Smarter than the Scammers

 in Home Page / News by
Woman buying online using her credit card

In addition to dealing with the pandemic, we must continue to be mindful of avoiding new variations of many of the old scams.

Here’s a few tips:

  1. Beware of Phishing – Most of us have received fraudulent emails, 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.
  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.gove or to the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.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!