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May 26, 2010 Simple things you can do to keep fraud at a minimum; If you are planning to travel to a foreign country or to place an unusually large expense on your credit card, call your credit union and let them know. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. Do not reply to e-mails, text messages, or phone calls that ask for your card number, or ask you to go to a website and enter your card number. Remember -- when it comes to safely using your debit card, Avista Corp. Credit Union is the best place to go for questions or concerns! Secret Shopper Schemes on the Increase! There's been an increase in employment schemes pertaining to mystery/secret shopper positions, and some are asking for financial account information so the salary can be deposited in their account. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) said fraudsters have learned that many retail and service corporations - including credit unions - hire evaluators to perform secret or random checks on their service or their competitors, and the fraudsters are capitalizing on this. Victims receive e-mail or U.S. mail urging them to apply as a mystery shopper. Applicants are asked to send a resume and are subject to a background check before being hired. The fraudster sends the shoppers a check with instructions to shop at a specific retailer for a specific length of time and spend a specific amount on the store's merchandise. The shopper is to note the environment, color, payment procedures, gift items and shopping/carrier bags, and report back to the employer. The second trip evaluates the ease and accurcy of wiring money from the retail location. The money is included in a check received by the victim shopper. The remaining balance is the employee's pay for the assignment. After the merchandise is purchased and the money wired, the shopper learns the check is counterfeit, and the shopper is responsible for the money lost and fees incurred. In other versions, applicants are requested to provide bank account information to have money directly deposited into their account. This gives the fraudster access to the victim's accounts and money, making the victim an identity theft victim. The e-mails also have a pop-up that cannot be easily closed. The user clicks on the the pop-up to purchase the software and must fill out a form that collects payment information. The user is charged for bogus software. Sometimes malicious codes are installed on the computer. May 26, 2010 Be wary of a new e-mail scam that's making the rounds! The scam recently came to light after many area residents reported receiving e-mails, purportedly from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. The e-mail claims that the financial instutition which the customer has opened an account with, is on a list of banks that are "failing" and that the FDIC is taking control of that institution's assets. The e-mail than instructs the recipient to click on a link that supposedly takes the recipient to the FDIC website, when in reality, the website is actually fake. When the recipient clicks on the fake FDIC website, they are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as account numbers for checking and savings accounts, and other personal information. Authorities report that the entire e-mail is completely bogus -- nothing more than a "phishing" scam -- one where criminals attempt to collect personal information from people that can be used to drain bank accounts without the owner's knowledge. Hints to Keep Your Money Safe!
March 20, 2009 Don't type your PIN at the pump! Thieves can attach a device and retrieve your PIN; use a credit card instead of debit. If you do use your debit card, run it as a credit card to avoid entering your PIN. February 18, 2009 It has just been brought to our attention that there is a Texting Scam that is targeting credit union members, and we want to inform you so you don't become a victim. One Avista Corp Credit Union member and Global Credit Union members have reported receiving a text message that their account has been restricted and directs them to call a phone number that they don't recognize in order to restore their bank account. Once they dial the phone number, they are prompted to enter personal and financial account information. The text message reads: "Dear Credit Union Customer, we regret to inform you that we had to lock your bank account access." The message then prompts you to call another phone number where you are asked to enter your personal financial information. This is a fraud. Remember that Avista Corp Credit Union will never initiate a call, text, or email for this information as we already have it on file.If you receive such a text please contact the credit union immediately. If you have any questions about this scam or on ways to protect yourself from fraud, please contact us at (509) 495-2279 or cheri.kelley@avistacorp.com. We're dedicated to help you stay safe and protect your financial resources. Tips to Safeguard Yourself Against Identity Fraud! Most consumers are overwhelmed and unsure of what steps can be taken to protect against identity theft. Here are the six most effective tips:
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