Security Alerts
09/30/2009 Text message scam
Members Source has received reports of a specific text message attempting to gain access to debit card information. The text message states that “…cu/fcu has deactivated your debit card…” it then provides a phone number for you to call. Unfortunately, these types of fraud attempts are gaining popularity. Please do not reply to these messages; you should only contact us at a known number. This is a good rule to follow for all creditors and financial institutions with which you have a relationship.
If you have received this or a similar text message and provided your card information, contact us immediately!
05/26/2009 Pre-recorded calls attempt to gather information
Members Source has been made aware of some cell phone users receiving automated voice calls about “suspicious activity on their account”. Some callers have referred to their “federal credit union”, indicating that their debit card had been closed or that there has been third party fraudulent activity. The recipient of the call is then asked to enter their account number and PIN into the cell phone. This scam does not actually reference our credit union by name and has also reached those who do not belong to a credit union. Usually the perpetrators of a scam of this sort will start with one cell phone carrier and spread from there; currently the only common thread among those receiving the call is that they are Verizon customers. If you receive a phone call, text message, email or any communication that appears to be from our credit union (or anyone you do business with) please verify the validity by contacting us at a number you know to be true. Do not return a call to a phone number unless you are certain it is legitimate.
If you have received unwanted commercial messages on your wireless device, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using the online complaint form found at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. There is no charge for filing a complaint.
01/21/2009 Pre-recorded callers request credit card information
Members Source was informed that calls are being made in attempts to collect credit card information. The calls being received are a recorded message offering a reduced credit card rate. At the time this scam was reported, no additional information was provided, except that the Caller ID showed a 978-phone number. Please remember, Members Source Credit Union will never request such unsolicited information. If you receive a phone call of this nature, please do not provide any information.
11/12/2008 Late-night callers request credit card info
Members Source is aware that overnight on 11/10 and into the early hours of 11/11, there were calls made with the purpose of stealing credit card information from cardholders. The callers identified themselves as representatives of the “fraud department” and explained that the person’s credit card was being deactivated. Hundreds of calls were made with the caller requesting personal information, including credit card numbers. Some Members Source members had reported receiving these calls, but no one had reported giving their information.
Some of the people reporting the fraud attempt were reporting that their caller ID showed numbers from Indiana, others report out of state numbers, with some of the phone numbers being associated with actual merchants, although these merchants had nothing to do with the effort.
If you received one of these calls, you can contact your local law enforcement to report it. If you provided the caller with your Members Source information, please contact us as soon as possible at 800-260-5183.
Please remember that Members Source will never contact you via unsolicited email, text message or automated phone call and request personal and/or account information.
PROTECTING YOURSELF
Below are resources to help protect you from identity theft. Whether it’s over-the-phone, online, or in-person, it is always important to secure your personal and financial information.
Check your credit report - for FREE!
Monitoring your credit report is one great way to protect yourself from identity theft and The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction (FACT) Act makes it easier by providing consumers with a FREE credit report each year from all three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Order your report:
- Online: https://www.annualcreditreport.com
By phone: (877) 322-8228
By mail: Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
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- Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
If you find an error on your credit report, notify the Credit Reporting Agencies immediately; they will verify the questionable item with the creditor at no cost to you.
Be Safe Against Online Threats
The Internet offers great opportunities, for shopping, education and even games. Protecting yourself online isn’t exclusive to online shopping; it includes keeping your PC protected from viruses and other malicious attacks as well. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as a firewall. Make sure you keep them all up-to-date and that they are set up properly.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, maintains OnGuard Online - Your Safety Net a website designed to help you be on guard against online threats.
Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website, Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft provides consumers with information necessary to deter, detect and defend against Identity Theft.
If you are a victim of Identity Theft, please make sure to contact Members Source as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
The Federal Trade Commission - Consumer protection agency
Internet Crime Complaint Center
OptOutPreScreen.com
AnnualCreditReport.com
Lost or stolen VISA debit/credit card?
Contact VISA at 800-289-5939
