SCAM ALERT
July 16, 2008
There is an email scam (phishing) attacking another local credit union, which is affecting our members also. This scam attempts to gain access to member’s credit card information. This scams appears to be targeted through email, alerting you with,
"We had problems validating your ATM PIN on your credit card".
PHONE (Automated Voice) SCAM from July 15, 2008 continues through July 16, 2008. An automated voice is calling members and asking them to ENTER their credit card numbers for validation through phone, or is asking members to call them to verify their credit card information.
Please Note *** MACU WILL NOT ask to validate your credit card number through phone for both you and MACU's SECURITY purpose.
Cell Phone Text Messaging SCAM
Like the EMAIL SCAM phishing, members may receive text messaging regarding their account or credit card information. Please do not reply to the text messaging, ignore or delete it.
Member’s Advantage Credit Union would never ask our members to provide your credit card information, account information, or personal information via an email.
**If Member’s Advantage Credit Union did ask for your secure information, its page will "ALWAYS" have an 's' after "http" on the address bar.**
Please remember; never give your personal information over the phone, email or text unless you are absolutely certain you are dealing with an authorized representative. Please contact us directly at (715) 421-1610 with any questions or concerns and monitor your account closely for unauthorized activity.
Quoted from article in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune July 16, 2008
Wood County Investigator Sgt. Dean Berres said the e-mail scam was traced back to Romania, the same country where two of the victims claim their money went.
"This is some nasty stuff, especially when it's coming through the phone," Berres said. "I haven't seen the wave like this coming through phone lines."
The federal Internet Crime Complaint Center issued a warning in January that said phone attacks were on the rise at an alarming rate. The center said most of these hoaxes use the same ruse.
While the chance for police to recover the lost money is minimal, Berres said victims should contact authorities because a police report will help them file claims for reimbursement. People also should check their credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com and consider putting fraud alert on their account.
