Fraud/Security

Beware of Fraud and Phishing Scams

Increase Fraud Attempts

Recently, financial institutions have seen an increase in fraudulent attempts to access individual’s account and data through phishing scams via text, email and phone. To safeguard your identity and protect your finances, never click on unsolicited links or texts. National JACL Credit Union will NEVER ask you for your password or PIN.  If you are concerned about a message or phone call, please call us at 801-424-5225.  For more information on protecting your account from fraud, click here.

New Scams

We’ve been hearing of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) scams so sophisticated that they can even use AI to mimic your loved one voice. To emphasize the power of AI we asked “Google Bard” to write the following warning. We’re passing it on to our members. It’s pretty good, possibly better written than most humans could write, and the warning is right on!

Beware of AI-powered scams. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create increasingly sophisticated scams that are harder to detect. One type of AI scam involves using voice cloning technology to make it sound like a loved one is calling in distress. The caller may say they are in jail, need bail money, or have been in an accident. If you receive a call from someone who sounds like a loved one, but you are not sure it is them, hang up and call the person using a number you know is theirs.

Other AI scams involve using chatbots to impersonate customer service representatives or government officials. The chatbot may ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number. Do not give out this information to anyone you do not know and trust.

If you think you may have been the victim of an AI scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a complaint online at ftc.gov/complaint.

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid AI scams:

  • Be skeptical of any unsolicited calls or emails.
  • Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, unless you are sure you are dealing with a legitimate organization.
  • If you are unsure about a call or email, hang up and call the organization directly using a number you know is theirs.
  • Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Be aware of the latest scams and how they work.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from AI scams. (Written by Google Bard)

Red lock and circuit board representing fraud protection

Don’t Get Scammed!

Here’s a few tips regarding ongoing scams we’ve seen:

  1. Beware of Phishing – Most of us have received fraudulent e-mails, seen copy-cat websites, or pop-ups to trick us into revealing personal information such as account numbers, credit accounts and social security numbers. DO NOT SUPPLY PERSONAL INFORMATION VIA EMAIL, ON WEBSITES OR ON THE PHONE! A legitimate representative of the Credit Union, for example, will already have this information and will not ask for it over the phone or by e-mail.
  2. Avoid accepting a “cashier” or “certified” check for more than the agreed upon price. Many members have sent the difference to the buyer only to have the check returned as “insufficient funds” or “fraudulent account.” Remember that just because your financial institution accepts your check and gives you a credit, it takes a few days for the check to clear…or to be returned unpaid.
  3. Protect your credit card numbers. Purchase only from reputable online merchants and trusted local businesses. We’ve seen members’ VISA card numbers stolen and used to make fraudulent purchases with it.
  4. Protect you PIN (Personal Identification Number). We’ve had member’s keep their PIN number on a card in their wallet and, even worse, written on the back of the card. A thief can use the PIN and the card to wipe out your account at an ATM or by purchasing merchandise.
  5. Sign your VISA card! It gives you some protection from liability if a thief forges your signature and uses your stolen card.

Report It

If you suspect you have received a phishing e-mail, DON’T respond to it! Simply forward the email. Our contact information is at https://www.jaclcu.com/contact-us/  You can also report it to Homeland Security at phishing-report@us-cert.gov or to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ if you think you have been a victim.

Software Security

Be diligent in protecting your family’s security. Security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection) are useful for those who engage in online financial transactions. Even with this, you have to be careful. Purchase this software from a reputable company after doing your due diligence. (Don’t purchase the protection from a “popup.”)

Let’s Stop the Fraud

By now, most of us have been scammed in some way or another. If so, let us know and we’ll publish your story to warn others. Let’s all work together to put a stop to fraud!