Common Scams
Here is a list of some of the most common scams that get reported to the authorities every day. Individuals fall for these ploys, which cause a compromise of their personal information, or worse yet, a loss of their funds.
*Beware of anyone who asks you to send them gift cards! These are often associated with scams.*
Gift Card Scams - These scammers will typically send an email or text claiming they have over-refunded you and instruct you to purchase gift cards to return the overage. For example, they meant to give you $300 but gave $3,000 instead, so the scammer instructs you to purchase gift cards worth $2,700.
Remote Access Scams - Scammers will request access to your computer or phone and will often ask you to download an app to do so. These scams may also involve a fraudulent email that provides a link, phone number, etc. that will allow the scammer remote access to your device. Never click on an unfamiliar link or call an unverifiable number.
Spoofing as your credit union - Scammers may attempt to gain information by calling, emailing, and/or texting as SCU to get your banking information. If you have any doubts regarding whom you are speaking with, please reach out to SCU directly.
IRS Scam - Callers claim to be IRS employees, using fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They tend to know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfer. Victims may be threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. Victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. The IRS never calls individuals about taxes or funds owed.
Computer Compromised - Fake pop-ups, like the “ransomware detected” pop-up, tell users that there is a security threat or technical problem with their computer. They instruct users to call a telephone number specified on the pop-up to pay for technical support to resolve this threat. Payment is usually requested in the form of gift cards. The payment sent typically never leads to correcting the computer problem and or it leads to someone else asking for access to your computer where they then gain access to online banking and compromise your personal bank accounts.
Romance Scam – Usually someone claiming to be in the military or someone from a wealthy family is reaching out via social media to meet someone to marry. They tend to build a relationship over a couple of years. Once they have a connection they begin asking or are needing assistance to move funds to America to pay for a sick child or help pay for the upcoming move. They typically promise to send the funds but need assistance with one setting up an account and two paying for fees related to the wires/transfer of the funds. A promise for a portion of the funds is also stated, but no funds are ever received.
Social Security Number Scam - One common tactic involves fake Social Security Administration (SSA) employees calling people with warnings that their Social Security numbers have been linked to criminal activity and suspended. The scammers ask you to confirm your number so they can reactivate it or claim they can issue you a new one, for a fee. Payment request typically come in the request of gift cards. Social Security Administration will never call individuals to communicate information regarding they number or benefits.
Work from Home/Mystery Shopper Scam - Someone will contact you saying that you can earn hundreds of dollars a day doing nothing more than shopping online or working from home. However, to get started, you will need to pay, upfront, for your "training" materials. Payment for these materials is in the form a gift card. After payment the materials never show up.
Be careful - always. We thank you for being a State Credit Union Member!
