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We will post current scams and fraud alerts as we receive them. Check here often and as always, feel free to contact County-City Credit Union with any questions.
CUSECURE is another fraud prevention resource for you.
Click here: www.cusecure.org
CLAIMS OF BEING STRANDED SWINDLE CONSUMERS OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS
07/01/10—The IC3 continues to receive reports of individuals' e-mail or social networking accounts being compromised and used in a social engineering scam to swindle consumers out of thousands of dollars. Portraying to be the victim, the hacker uses the victim's account to send a notice to their contacts. The notice claims the victim is in immediate need of money due to being robbed of their credit cards, passport, money, and cell phone; leaving them stranded in London or some other location. Some claim they only have a few days to pay their hotel bill and promise to reimburse upon their return home. A sense of urgency to help their friend/contact may cause the recipient to fail to validate the claim, increasing the likelihood of them falling for this scam.
If you receive a similar notice and are not sure it is a scam, you should always verify the information before sending any money.
If you have been a victim of this type of scam or any other Cyber crime, you can report it to the IC3 website at www.IC3.gov. The IC3 complaint database links complaints for potential referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for case consideration. Complaint information is also used to identity emerging trends and patterns.
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June 21, 2010 |
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FBI: The latest phone scam targets your bank account |
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Please forward to whomever else at your credit union has security responsibilities.
If you have a problem forwarding this email, copy and paste it into a new email instead of just forwarding it.
Contact Marge Ramstack at mramstack@theleague.coop or (800) 242-0833, if you have any difficulty reading or accessing documents.
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Imagine getting hundreds or thousands of calls on your home, business, or cell phone, tying up the lines. And when you answer, you hear anything from dead air to recorded messages, advertisements, or even phone sex menus.
Its annoying, no doubt. But it could be more than thatit could be a sign that youre being victimized by the latest scam making the rounds. This telephone denial-of-service attack could be the precursor to a crime targeting your bank accounts.
Denial-of-service attacks, by themselves, are nothing newcomputer hackers use them to take down websites by flooding them with large amounts of traffic.
In a recent twist, criminals have transferred this activity to telephones, using automated dialing programs and multiple accounts to overwhelm the phone lines of unsuspecting citizens.
Why are they doing it? Turns out the calls are simply a diversionary tactic: while the lines are tied up, the criminalsmasquerading as the victims themselvesare raiding the victims bank accounts and online trading or other money management accounts.
Here, in a nutshell, is how the whole thing works....
Go to www.fbi.gov/page2/june10/phone_062110.html to read more.
John C. Engel
Legal Affairs Department
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Privacy Protection and Identity Theft - Prevention
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Identity thieves steal your personal information to commit fraud. They can damage your credit status and cost you time and money restoring your good name. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, follow the tips below:
Tips for Preventing Identity Loss
- Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write it on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.
- Protect your PIN. Never write a PIN on a credit/debit card or on a slip of paper kept in your wallet.
- Watch out for "shoulder surfers". Use your free hand to shield the keypad when using pay phones and ATMs.
- Collect mail promptly. Ask the post office to put your mail on hold when you are away from home for more than a day or two.
- Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
- Keep your receipts. Ask for carbons and incorrect charge slips as well. Promptly compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
- Tear up or shred unwanted receipts, credit offers, account statements, expired cards, etc., to prevent dumpster divers getting your personal information.
- Store personal information in a safe place at home and at work. Don't leave it lying around.
- Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal information in the mail, over the phone or online.
- Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.
- Check your credit report once a year. Check it more frequently if you suspect someone has gotten access to your account information.
If you suspect or become a victim of identity theft, follow these steps:
- Report it to your financial institution. Call the phone number on your account statement or on the back of your credit or debit card.
- Report the fraud to your local police. Keep a copy of the police report, which will make it easier to prove your case to creditors and retailers.
- Contact the credit-reporting bureaus and ask them to flag your account with a fraud alert, whch asks merchants not to grant new credit without your approval.
To help victims of identity theft, the FTC offers the publication, Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, which includes the ID Theft Affidavit. You can use the affidavit to report the theft to most of the parties involved. All three credit bureaus and many major creditors have agreed to accept the affidavit. Request a copy of the publation by calling toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You can also use this website to file a complaint with the FTC.
The FTC also publishes a series of publications about the importance of personal information privacy. To download copies, go to www.ftc.gov or request free copies of brochures by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). | |
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Scams were rampant in December
MADISON, Wis. (1/4/10)--An off-shore e-mail scam targeting members and nonmembers of a Michigan-based credit union made its way to Wisconsin recently--one of several scams credit unions reported during the holiday season.
The scam targeted Community Driven CU, Ypsilanti, Mich., and spread to consumers in Wisconsin and in Texas, the Kenosha News reported (Dec. 21). A reporter of that publication received a bogus e-mail purporting to be from the Michigan credit union, asking the reporter to enter in a credit card account number and personal identification number to view a Visa card statement.
Mary Cole, Community Driven CU member service loan officer, said the credit union is aware of the scam and has received many phone calls about it. The credit union also was hit by a text-messaging scam in November, she told the newspaper.
Washington Post columnist Elizabeth Razzi noted in a Dec. 15 column that she and her daughter received a text message saying that their ATM cards had been suspended from Treasury Department FCU, Washington, D.C. After receiving the message, Razzi visited the credit union's website and saw that a scam warning had been posted.
"What really has me intrigued is how they got my personal cell phone number and my daughter's, and phished for both of us at the same time," Razzi said. "The only link between the two numbers that I can think of is from our phone company itself, which would be scary, if true."
She advised readers to beware of such scams, and to educate their children about fraud.
R.I.A FCU, Rock Island, Ill., warned its members to watch for scams through e-mails, text messages and phone calls. Consumers recently received phone calls from scammers offering reduced interest on loans. To receive the rates, receipients needed to send $1,000. Other members received messages that their ATM cards were suspended (Quad City Times Dec. 16).
Several members of Idaho State University FCU in Pocatello, Idaho, were among consumers duped by a phishing scam that asked for personal account information. The information was then used to create fake debit cards to withdraw funds from ATMs in California and Romania. The largest reported loss was $400 (Associated Press Dec. 18). A local bank also was targeted in the scam.
Perfect Circle CU, Hagerstown, Ind., also was targeted by fraudulent phone calls. Scammers asked Perfect Circle CU members and customers of another local bank to enter their card numbers or risk having them cancelled (Pal-Item.com Dec. 31). The scam phone calls are coming from the number 800-245-9655.
To guard against holiday season scams, Todd Peeples, manager of Tyndall FCU, Panama City, Fla., advised consumers to look for:
- Web addresses that start with "https." The "s" means the site is secure;
- A key lock icon, which should be pictured with pop-up safety information; and
- Billing and shipping questions, which should stick to the basics. "If you have to enter your Social Security number, it's a red flag," Peeples told WMBB News (Nov. 30).
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Copyright © 2009 - Credit Union National Association, Inc. |
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December 14, 2009 |
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SCAM ALERT: Pop-up ads pose threat to Internet users |
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Please forward to whomever else at your credit union has security responsibilities.
If you have a problem forwarding this email, copy and paste it into a new email instead of just forwarding it.
Contact Marge Ramstack at mramstack@theleague.coop or (800) 242-0833, if you have any difficulty reading or accessing documents.
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The FBI has issued a warning that an ongoing threat exists for computer users who, while browsing the Internet, began receiving pop-up security warnings that state their computers are infected with numerous viruses.
These pop-ups known as scareware, fake, or rogue anti-virus software look authentic and may even display what appears to be real-time anti-virus scanning of the user’s hard drive. The scareware will show a list of reputable software icons; however, the user cannot click a link to go to the actual site to review or see recommendations.
The scareware is intimidating to most users and extremely aggressive in its attempt to lure the user into purchasing the rogue software that will allegedly remove the viruses from their computer. It is possible that these threats are received as a result of clicking on advertisements contained on a website. Cyber criminals use botnets to push the software and use advertisements on websites to deliver it. This is known as malicious advertising or malvertising.
Once the pop-up appears it cannot be easily closed by clicking “close” or the “X” button. If the user clicks on the pop-up to purchase the software, a form is provided that collects payment information and the user is charged for the bogus product. In some instances, whether the user clicks on the pop-up or not, the scareware can install malicious code onto the computer. By running your computer with an account that has rights to install software, this issue is more likely to occur.
If the software is downloaded, it could install viruses, Trojans, and/or keyloggers on the user’s computer, leading to identity theft and computer damage.
The assertive tactics of the scareware has caused significant losses to users. The FBI is aware of an estimated loss to victims in excess of $150 million.
¡ Be cautious—Cyber criminals use easy to remember names and associate them with known applications. Beware of pop-ups that are offer a variation of recognized security software. It is recommended that the user research the exact name of the software being offered.
¡ Take precautions to ensure operating systems are updated and security software is current.
¡ If a user receives these anti-virus pop-ups, it is recommended to close the browser or shut the system down. It is suggested that the user run a full, anti-virus scan whenever the computer is turned back on.
If you have experienced the anti-virus pop-ups or a similar scam, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
John C. Engel
Legal Affairs Department
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The Wisconsin Credit Union League
N25W23131 Paul Road, Suite 500
Pewaukee, WI 53072-5779
(262) 549-0200
(800) 242-0833
Fax: (262) 549-7722
www.theleague.coop |
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This information is provided by The Wisconsin Credit Union League. The information contained in this email and any attachments may be privileged and/or confidential, and is intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this email, and then delete it from your computer. Thank you for your cooperation. |
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Federal and State Agencies Target Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams FTC Leads “Operation Loan Lies” to Stop Fraud and Help Distressed Homeowners
To learn more click here: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/loanlies.shtm
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August 17, 2009 |
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| SCAM ALERT:Bank's official checks bear Lifetime CU's routing number |
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Please alert all appropriate staff and branches to be on the lookout for counterfeit checks.
Bogus official checks are circulating nationwide bearing the name of Milestone Bank, Dallas, but the routing number of Lifetime Credit Union.
Thus far, all checks have been in the amount of $4,700. The credit union has not taken losses. Please keep in mind that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Lifetime Credit Union is in the process of merging with Landmark Credit Union. | | |
Be alert for "MONEY MULES"
People are using deposit accounts to receive unauthorized electronic funds transfers and forward funds overseas to criminals.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is warning financial institutions of an increase in schemes to recruit individuals to receive and transmit unauthorized electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from deposit accounts to people overseas. These funds transfer agents, often referred to as "money mules," are typically solicited on the Internet by criminals who have gained unauthorized access to the online deposit account of a business or consumer. In a typical scenario, the criminal will originate unauthorized EFTs from a victim's account to a money mule's deposit account. The money mule is then instructed to quickly withdraw the funds and wire them overseas after deducting a "commission" (commonly eight to ten percent).
Criminals target online deposit accounts at institutions where business customers can originate EFTs, such as automated clearing house (ACH) and wire transfers, over the Internet. Money mules, however, can be customers (members) at any depository institution where EFTs can be received and funds withdrawn. In some cases, the money mule may be an unknowing accomplice in a fraud scheme. Because EFTs are often made immediately available by the receiving institution, funds may be removed and wire transferred overseas before the fraud is detected. Refer to SA-147-2009 www.fdic.gov/news/news/specialalert/2009/sa09147.htmlfor more information on fraudulent EFT schemes.
Money mule schemes can take many different forms, but most involve receiving unauthorized EFTs into a deposit account and then withdrawing the funds or forwarding them on to another party via another EFT. The following are common scenarios:
¡ Online job posting Web sites are used by criminals to locate people seeking employment with flexible work hours that can be performed from home. These work at-home schemes often involve written employment contracts, job descriptions and procedures to legitimize the scam.
¡ Advance fee scams promising large monetary rewards for acting as a financial intermediary can entice people to participate in this activity.
¡ Mystery shopping jobs may be used that require the employee to assess the performance of money service businesses by completing EFTs and then evaluating the service using customer satisfaction forms.
¡ Social networking sites may be used to recruit people to act as money mules. Criminals conjure up various imaginative stories to befriend and persuade people to receive and forward stolen funds.
¡ Some hesitant or skeptical money mules have been intimidated, harassed and threatened by their criminal "employers" to process the funds transfers quickly and with secrecy.
¡ The personal identifiable information provided by the money mule might later be used to commit identity theft or account takeover. END
5-29-09 River Cities Bank, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, has contacted the FDIC to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.
The counterfeit items display the routing number 075917791, which is assigned to River Cities Bank. The items also display a security feature statement embedded in the top border and along the bottom border between two padlocks. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" and a "Notice to Purchasers" appear in the top center. The bank's name, address and a toll-free telephone number, not associated with the bank, are in the lower-left corner. The items have one signature line with the wording "COUNTERSIGNED IF AMOUNT OVER $5,000.00" beneath.
The authentic cashier's checks from this bank are light green and display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner. The bank's name, logo and address are in the top center. A padlock icon and security feature statement are on the lower-right side. The wording "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED" is centered above two signature lines.
Please keep in mind that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Thomas T. Marti, Senior Vice President
River Cities Bank
1601 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
Telephone: (715) 422-1104; Fax: (715) 422-1150; Email:tmarti@rivercitiesbank.com
Another wave of scams hits several states
MADISON, Wis.(5/28/09)--Phone scams are targeting credit unions in Wisconsin, Vermont and Maryland, and credit unions are reminding members that the credit union would never contact them for account or credit card information.
Forward Financial CU, Niagara, Wis., would never call members asking for personal information because the credit union already has it, said Tammy Young, vice president of operations (UpperMichiganSource.com May 26). Forward Financial was one of two institutions recently targeted by scammers who were calling consumers and asking for personal financial information.
Members who have provided their information to scammers should contact the credit union immediately. Forward Financial can block members' debit or credit card from being used, Young said.
Cumberland, Md., police have received hundreds of reports about a phone scam in which individuals identifying themselves as Chessie FCU employees asked for account information (WCBC Wire May 26). The scammers have called homes, businesses and cell phones in the area.
Williston, Vt., residents have received calls from individuals claiming to represent New England FCU and Heritage Family CU. The callers ask recipients to supply personal account information to reactivate a credit card (WCAX News May 26).
Matt Levandowski, Heritage Family CU executive vice president, said some of his credit union's members had given scammers their account information but their accounts had not been compromised (Rutland Herald May 26).
3-12-09 We received notification from members of our Credit Union and the Jefferson Police Department that a new fraud scam is being targeted toward senior citizens. The fraudster calls an individual and says "hello grandma (or grandpa)". When the recipient of the call asks who is calling, the fraudster says "don't you even recognize the voice of your oldest granddaughter?" waiting for the grandparent to state the name of their eldest granddaughter. They then claim to be that grandchild and talk about how they got into a car accident on vacation and broke their nose (which explains the voice variation). Next they ask the grandparent victim to wire money to them to take care of the expenses associated with the accident and getting back home. Please be alert of any calls that are similar to the above listed scenario as they are most likely fraudulent. It is always a good idea to verify the identity of the person you are talking with through an independent phone call.
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2-20-09 An announcement from the
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The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a scam alert today to small businesses, warning them not to respond to letters falsely claiming to have been sent by the SBA asking for bank account information in order to qualify them for federal tax rebates.
The fraudulent letters were sent out with what appears to be an SBA letterhead to small businesses across the country, advising recipients that they may be eligible for a tax rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act, and that SBA is assessing their eligibility for such a rebate.
The letter asks the small business to provide the name of its bank and account number.
These letters have not been sent by or authorized by the SBA, and all small businesses are strongly advised not to respond to them.
The scheme is similar in many ways to e-mail scams often referred to as "phishing" that seek personal data and financial account information that enables another party to access and individual's bank accounts or to engage in identity theft.
The SBA is working with the SBA Office of Inspector General to investigate this matter. The Office of Inspector General asks that anyone who receives such a letter report it to the OIG Fraud Line at 1 (800) 767-0385, or e-mail at OIGHotline@sba.gov.
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2-11-09 Identity Thieves are now using the Economic Stimulus Package for fraud:
Identity thieves posing as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service are sending spam e-mails promising government economic stimulus packages. The message tells the user to download an attachment that is masked as a form they must fill out and send to the IRS to receive their check. However, the document really is an identity theft tool that steals the personal information entered in the form.
Another scam being used promises more information on how to get “economic stimulus grants.” They tempt users with fake testimonials such as, “I found the grant I needed and filled out the forms and sent them in, and in about two weeks I received a check in my hand for $100,000.” It leads to a marketing-type site in which you enter personal information such as salary range, e-mail address, mailing address, and date of birth purportedly to get a free CD that shows you how to claim one of these grants. To order the CD, you must enter credit card information for the postage and handling costs. You never get the CD—only a stolen identity.
Unfortunately, the threat of fraud due to phishing attempts continues to be very active. Fraudsters are increasing in sophistication, and this type of activity shows no sign of slowing down.
Another Financial Institution Reports Counterfeit Checks 9-08-08
Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.
The counterfeit items display:
The routing number 091811004, which is assigned to Dairy State Bank.
the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" appear in the top center, and
a security feature statement is embedded in the top and bottom borders.
Dairy State Bank does not issue official checks; however, it does issue cashier's checks. Authentic cashier's checks display:
· The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner.
· A "NOTICE" in the top-left corner,
· A "MEMO" line is just below the bank's address in the top center, and
· Two signature lines are displayed.
Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
David Bridges
Vice President and Security Officer
Dairy State Bank
16 South Main Street
Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868
Telephone: (715) 234-9181
Fax: (715) 236-3704
Email:dbridges@dairystatebank.com
JUNE 26, 2008
BEWARE OF RISKY TEXT MESSAGES
Credit unions across the country are reporting that their member’s are receiving unsolicited text messages. It’s an attempt at Smishing, the latest form of phishing. In Smishing, an e-mail tries to lure a recipient into giving personal information via SMS, the communications protocol used to send text messages to a wireless device. The recent scam is targeting credit union and other financial institution members.
In smishing, the members receive a text message via cell phone warning that their bank account has been closed due to suspicious activity. It then tells them they need to call a certain phone number to reactivate the account.
Unsuspecting callers who dial the number provided in the text message will be taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts them to key in their credit card or debit card number, expiration date, and PIN to verify their information.
If you have a question concerning your account or credit/debit card, contact your financial institution using a telephone number obtained independently, such as the phone number from your statement, a telephone book, or other independent means.
Loss Prevention Recommendations:
- Don’t display your wireless phone number or e-mail address in public. This includes newsgroups, chat rooms, Web sites, or membership directories.
- If you open an unwanted message, send a stop or opt out message in response.
- Check the privacy policy when submitting your wireless phone number or e-mail address to any Web site. Find out if the policy allows the company to sell your information.
- Contact your wireless or Internet service provider about unwanted messages.
Internal Revenue Service issues an Alert: 5-23-08
The Internal Revenue Service has issued an alert, warning that the IRS name and logo is being used by fraudsters attempting to access the taxpayer financial information through e-mail, telephone, and cell phone text messaging.
Note: The IRS does not ask for personal identifying or financial information via unsolicited e-mail, telephone calls, or text messaging.
The following scams are being used to trick taxpayers into divulging financial account information for fraudulent purposes:
- Taxpayers receive a phone calls telling them that they are eligible for a sizable rebate for filing their taxes early, and they are told to provide their financial account information for direct deposit.
- Taxpayers receive e-mails that claim they are eligible for a tax refund of a specific amount, and they are instructed to click on the link in the e-mail to access the refund claim form, which requires them to disclose financial account information.
- E-mail notifications addressed to individual taxpayers claim that their tax returns will be audited. The individual is instructed to click on the link within the e-mail and complete forms disclosing personal and financial account information.
- Businesses, accountants, and “Treasury” managers are receiving bogus e-mails regarding tax law changes. To obtain information on publications for businesses, estates taxes, excise taxes, exempt organizations, as well as IRAs and other retirement plans, the recipient is instructed to click on a series of links. The IRS suspects that clicking on these links downloads “malware” onto the recipient’s computer, which can be used to search for financial records and other private information.
- A person claiming to be an IRS employee telephones taxpayers to say the IRS has mailed them a check that has not been cashed. The caller then asks for verification of financial account information.
Loss Prevention Recommendations:
If you receive an unsolicited e-mail purporting to be from the IRS, take the following steps:
- Do not open any attachments to the e-mail; they could contain malicious code that will infect your computer.
- Forward a questionable e-mail claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.
- Use instructions contained in an article online at www.irs.gov titled “How to Protect Yourself from Suspicious E-Mails or Phishing Schemes.”
- Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to determine whether the IRS is trying to contact you about a tax refund.
- Remember that taxpayers do not have to complete a special form to obtain a refund.
- If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
- Educate your membership on “Phishing.”
- Post “phishing warnings” on your Web site, in newsletters and in your lobby.
- Post a notice on your credit union's Web site that you will never solicit personal or private information via e-mail.
- Use the Federal Trade Commission Web site.
- Consumers can take interactive quizzes designed to enlighten them about identity theft, phishing, spam and online-shopping scams.
- Elsewhere on the site, consumers can find detailed guidance on how to monitor their credit histories, use effective passwords and recover from identity theft.
- If a member is a victim of a "phishing email," take appropriate steps to help protect him/her.
- Block and reissue the compromised credit/debit cards.
- Report to credit bureau.
- Order credit report.
- A good resource for this topic is Anti-Phishing Working Group.
- If you have been the victim of a spoof e-mail or Web site, you should contact your local law enforcement, a U.S. Postal Inspector, or the FBI.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please remember that we (CCCU) will not solicit personal/private information from you via email or by telephone. Also, please be alert to "Phishing" scams. Some criminals set up a web site that mirrors or is very close to an authentic web site to trick you into providing personal information. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU HAVE VERIFIED AND RE-VERIFIED WHO IS REQUESTING IT. They can be very convincing, so please hold your ground and do NOT give out information until you have done some independent verification. It is prudent NOT to give out any information if you did not initiate the contact. Also, please see the article below about scammers using false Caller ID methods.
March 20, 2008 |
| Scam Alert: Counterfeit official checks in the name of Co-op CU, Black River Falls |
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Co-op Credit Union, Black River Falls reports that counterfeit official checks bearing the credit union's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items are associated with a lottery sweepstakes scam.
The counterfeit items display the routing number 275977120, which is assigned to Co-op Credit Union. There are at least two versions of the counterfeit checks in circulation; both are dissimilar to the authentic cashier's checks.
Version 1 of the counterfeit checks:
· Have been for $3,985.00.
· Have a large "OFFICIAL CHECK" across the top center.
· Have a REF# 017694 that is below the check number.
· Are dated 03/07/08.
· Have the NCUA logo with the old wording without the "at least" in the top line.
· Have writing across the very top of the check that says, "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BORDER AND BACKGROUND PLUS A KNIGHT AND FINGERPRINT WATERMARK ON THE BACK - HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW."
· These counterfeit checks are sent with a letter from an individual, telling the victim they are a winner in an Australian Lotterythrough a ______ Global company with head office in Sidney, Australia and with instructions to call another person for instructions for depositing.
Version 2 of the counterfeit checks:
· Come in varying amounts in the area of $3,990.00.
· Have a REF# 6451507.
· Are dated 03/11/2008.
· Have no NCUA logo box.
· Have writing across the very top of the check that says, "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER."
· These counterfeit checks are sent with a letter from ________ _________ AwardInc. saying you are a winner in the ____________________ Sweepstakeswith instructions to call certain claim analysts for assistance in depositing the check.
Authentic checks:
· Do not have "OFFICIAL CHECK" across the top.
· Have an NCUA logo box in the upper center with the new correct wording including the words "at least" in the top line.
· Have the writing across the very top of authentic checks is, which is "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A BLUE & BURGUNDY BACKGROUND AND AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK ON THE BACK - HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW."
Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Duane Nosbisch
Compliance /Security Officer
Co-op Credit Union
100 E. Main St. / P.O. Box 157
Black River Falls, Wisconsin 54615
Telephone: ( 715 ) 284-5333
Fax: ( 715 ) 284-4686
dnosbisch@co-opcu.coop | |
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March 19, 2008 |
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| Scam Alert:Advance Fee Loans |
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Please forward to whomever else at your credit union has compliance responsibilities.
If you have a problem forwarding this email, copy and paste it into a new email instead of just forwarding it.
Contact Marge Ramstack at mramstack@theleague.coop or (800) 242-0833, Ext. 3157 if you have any difficulty reading or accessing documents |
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reminds consumers and financial institutions to be aware of advance fee loan scams. The FDIC has observed a significant increase in the number of unsolicited emails ("spam") advertising mortgage refinancing, debt consolidation and elimination, small business loans, and special loan programs for veterans and minorities. While some of these emails may advertise legitimate loan programs and lenders, advance fee loan scams are becoming more prevalent.
Advance fee loan scams prey on consumers who may be under financial duress and may be seeking quick and easy loan approval and funding. The scam typically involves the lender making false promises to arrange for a loan in return for fees paid upfront by the loan applicant. Scam artists may even design websites and online loan applications giving the appearance that the company is legitimate.
Fraudulent logos and letterhead of legitimate financial institutions or government agencies may also appear on documents that are faxed to the loan applicant. Potential borrowers may be asked to provide information through a website or be contacted by phone or email by a "representative" who guarantees loan approval as soon as the borrower pays a required fee. The loan applicant may be told that the fees will be used to pay a third party for loan insurance or application processing, or to make the first month's loan payment. The loan applicant may also be told to send or wire transfer money to an individual overseas before receiving the loan proceeds.
In some cases, the loan applicant has been falsely directed to a legitimate financial institution with no knowledge of the transaction. In other cases, the loan applicant is told that the loan request was declined and is asked to forward additional money to qualify for a different loan program.
The following are warning signs that may indicate a loan offer is not legitimate:
· The loan approval is "guaranteed." Lenders do not typically guarantee loans before analyzing the applicant's financial condition, credit history and ability to repay.
· The loan applicant is required to pay upfront fees to a third party or individual. Loan fees are normally paid to a business after the loan has been approved.
· The lender or loan processor may be located outside of the United States.
· Fees are requested using a retail wire transfer system. A password is sometimes used by the overseas receiver to pick up the funds in an attempt to hide the true identity of the criminals and make funds more difficult to trace.
Victims of online advance loan fee scams should report the crimes to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov/. More information about fraudulent advance loan fee scams can be found at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/loans.shtm
John C. Engel
Legal Affairs Department | | |
3-12-08 Scam Alert-Ozaukee Bank Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Ozaukee Bank, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items reportedly are associated with a lottery sweepstakes scam.
The counterfeit items display the routing number 075912233, which is assigned to Ozaukee Bank. There are at least two versions of the counterfeit checks in circulation; both are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks.
Version 1: The counterfeit items are reddish in color and have ornate borders on the top and sides. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are in a rectangle centered within the top border. The bank's logo, name (with a capital "O"), an incorrect Post Office Box ("33"), location, the phrase "24 Hrs Bankipg (misspelled)" and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, appear in the top-left corner. The word "MEMO" appears in the lower-left corner.
Version 2: The counterfeit items are blue and white with rounded corners. They display a security feature statement in a darkened top border.
Authentic checks are light green with wide-band top and bottom borders. A padlock icon is printed between two vertical security feature statements on the right side.
Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Kathy Gessner
Bank Secrecy Act, Compliance and Security Officer
Ozaukee Bank
P.O. Box 3
Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012
Telephone: (262) 377-9100, extension 5380
Fax: (262) 377-8488
Email: Gessner@ozaukeebank.com
2/08 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning about a new telephone and e-mail scam that uses its name. Be alert for offers of advanced payment checks or rebates from individuals who say they work for the IRS. More information is available from the "Federal Programs" section of the Scams/Frauds page.
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