The Information Security team at Granite Credit Union has observed a rise in reported instances of phishing and various cyberattacks for our members. We aim to keep our members informed to safeguard against fraud and mitigate the frustration caused by scammers.
Recent Scams
We're hearing from an increasing number of members who have received a fraudulent text from scammers that mentions a financial institution. This is a common form of fraud called phishing. To keep yourself and your accounts safe, don’t click on any links and delete the text. If you did click the link or entered confidential information, please change your digital banking password immediately. Here are some scams to look out for:
Secret Shopper - Fraudsters pose as companies offering mystery shopping services to dupe shoppers out of money.
Advanced Fee - Victim enticed to wire upfront fees for a fictitious promise of receiving a gift of money.
Elder Abuse - Seniors are tricked into sending money to help their relatives / grandkids or pay for services.
Social Security / IRS / Government - Threaten to suspend your social security number or arrest you or take other legal action.
Be Cautious: Common Types of Scams
You get overpaid and are asked to pay back or forward the excess – and then the payment to you bounces.
A work-from-home job charges you for classes or materials, but you’ll never see a paycheck from them.
A call from a stranger falsely claims someone you know, like a grandchild, is in jail and needs bail money.
You’ve won or inherited something and need to pay taxes or fees before you get what’s coming to you, but that something is never coming.
Someone on an online dating site allegedly needs money to come visit or deal with a catastrophe at home.
Pretty much anything involving a wire transfer. Once the recipient walks out with the money, it is gone for good.
Slam The Scam (Social Security related)
On National Slam the Scam Day on March 7 each year and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community by:
Educating them about government imposter scams. Let them know they shouldn’t be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible.
Sharing our Scam Alert fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Reporting Suspected Fraud to the NCUA
Credit union members, volunteers, and staff can submit anonymous tips about potential fraud situations to the NCUA’s toll-free Fraud Hotline at 800-827-9650.
Fraud tips can be submitted electronically through the NCUA. Individuals can remain anonymous or provide contact information for appropriate agency staff to discuss their fraud concerns. The new form also allows for a description of the fraud and other critical information to assist in the evaluation of the reported concerns.
Is Your Financial Information Protected?
Each year, scammers and identity thieves steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. These criminals use various communication methods to steal information or trick consumers into handing over their money. Read below to learn how to recognize, report, and prevent fraud, common scams, identity theft, and cybercrimes.