What members and first responders are currently reporting:
SnapCheck Fraud – it’s an old scheme of having someone you don’t know well talk you into doing them a favor by depositing a check for them. They may even suggest they are doing you a favor. They'll send you money to help with an emergency you’ve mentioned, like a bill or auto/home repairs. Most often, the scammer asks for your online banking information so they can deposit their check straight to your account. It is never wise to share your login and account information with someone who doesn't own the account. Especially those you might only know from online or phone conversations. The scammer deposits their check, which will prove to be fraudulent. With the information given to them, they drain the account. Not only can you lose the funds that were in the account, but when their check bounces, you’re then responsible for those funds. And if they send you a check, we suggest contacting the credit union to verify it before depositing.
U.S. Mail Fraud – we’ve been notified by the Wichita Police Department that there is an increase in checks being stolen from mailboxes in the Wichita-Metro area. And not just from residential mailboxes, but also from the blue post office drop boxes. Once checks are stolen, the payee and amounts are altered and then presented at a financial institution for cash. Please take it to the post office if you need to mail a check. And if you’re paying bills, why not use CUA’s online bill pay service? It’s free and secure!
New Job Scams – are continuing to prove popular. Individuals apply for a new job online, and their new "employer" sends an advance on their pay. They ask that the new employee use the funds to purchase equipment for their new job. The list to buy usually includes gift cards to send back to the employer for "software." The catch is the check sent to them for the advance is not good. When the employee finds out the check is fraudulent, they’ve already spent the money and mailed the gift cards. The employee/victim bears the burden of the fraudulent check when their financial institution removes the originally deposited funds and overdraws their account.
Debit Card Fraud – debit cards are being stolen more often. If your CUA card is stolen, we can block the card if you call us immediately during business hours. You can block it online, 24/7, in online banking, or contact the 24-hour Visa number. When the card owner has their identification number (PIN) written on the card, the crook has immediate access to your funds. They can withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases before you block the card. They can even deposit fraudulent checks followed by withdrawing those funds as well. Do not keep your PIN or any other identifiable information with/on your card.
Sweetheart and Microsoft Scams – continue to be popular. New sweethearts that are long-distance, online-only, etc., convince their targets to send them money for an emergency. Once the money is gone, so is the sweetheart. Microsoft and sweetheart scammers also try to convince their target to share online banking details or information to log in to your computer. Anyone asking for usernames, passwords, or financial institutions should throw a big red flag. Don’t share your information.
What’s Next?
What if you have a weak moment, or the scammer makes a convincing case for you to share information or deposit their items? You should contact your financial institutions immediately, by phone or in person. We will guide you through steps to take to protect your account further. Be sure to change any passwords that were given. Contact your local police department to report the incident. Some of these scammers are particularly good at their storytelling, so don’t be embarrassed to report the issue. Unfortunately, your financial institutions and the police department have seen these scams before. The best way to protect yourself and your money is to know who you’re dealing with and never give out your personal information (financial institution, account number, username, password, PINs, etc.). If the story is convincing, discuss it with a trusted friend or family member. And, of course, feel free to contact CUA before acting on the impulse to share or transact business with that individual. Unfortunately, fraudulent transactions can also come from family and friends. Just be cautious. If your gut says something might be wrong, trust yourself. Check it out. Take the extra step to verify. You'll be happy you did when your money remains in your account.
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