***Important Fraud Alert***

 

Fake Fraud Services Phone Calls

A phone scam is being reported nationally and locally, targeting consumers debit card information. If the scammers are successful at getting you to divulge certain information, they can use it to make large withdrawals from your accounts.

 

How the Scam Works

Typically, you get a phone call with the fraudster pretending to be with your bank or credit union’s fraud department. The caller is likely using a spoofed phone number so the incoming number looks legitimate. The caller explains that possible fraudulent activity occurred on your card, and they provide you with fake transaction details so you believe your card was compromised. Under the guise of verifying your identity and helping you get a new card, the scammer will attempt to gain card, personal and other banking information from you.

 

Major Red Flags

It’s not always easy to identify a phone call as a scam from the start.  Many successful scammers use tools to appear legitimate. But when it comes time to gain the information that they need from you, there are some common major warning signs.

 

When to Hang UP

  • The caller asks for your PIN.
  • NEVER provide your PIN to ANYONE—verbally or with your phone keypad.
  • The caller asks you to provide your card number and/or account number.
  • The caller asks you the CVV number on your card.
  • The caller asks you to provide your online banking ID or password.

 

Answer Incoming Calls with Caution

Even if you think you will never fall for a scam, always be cautious with information that you provide to an incoming caller. One simple step you can take to protect yourself is to hang up and call the financial institution back at a number you know and trust—such as the phone number provided on the back of your debit or credit card or the one listed on their website. Do not redial from the incoming call or use any other number provided by the caller.

 

How our Fraud Services Team may contact you

  • A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. A valid notification will provide information about the suspect transaction and ask the cardholder to reply to the text message with answers such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘help’, or ‘stop’. It will never include a link.
  • A text alert from us will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number. Our text caller IDs will be 20733 or 37268.
  • A phone call from our institution’s automated dialer will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly.
  • We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly. Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the card’s PIN to put it on the new card.
  • Regularly check your account online to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially If you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly for assistance.

 

Contact us- 860.627.4200

If you have any questions about this information, we encourage you to speak with a 360FCU representative to learn more. If you suspect that you may have given information to a possible scammer, it is important to contact us IMMEDIATELY so we can take measures to help you protect your information and account.