Romance Scam Alert
Scammers adopt a fake online identity and gain your affection and trust. They then manipulate you into believing that you have a romantic or close relationship with them. They make plans to meet in person, but it never happens because they often claim to be working outside the country. They ask for money for emergencies or trick you into providing your sensitive information.
Be on guard. Scammers may use details about you shared on social media or dating sites before targeting you. Watch what you share on your social profiles. Also, a reverse image search of the person’s photo may reveal whether your lover is real or fake. DO NOT send money, gift, or gift cards to your fake lover you haven’t met in person.
Copyright 2023 ftc.gov, official website of the National Credit Union Administration. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.
Mortgage Post Card Scam Alert
Members have reported receiving a postcard regarding their mortgage loan. The postcard states, “IMMEDIATE RESPONSE NEEDED” and includes a phone number to call. This is a scam, and please DO NOT call the number on the postcard.
Fairmont Federal Credit Union takes pride in keeping your information private and would never send you a postcard with personal information regarding your account. All communication regarding your account(s) would be mailed in a sealed envelope, sent in a secure email, or by direct phone call to the number listed on your account. If you receive suspicious materials, always feel free to contact us directly before taking any action. You can also report scams and fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Please notify us immediately if you have fallen victim to these scammers or fraudsters. You may also contact the credit bureaus to place a temporary freeze on your credit report: Equifax:1-800-685-1111; equifax.com. Experian: 1-888-397-3742; experian.com. TransUnion: 1-800-888-4213; transunion.com. For information regarding obtaining a free credit report.
Copyright 2023 Fairmont Federal Credit Union
Beware of the Pending Package Scam
Everyone loves a surprise package, and scammers are taking the excitement out of that experience by using bogus packages as a cover for a nefarious scam that tricks victims into sharing personal information.
Here’s all you need to know about the pending package scam:
How the scam plays out
In the pending package scam, the victim receives a text message from a contact who is an alleged mail carrier or represents a package-delivery service. The contact tells them that they were unable to deliver a package to the victim’s home. The victim is asked to reply to confirm their identity; however, as soon as they engage with the scammer, they are asked to share personal information or credit card details for scheduling delivery. This, of course, places the victim at risk for identity theft.
Red flags
There are two primary red flags that can warn you about the pending package scam.
First, the original text or email will generally not inform the victim of the identity of the company they represent. The scammer will only claim to be an employee of a mail or package-delivery service, but will not verify if they work for UPS, FedEx or another legitimate organization.
Second, the scammers don’t always check if the victim actually has a package in transit. They’ll either assume the victim has recently ordered something online or they’ll claim a friend or family member has sent a surprise gift. If you know that neither of these is true, you can be on the alert for a possible scam.
Don’t get scammed!
Take these precautions to avoid being the next victim of a pending package scam:
- Be wary of unsolicited communications. Your mail carrier and package delivery services will never contact you via text message. If a package cannot be delivered for any reason, they will usually leave a note on the door.
- Track all incoming packages. After placing an order for an item, record the tracking number for the package so you can easily verify its whereabouts. This way, you can quickly confirm the authenticity of any suspicious texts, emails or phone calls about your package.
- Never share personal information with an unverified contact. Be super-wary when asked to share sensitive information via text. If you suspect fraud, end the conversation immediately and do not engage further.
- Never click on links in unsolicited text messages. Links in text messages can download malware onto your computer or device.
If you’ve been targeted
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a pending package scam, it’s important not to engage with the scammer. Delete any suspicious text messages and block the number of the contact. You can also report the scam at FTC.gov .
Government Relief Checks Trigger Latest Coronavirus Scam
The federal economic impact package announced this week includes sending every American a check to offset lost income from the coronavirus crisis. Scammers wasted no time in taking advantage of this news! BBB has reports on BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker) about government imposters calling about the checks. Watch out for these phony government grants that ask for personal and banking information.
Copyright 2020 Better Business Bureau. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.
The Bottom Line On Fake Check Scams
If someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, that’s a scam.
Copyright 2020 ftc.gov, official website of the National Credit Union Administration. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.
Common Check Scams
Fraudsters increasingly use e-mail to contact victims and the most common check scam is the "Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud." You are told you will be sent a check for an additional sum and you are asked to wire back the excess money. Scammers purport to be from other countries and claim you can collect on a sweepstakes or pay you to work at home. The realistic-looking checks or money orders are counterfeit, but victims are responsible for any unpaid item presented for collection.
Tips for our members:
- Do not accept checks or money orders for an amount greater than the selling price.
- Do not send refunds or deliver goods in the time it takes cashiers' checks or money order to clear.
- Be skeptical of anyone asking you to wire money to overseas bank accounts or to cash money orders or checks on their behalf.
- Know who you are dealing with--never give out personal or financial information to anyone you do not know.
