor your accounts (both deposit and credit card) regularly
4. Immediately report any unauthorized transactions
IMPORTANT: If you have released information as a result of receiving one of these calls, please call us immediately so that we may take the necessary measures to protect your account.
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Credit Union Account Frozen - September 3, 2009 ~
Midland CU was notified by a member that an email message was received from 7@T_Mobile.net recently, informing them that their credit union account was frozen. The email instructed them to dial a toll free 888 number. The message is a "phishing" scam. The fraudsters are trying to gain access to your personal account information. Please do not respond to such requests. Midland CU does not send such emails or text messages. If you receive any emails or text messages that you are concerned about, please don't hesitate calling the credit union. If you have responded to an phishing attempt, please call us as soon as possible so that we are able to take measures to protect your accounts. 515-278-1994 or 1-800-747-1994. |
| Text message scam - February 6, 2009 - Members are reporting being hit by a text message scam recently coming from Midland Credit Union or addressed to "Dear Credit Union Member". Please note: These text messages are NOT originated by Midland Credit Union. These texts are instructing members to call a certain number because their account "has been frozen". This is a new form of the latest phishing scams, and the thieves are trying to acquire your credit or debit card number. Please do NOT give any account information over the phone to anyone. We do not call and ask you to disclose your account number to us ever. PIN numbers are your secret information and should not be given to anyone at any time. If you have responded to one of these messages, please call the credit union immediately to assist us in protecting your account |
MasterCard Fraud Attempt
A number of VISA and MasterCard cardholders are reporting telephone scams where fraudsters are portraying themselves as calling from the security department at VISA or MasterCard.
Here is how it works:
The fraudsters state, "I am calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA/MasterCard. My badge number is 12345. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern and I'm calling to verify your transactions. This would be on your VISA/MasterCard issued by (name of financial institution). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?"
When the cardholder indicates no, the fraudster states that they will then issue a credit to the cardholder's account. The fraudster then verifies the cardholder address by giving the address to the cardholder. They also go as far as giving them a case number to refer back to when calling VISA/MasterCard. However, at the end of the call, the fraudster indicates they need to verify the cardholder is in possession of their card and asks for the security code on the back.
Within minutes, charges start to appear from a marketing firm in Arizona.
The calls closely resemble legitimate calls made in true fraud detection efforts. The big difference is that we will never ask for the security code on the back of the card. If you should fall victim to this scam, please call 800-234-5354 to have your card shut down, and report it to your local police department.
- Don't carry Social Security cards with you.
- Don't leave sensitive documents out in the open.
- Avoid sensitive information being left in your mailbox by taking advantage of home banking services such as bill pay and eStatements.
- Never provide or confirm personal information, such as card numbers, PIN numbers or your SSN unless you know who your are dealing with, or you initiated the contact.
- Know your billing cycles. If you have a bill due and haven't seen the statement, call the issuer to investigate.
- You are entitled to one free credit report per year. Use your credit report to check if anything seems suspicious. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to receive your free report. Beware of other organizations offering free credit bureau reports, as most will want to sign you for a monetary membership.
Have you had your identity stolen? Here are some steps to get your life back on track:
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- This will prevent any other accounts from being opened.
- Request a report to see if any charges seem suspicious.
- Close the accounts you think could be affected.
- Contact your Credit Union or other financial institution's fraud department.
- Follow up in writing with copies of any supporting documents.
- If any accounts have been opened, ask your Credit Union or other financial institution for the proper paperwork to dispute them.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- When you file with the FTC, you are providing information to help law enforcement officials track down thieves.
- File a Report with the local police department
- Filing a report, along with a complaint to the FTC, can give you certain protections to ensure your identity can be protected and restored
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See these links listed below to learn out to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
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