If you've ever received an email that seemed "odd", out of place, or too good to be true, it likely was, and was developed by a criminal seeking your personal information in an attempt to steal your money or your identity.
Maybe you've received a phone call from someone identifying themselves as your financial institution, asking for your account number or social security number. Or, from someone claiming to be a computer repair company who "noticed" something on your computer that they need to fix urgently.
These, and so many others, are examples of cybercrime. Learn more about how to protect yourself from these types of scams.
Some companies offering debt settlement programs may not deliver on their promises, like their “guarantees” to settle all your credit card debts for 30 to 60 percent of the amount you owe. Other companies may try to collect their fees from you before they settle any of your debts. The Federal Trade Commission’s Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibits companies that sell debt settlement and other debt relief services on the phone from charging a fee before they settle or reduce your debt. Some companies may not explain the risks associated with their programs, including that many (or most) of their clients drop out without settling their debts, that their clients’ credit reports may suffer, or that debt collectors may continue to call them.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from these types of scams.
Scammers sometimes pretend to be government officials to get you to send them money. They might promise lottery winnings if you pay “taxes” or other fees, or they might threaten you with arrest or a lawsuit if you don’t pay a supposed debt. Regardless of their tactics, their goal is the same: to get you to send them money.
Don’t do it. Federal government agencies and federal employees don’t ask people to send money for prizes or unpaid loans, nor are they permitted to ask you to wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay for anything.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from these types of scams here.
Investment fraud comes in many forms. Whether you are a first-time investor or have been investing for many years, click here for some basic facts you should know about different types of fraud.
Phishing is when Internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive information through insecure channels.
Some tips to stay safe:
- Don’t select links in e-mails that ask for personal information.
- Never open unexpected attachments.
- Delete suspicious messages, even if you know the source.
Phishing via SMS, or SMishing, uses cell phone text messages or SMS (Short Message Service) to trick you into providing personal and financial information. SMishers may use URLs or an automated voice response system to try and collect your information.
Tip: In some instances, criminals have used malicious software in their text messages solicitations. To prevent further security issues, completely remove unsolicited text messages from your phone. This may take two steps: deleting the text and then completely removing it from your device.
Once a cybercriminal has your name and Social Security number, he or she can file a tax return in your name by making up financial information that generates a large refund. Since the IRS doesn’t require W-2 forms when you file electronically, cyber criminals can commit electronic tax-refund fraud easier than paper tax fraud, especially since electronic tax-refund fraud is straightforward and hard to detect.
Tip: Be extremely protective of your personal information, and only share it with trusted sources, especially when using the Internet. Often, tax fraudsters will obtain your information through e-mail phishing, social engineering tactics, the black market, and other sources.
Phishing by voice, or vishing, exploits a general trust in landline telephone services. The victim is often unaware that voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows for caller ID spoofing, thus providing anonymity for the criminal caller. Rather than providing any information to the caller, the consumer should verify the call by contacting the financial institution or credit card company directly, being sure to use the institution’s accurate contact information (i.e., do not use contact information the caller provides).
As a reminder: First Northern Credit Union will NEVER call or text you and ask you to provide your PIN, CVV (3-digit code on the back of your card), one-time-passcode, full credit or debit account number, or online banking credentials/password. If you receive a call or text from someone identifying themselves as First Northern Credit Union, do not provide this information.
If you receive a suspicious call or text, or if you have inadvertently provided this information, contact us immediately at 888.328.8677. We welcome and encourage these types of calls so we can help protect you and your accounts right away. If there is any question or concern, always reach out!
Common Scams
How To Protect Yourself
Fraudsters love to target online banking credentials and credit card information. These calls, emails, or text messages will appear to come from First Northern Credit Union, but may be a spoofed identity.
Please note: First Northern Credit Union will NEVER call or text you and ask you to provide your PIN, CVV (3-digit code on the back of your card), one-time-passcode, full credit or debit card number, or online banking credentials/password.
If you have opted in, we WILL contact you via phone, email, or text message to verify transactions that we flag as suspicious. However, when verifying your transaction activity, we will only ask you to reply Yes or No if you have recently conducted those transactions. We will NEVER ask for a PIN or other personal information to verify your transaction activity.
If you receive a call, email, or text message from someone posing as First Northern Credit Union, delete the communication and/or hang up immediately and contact us to secure your accounts.
Scams are often hard to detect at a quick glance; however, these common red flags can help. Keep in mind…it is not uncommon for fraudsters to use intimidation tactics and urgent requests.
- Don’t always trust the name - criminals will spoof the email name to appear to be a legitimate sender
- Check for misspelled words, bad grammar, and/or typos within the content
- Be cautious of clicking links and opening attachments – Don’t click unless you are confident of the sender or are expecting the attachment
- Do not provide personal or account information when asked. Openly sharing information on social media can provide the necessary information to impersonate you or answer some challenge questions.
- Do not share a one-time passcode sent via text or email to your device(s)
- Check email salutations - many legitimate businesses will use a personal salutation
- Be suspicious of “urgent” or “immediate” response needed or “unauthorized login attempt” of your account
- Know the IRS or Social Security Administration will not contact you by phone, email, text or social media
- Don’t believe everything you see. Brand logos, names and addresses may appear legitimate
- Be suspicious of random or unusual groups of people (e.g., all last names begin with same letter) on the to/recipient list
- Watch for emails or texts that appear to be a reply to a message that you didn’t actually send
- Monitor the sender’s email address for suspicious URLs & domains – using similar letters and numbers
- If something seems suspicious; contact that source with a new email or phone call, rather than just responding or replying directly to the email, text, or call
- Be wary of offers that appear too good to be true, require fast action, or instill a sense of fear
- Keep social media accounts private and be cautious who you’re connecting with
- Never share anything related to your credit union account, transactional history, or identifying information in an unprotected public forum
Security & Fraud Prevention Tips