We have recently been made aware of a new scam that is going around the area. Fraudsters identify themselves as working for a business, such as Accentra Credit Union, and ask for personal information like your online banking or debit card details. They have also sent text messages that claim to be from the bank, asking for personal information.
THESE ARE SCAMS, DELETE THE TEXT AND HANG UP ON THE FRAUDSTER. BANKS DON’T CALL YOU AND ASK FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION.
If you received one of these calls or texts, and provided any information to the fraudster, please contact us immediately at 1-800-533-0448. Other local organizations have reported similar scams affecting their customers. Always be careful when asked to share sensitive personal information.
What We Do
At Accentra Credit Union, we take fraud seriously. As a result, our system reviews all ATM, debit, and credit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity, 247/7, 365.
Please follow these precautions:?
Hang Up and Call Back: If you're uncertain about the legitimacy of the call, hang up immediately. Call 1-800-533-0448 or the number on back of your credit/debit card. Do not use the number the caller provides, as it might be part of the scam.
Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate financial institutions will not ask for sensitive information like account numbers, PINs, or passwords over the phone. Avoid sharing such information unless you are certain about the identity of the caller.
Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing information quickly. If the caller insists on immediate action, be cautious.
Thank you for helping us keep your financial information safe!
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What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is like someone swiping personal information such as your Social Security number or bank details, and then using it to conduct fraudulent activities in your name, like opening bogus accounts or making transactions without your knowledge.
These scammers have an extensive bag of tricks, online and offline. They might grab your wallet, hack into your emails, or even go dumpster diving for any nuggets of personal info they can find.
Overall, identity theft is a real headache that can negatively affect your finances and reputation.
What are the signs of Identity Theft and Fraud?
It is imperative to protect your personal information at all times and understand what to look for when it comes to identity thieves and fraud. Here are a few signs of identity theft:
Spotting unfamiliar accounts on your credit report that you didn't open.
Missing bills or statements in the mail that you were expecting.
Unexpectedly getting credit cards or bills for accounts you never even applied for.
Facing credit rejections or getting less-than-great terms without any valid explanation.
Receiving calls from debt collectors about stuff you never bought or services you never used.
Fraud occurs when your account is used for unauthorized transactions, most commonly when the account number or card has been stolen. Here are a few common signs of fraud:
Not getting a bill or statement in the mail when you were expecting one.
Spotting unexpected charges on your account.
Seeing charges from vendors you don't recognize on your account.
Noticing checks posted to your account that seem way out of order.
Spoof Websites and Phishing
Fraudulent emails are a common tool used by internet scammers to trick you into revealing your confidential information. They might use deceptive tactics like fake pop-ups or email links to lure you into sharing sensitive details, like your bank account or Social Security numbers.
These emails often look like they're coming from a trusted source, such as your bank. They'll direct you to a fake website (a "spoof" website) that asks for your sensitive information or even prompts you to call a phone number and provide account details. But beware—it's all a scam, and the website is a fake.
Malware
Malware is an abbreviated term for “malicious software,” which includes viruses, spyware, and Trojans that are designed to hack or harm a computer system.
Malware is most commonly used to obtain personal information and ultimately commit fraud. Minimize your risk of malware by doing the following:
Stay away from downloads on file sharing and social networking platforms, as they often serve as breeding grounds for malware.
Refrain from opening email attachments or installing free software from sources you're not familiar with.
Don't fall for pop-up ads requesting personal or financial information—just shut them down.
Keep your security and system software up to date, and shield your computer from potential malware threats.
Protect Yourself
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