Protect Yourself From Fraud!
They received your contact information either by purchasing or acquiring a random list that has no connection to the financial institution. It is the scam artists hope that some of the recipients belong to this financial institution.
Usually the phony message contains a way for you to submit your personal information such as account numbers, card numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) and other sensitive information. The reasons used to request this information are intended to trick you and could be something as simple as "to keep your account current." If you supply this information the scam artists will use it to try to steal your money.
The following information is very important to know in order to avoid being scammed:
- All financial institutions already have your information and would never ask for it.
- Financial institutions will never contact you to verify or confirm your personal information because we already have it.
- People should never reply to a phone call, email, or text message regarding account numbers, Social Security Numbers, compromised cards, or any other personal information.
- Do not open or reply to suspicious emails from unfamiliar sendersÉdelete them immediately.
Fox Communities Credit Union wants our members to be reassured that we have proactive measures in place, which will help prevent losses to our members. We have hired a security firm to help monitor the internet and work to immediately identify and shut down any fraudulent websites. They also aid in shutting down telephone scams.
Please know that a credible financial institution, such as Fox Communities Credit Union, wants to protect our members and investigates all opportunities that will aid in shutting down theses scam artists.
Fraud Alert 10/22/09
An automated telephone scam is currently taking place and the caller states that they are with Fox Communities Credit Union. They mention that your card has been suspended, because it is believed to have been accessed by a third party. It then prompts you to press '1' to be transferred to the security department. When '1' is pressed, the automated voice prompts you to enter your card number to continue.
THIS IS A SCAM. Do not call the telephone number to activate your card or give out any of your information. Fox Communities Credit Union, or any other legitimate financial institution, will never call or email requesting your credit union user name, card numbers, password, PIN, or other personal identity information. If you have received such a request and responded to it, please contact the credit union immediately so we may take appropriate steps to protect your accounts. Thank you.
Fraud Alert 8/07/09
There is a text scam that is not specific to Fox Communities Credit Union as it reads, "Card Services CU Alert: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 920-273-XXXX to REACTIVATE your CARD". Please DO NOT call this number. Fox Communities Credit Union, or any other legitimate financial institution, will never send text messages requesting your credit union user name, password, PIN or other personal identity information. Please contact the credit union immediately so we may take appropriate steps to protect your accounts; click here for our contact us form and phone numbers.
Fraud Alert 4/21/09
An automated telephone scam is currently going on in regards to Fox Communities Credit Union. This automated call states that they are the credit union and that your debit/credit card has been breached. It then tells you to enter your card number to continue.
THIS IS A SCAM. Do not call the telephone number to activate your card or give out any of your information. Fox Communities Credit Union, or any other legitimate financial institution, will never call or email requesting your credit union user name, card numbers, password, PIN, or other personal identity information. If you have received such a request and responded to it, please contact the credit union immediately so we may take appropriate steps to protect your accounts. Thank you.
Oprah Millionaire Contest is a Scam
MADISON, Wis. (4/9/09)
Credit unions should warn their members about a new scam that involves fraudulent e-mails telling recipients they've been nominated for the "Oprah Millionaire Contest Show." Recipients are asked to provide their contact information, including address, telephone phone and e-mail, though no mailing address is provided. Recipients also are told they need to purchase transportation and a ticket to attend the show and complete another contest form with personal questions. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) warns consumers not to open unsolicited e-mails or embedded links because they may contain viruses or malware. Providing personal information also will compromise one's identity, the FBI said in a press release. - © 2008 Credit Union National Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
Resource Links
FRAUD ALERT 11/14/08
There is currently a fraudulent text message circulating that appears to be from Fox Communities Credit Union asking for personal account information. Please delete this text, as it is fraudulent and a "Phishing/Vishing" scam. Fox Communities Credit Union, or any other legitimate financial institution, will never send text messages requesting your credit union user name, password, PIN or other personal identity information. If you have received such a request and responded to it, please contact the credit union immediately so we may take appropriate steps to protect your accounts. Please click here for our contact us form and phone numbers.
FRAUD ALERT 7/22/08
There is an automated telephone scam that is calling out claiming that your Fox Communities Credit Union card has been suspended. THIS IS A SCAM. Do not call the telephone number to re-activate your card or give out any of your information. Fox Communities Credit Union, or any other legitimate financial institution, will never call or email requesting your credit union user name, card numbers, password, PIN, or other personal identity information. If you have received such a request and responded to it, please contact the credit union immediately so we may take appropriate steps to protect your accounts. Thank you.
Protect Yourself from Fraud!
Consumer Advice: How to Avoid Phishing Scams
The number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers is continuing to increase dramatically. While online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. The Anti-Phishing Working Group has compiled a list of recommendations below that you can use to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
• Phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately
• They typically ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.
• Phisher emails are typically NOT personalized, while valid messages from the credit union generally are
Don't use the links in an email to get to any web page, if you suspect the message might not be authentic.
• Instead, call the company on the telephone, or log onto the website directly by typing in the Web address in your browser.
Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
• You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone.
Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your web browser.
• To make sure you're on a secure web server, check the beginning of the web address in your browsers address bar - it should be "https://" rather than just "http://".
Regularly log into your online accounts.
• Don't leave it for as long as a month before you check each account.
Regularly check your statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.
• If anything is suspicious, contact your bank and all card issuers.
Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied.
• In particular, people who use the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser should immediately go to the Microsoft Security home page to download a special patch relating to certain phishing schemes Source: Anti-Phishing Working Group.
