Member Alert
Beware Phone Fraud Scam
It has come to our attention that some of our members have recently experienced "Caller ID Spoofing." This is a fraudulent practice where a caller deliberately falsifies the telephone number transmitted to your caller ID to disguise his/her identity and is most often used as part of an attempt to trick the person being called into giving away valuable information regarding ATM, debit and credit cards as well as personal information. Information regarding ATM, debit and credit cards may include pin numbers, the three or four digit code and full card/account number. Personal information may include social security number, addresses, date of birth, etc.
Please be aware that NO ONE from MEFCU or any reputable financial institution would ever call and ask for your personal information over the phone!
If you suspect fraud:
- Don't give out any personal information and block your card immediately
- Check your account for suspicious activity and report it to the credit union as soon as possible
- After hours numbers to report lost/stolen cards (ATM, Debit and Credit) are listed on our website
As always, your financial safety is our number one concern.
For more information, call 954-265-5862.
Protect yourself from Phishing & Smishing Scams
Phishing attacks have become more sophisticated and are designed to steal money. Cybercriminals can do this by installing malicious software on your computer, stealing personal information off your computer, or by just simply asking you for your personal information. Cybercriminals create false pretenses that may make you feel like you need to provide personal information. They might email you, call you on the phone, text message you or have you download something off a website.
For example, a recent scam sends you a third-party check asking you to cash it and then allowing you to keep part of the proceeds. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Phishing communications typically contain:
- Misspellings and bad grammar
- Links to malicious websites
- Threats
- Spoofing of popular websites, such as facebook, banks, etc.
Tips to protect yourself from fraud:
- Only send money to people you personally know and trust, not to someone you met online
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Never send money to pay for taxes or fees on lottery or prize winnings
- Never provide your bank or credit union account information.
- Never send money in advance to obtain a loan or credit card.
- Verify every emergency situation before sending money.
- Never send funds from a check that you deposited into your account until it officially clears (which can take weeks).
Always report suspicious activity... if you receive emails that are part of a phishing scam or even seem suspicious you should report them. You can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov
What is Smishing?
If you have received a text from the Credit Union... it is FRAUDULENT! DO NOT RESPOND to it or click on any links that may be within it.
Smishing is the mobile phone counterpart to phishing. Instead of being directed by e-mail to a Web site, a text message is sent to the user's cell phone with some ploy to click on a link or call a number. The link causes a Trojan Virus to be installed in the phone. The number will ask you for your account information and then take your information.
REMEMBER...Memorial Employees FCU will not solicit personal or account information via email, text or telephone. Do not respond to any text message in any way, and always delete the message. If you have any questions, regarding a questionable message, do not hesitate to contact us or stop by one of our branches.