New Recruitment Scam Using Craigslist Targets Credit Unions

January, 2010—Advertisements have been posted on Craigslist as part of member recruitment scams nationwide. The ads solicit current credit union members and offer $75.00 or more for their assistance with qualifying a new member.  This scam is targeting credit unions and members across the country.

NCUA Alerts CUs about Fedwire Scam

Jan. 28, 2009—NCUA issued an alert yesterday warning credit unions of an e-mail scam that claims the Federal Reserve Fedwire system has been compromised by a phishing attack, but the e-mails are really attempts to load malicious software onto users’ computers.

The alert says the e-mail scam falsely tells users that banks and credit unions have been affected by a phishing attack against the Fedwire system, which has resulted in high levels of illegal wire transfers. Consumers are then directed to click on a link for additional information; however, the link opens Web pages with the malicious software.

FDIC also warned financial institutions about this scheme on Jan. 15 and maintained that Fedwire operations are not restricted and are operating as normal.
           
Regarding this scam, NCUA listed the following precautions:

• If a link in the fradulent e-mail is clicked, the computer should be scanned with updated anti-virus software. If malicious code is detected, a computer security specialist should be consulted.
• Do not follow Web links in unsolicited e-mails that appear to be from banking agencies.
• Use anti-virus software and ensure the virus signatures are automatically updated.

Be alert to different types of fraudulent e-mails.

Beware!  New Phishing Text Message Scam!

Dec. 17, 2008—We have received calls from a few of our members reporting a text message that they received. The fraudulent text states that the members’ credit union funds are frozen.

The text instructed members to call 410-910-0787 to activate their account.  When the number is called, it is answered by a mechanical system.  Members are being asked to enter card number, expiration date, and personal identification number (pin).

Please Note:  Money One FCU will never ask you to verify account information via a text message. This is an attempt to collect your account information. 

If you responded to this scam and provided any confidential account information, please notify us at 301-925-4600 or info@moneyonefcu.org.  We will assist you in changing any information to protect your account.

Unauthorized Use of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Name

July 23, 2008 – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has issued warnings about financial scams being undertaken through the unauthorized use of FinCEN’s name.

Some of the scams involve persons representing themselves as FinCEN officials seeking confidential information. The requests may be presented in letters bearing the FinCEN seal or an e-mail represented as official correspondence. “These scams often involve the enticement of a phony inheritance of sum of money and claim that FinCEN is holding or blocking the transfer of funds,” the agency said.

FinCEN advises anyone receiving such letters or e-mails to refrain from sending funds or information. Anyone who suspects a request or thinks they have been victimized should report the information to local, state or federal law enforcement, it said.

FinCEN doesn’t send unsolicited requests and doesn’t ask for personal or financial information from members of the public, though it may freeze or block the transfer of assets. The fraudulent messages may seem to come from an overseas office as well, but FinCEN notes it has no offices outside the United States.

NCUA Phishing Scam Alert! Please Beware!

This is a fraudulent e-mail message being sent to members purporting to be from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). It directs recipients to click on a link to verify their credit union account number, PIN and other personal information. Please Note: Money One or NCUA will never ask you to provide account information via email.

Please notify us at 301-925-4600 or info@moneyonefcu.org if you responded to this scam and provided any confidential account information. Money One will assist you in changing your account, PIN, or any other action necessary to protect your account.

New Twist on "How" the Phishers Continue to Phish Credit Union Members!

Phishers seek every opportunity to find individuals who are willing to provide information for the criminals to tap into a financial gain. Once you provide your personal and/or financial information, the fraudsters are off and running to create financial losses to you and your credit union.

The phishers continue to change their phony e-mails by including false fraud protection techniques as a new twist to convince you the e-mail is from your credit union with the added educational information. Because of everyone's fraud awareness, the phishers lure you to "take action" and provide the information by using an "online banking" log-in which will re-direct this site to the fraudster.

The "take action" the phishers are asking you to perform is:

• deactivate your card(s) temporarily to guard against fraud
• activate your card(s) by having you log on to an "online banking system" where the phishers are able to obtain member's card information

The phishers convince you there is no need to contact your credit union to validate the email or telephone request involving the deactivation and activation process. It's critical that you are aware of the new twists in the phishing fraud arena and that you should confirm any changes with your credit union.

Be Educated on "Phishing"

• Never click on any links provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent.
• Do not open an attachment to an unsolicited e-mail unless you have verified the source.
• Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggest dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify information.
• If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company's website by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of a link provided in the e-mail.
• Use the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) website, www.onguardonline.gov. Consumers can take interactive quizzes designed to enlighten them about identity theft, phishing, spam and online-shopping scams. Elsewhere on the site, consumers can find detailed guidance on how to monitor their credit histories, use effective passwords and recover from identity theft.

Remember, Money One FCU will never ask you to provide account information via email.