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Scam & Fraud Alerts

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please remember that we 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

 

 

 

 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 


 March 19, 2008

Scam Alert:Advance Fee Loans

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.

1-23-08
Scam Alert:Counterfeit cashier's checks in the name Stephenson National Bank (Marinette)

 

 The Stephenson National Bank and Trust, Marinette, 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 display the routing number 075901011, which is assigned to The Stephenson National Bank and Trust. The counterfeit items are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items are handwritten and the word "PAY" is misspelled as "PAT" in "PAT TO THE ORDER OF."

The bank's authentic cashier's checks are blue and display a security feature statement embedded in darkened top and bottom borders. When copied, the authentic checks display a "VOID" background.  

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:  

Laura Phelps, Bookkeeping Supervisor, or
Louise Pelnar, Bookkeeper
The Stephenson National Bank and Trust
1820 Hall Avenue, P.O. Box 137
Marinette, Wisconsin 54143
Telephone: (715) 732-1732, Fax: (715) 732-1327
Email: bank@snbt.com

 

ANOTHER SCAM, This is NOT from County City Credit Union!
The Scam text begins: "Dear Jeffco Credit Union Customer,
Due to our last days online problems, many phishing attempts and identity-theft, we need to verify our members accounts information. This security method is intended to help you protect yourself and your accounts from internet fraud. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by our online servers, but we require you to update your profile as soon as possible by clicking on the following link:
By completing our online form your are in accordance with our Terms of Agreement and your online access will be continued as normal. Thank you for taking your time!
Sincerely,
Jeffco Credit Union System Security Dept. Manager" End of scam text
Please be vigilant in protecting your personal information from Scams like this one. Do NOT give out personal information if YOU did not intiate the request.

PHONY CALLER ID NUMBERS are used to solicit personal information. Don't be a victim. Check it out by clicking this link Scam & Fraud Alerts page.

Scams
http://www.fakechecks.org

What is Phishing?
Phishing, in short, is the attempt to trick you into giving away personal information about yourself by pretending to be a company you would ordinarily trust.

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Phishers Use Fake Caller ID Numbers

September 26, 2007

Summary
Scammers are using caller ID spoofing technology to trick your members into giving up their personal and financial information.
State(s):   All
Type of Alert: Phishing

 

Details: Fake Caller ID Numbers

In a new phishing scam, con artists are using phony caller ID numbers to solicit personal information and money. Thanks to the phony caller IDs, the "spoofers" are able to convince
victims that they're receiving a call from a bank, credit union or credit card company.  The scammers use this technique to acquire sensitive personal and financial information, or even money, from their victims.

The frightening aspect of this scam is that few people would ever think that the names and phone numbers appearing on their caller ID screens were not genuine. However, scammers are already using phony caller IDs and are posing as representatives of banks, credit card companies and government agencies. The problem has reached the point where Senator Bill Nelson from Florida is sponsoring legislation to ban the transmission of false caller ID numbers. "A similar bill has already sailed through the house," reports ABCnews.go.com.

Unfortunately, anyone with Internet access and a few dollars can find a number of legal online services that supply fake caller ID numbers. ScamBusters.org reports that in just a few minutes of research revealed several services that tout the "benefits" of caller ID spoofing, including:

  • Maintaining the privacy of your caller ID number.
  • Changing your voice to sound like a male or female.
  • Fooling friends and business associates (or business competitors).
  • One firm claims its technology is suited to individuals in certain law-enforcement-related professions, while another advertises its services as inexpensive, easy to use, and great for "business or fun."

Loss Prevention Recommendations:

  • Do not assume that the information displayed on your phone, regarding who the caller is, is accurate. It can easily be spoofed.
  • Never give out personal or financial information over the telephone unless you know EXACTLY whom you're dealing with.
  • If you have doubts about who's on the phone, call back the number of record at your financial institution or credit card company.
  • Educate your membership on “Phishing” and "Vishing."
    • Post “phishing/vishing warnings” on your web site, in newsletters and in your lobby.
    • Post a warning on your credit union's web site that you will never solicit personal/private information via e-mail.
    • Make it very clear to your members what to expect from your credit union with regard to official communication.
      • What does it look like? 
      • Will they be addressed by name?
    • Use the  FTC (Federal Trade Commission) web site www.onguardonline.gov
      • 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 phishing/vishing, take appropriate steps to help protect him/her.
    • Block and reissue the compromised credit/debit cards
    • Report to credit bureau
    • Order a credit report

The information contained in this RISK Alert is intended for the sole use of our Credit Union Bond policyholders to prevent fraud losses.  Any further distribution of this information could subject you to liability under common law and various statutes including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

CUNA Mutual Group does not provide any warranties or guarantees with respect to the performance of services by any vendor, and is not liable for any products or services purchased from any vendor by any credit union. Each credit union is ultimately responsible for determining the products and services that it may require, selecting the vendor that best meets the credit union's needs (whether or not a preferred partner), and contracting directly with that vendor.

8-18-07
A member came in this week with a letter and check declaring they were a winner of a North American Utilities drawing. The letter said they were "selected through a computer ballot system, drawn from 149,000 telephone numbers and utilities bills of the individuals who sign up for services ... You have therefore been awarded a lump sum pay out of $46,500.00USD cash, which is the winning payout for the series." It was on MassMutual Financial Group letterhead. The check was for $2,925.45, which the letter states "covers the charges/fees required to be paid, prior to receiving your winning. Keep winning confidential until your prize money is received to avoid multiple claims." This is a SCAM!!! No one will send you prize money out of the blue, requiring you to cash the first 'installment' to cover fees, before receiving the rest of the money. If you are in doubt, PLEASE don't cash it and get stuck for possibly thousands of dollars! Contact CCCU or your police department, so others can be alerted to these scams.

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Recently, there have been multiple e-mail fraud attempts, known as "Phishing”, that were initiated via e-mail sent to both the general public and to some credit union members that appeared to be from NCUA. This false e-mail asked for the recipient to click on a link to verify their credit union account registration. If the recipient proceeded to do so, the link directed them to a false website and asked for their credit union account number and PIN, along with other personal information. NCUA does not ask credit unions members for such personal information. Anyone who receives an e-mail that purports to be from NCUA and asks for account information should consider it to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain their personal account data for an illegal purpose and should not follow the instructions in the e-mail. County-City Credit Union and NCUA will NEVER ask for financial information via e-mail.

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County-City Credit Union
106 East John Street
Jefferson, WI 53549

Phone: (920) 674-5542   |   Fax: (920) 674-5534
Email:mycu@countycitycreditunion.com