It seems like every week there is a new scam or at least a resurgence of past scams. CUA is committed to sharing information so you are well informed and can avoid falling victim. Here’s what we’re seeing as of mid-February 2021.

Who’s Calling You?

Fraudsters are back to spoofing phone numbers. You know, when you get a call and the caller ID shows a company you know and trust, like CUA. But when you answer they ask for information like debit/credit card numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN), social security number, passwords, online banking passwords, and even account numbers! CUA, or any reputable financial institution, will never ask for this information via telephone, text, nor email. Sometimes they tell you they need information on your online banking so they can transfer money to you. Do not fall for any of this. They are very smooth and convincing. You may think it’s CUA or another institution trying to help you out with something. Again, do not fall for it. If ANYTHING sounds suspicious or just doesn’t feel right, hang up and then call the company that they said they were from. If they say they are from CUA, call us with a telephone number you know is ours. (316.265.3272 or 800.256.8049). Call and confirm. We will know if we are trying to reach you. We would much rather take your call questioning something, than take the call after you’ve given out the information. Once you give it out it’s usually only a few minutes before they start using the information to steal your money. And you know what? Even if they didn’t ask for personal information and you call us, and we really were calling you, we’re ok with that. We just want you and your money to be safe!

We’ve also had this type of scammer say that they’re calling for verification as the member’s debit card and username for online banking were compromised. Never give out that information. They can get into your online account, transfer money, open other accounts, change passwords, etc. CUA only asks for verification information if YOU call CUA, so we can identify you over the phone.

Merchant Scams

Fraudsters even go after mega-merchants, and spoof companies like Apple, Amazon, PayPal, eBay, etc.

The scammer calls to alert you that a fraud charge has occurred, and they need to process a credit/reimbursement to your account. They instruct you to download an app on your phone and then go to a webpage on a desktop computer. This allows the scammer to proxy onto your computer and watch as you click around the screen. The conversation usually ends with the fraudster asking you to login to your online banking so they can “process the credit”. Unfortunately, there is no credit and they now have access to your accounts and funds.

Contact CUA

If you have a suspicious call or wonder whether you’ve given out too much information, call CUA as soon as possible. If it is after-hours, change your password(s) immediately. We have very secure systems to protect your money but if your keys (password, account number, etc.) are given out, we won’t know it’s not you when they use the information, and it will be hard to protect your account.

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