Fraud Prevention

Fraud Alert: Common Scams to Look Out For

Scammers are taking advantage of Credit Union West members, just like you. We're asking our members to be vigilant against fraudsters who claim to be from Credit Union West. Please be aware, we will never ask for your debit card PIN or your Online Banking password, especially through an unsolicited call, email or message through social media.

To protect yourself from fraud:

Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal identifiable information
Validate a person's organization by calling them back through an official phone number
Never click on unsolicited emails, attachments, or links until you verify the request is legitimate
Monitor your account transactions and set up notifications to alert you of potential fraud in Online & Mobile Banking

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately by calling toll-free at 800-621-0287. For more information on how to protect your finances during the Coronavirus pandemic, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's COVID-19 resource page.

What you need to know

Protect Your Information

Warning Signs

Know the red flags of fraud.

Practices

Develop secure habits.

Report It

What to do if you are targeted.

The best way to avoid fraud is to know the tricks scammers use. During a fraud attempt, you may be:

Instructed to not trust your financial institution (Credit Union West) or asked to respond to questions in ways that aren’t truthful
Pressured to send money
Told to purchase gift cards or codes, wire transfer, or mail cash as a form of payment
Asked to cash a check for a stranger
Asked to deposit a check that overpays for something you're selling and then send the difference elsewhere
Tempted to buy products online that seem too good to be true or are hard to find
Ask for your personal identifiable information

To protect yourself from fraud:

Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal identifiable information
Validate a person's organization by calling them back through an official phone number
Never share your Social Security number, PIN, Passwords, Medicare ID number, or Driver's license number
Never click on unsolicited emails, attachments, or links until you verify the request is legitimate
Monitor your checking account and set up notifications to alert you of potential fraud in Online and Mobile Banking

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately:

If you received a phone call that may be a phishing scam, hang up and, if you are concerned about your account, contact us toll-free at 800-621-0287

or
If you have received an email impersonating Credit Union West that may be a phishing scam, forward it to info@cuwest.org and delete it

and
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP

For more information on how to protect your finances during the Coronavirus Pandemic, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's COVID-19 resource page.

Security Alerts & Resources

Member Security

Find the right tools to better protect your information.

LEARN ABOUT Member Security

Common Types of Scams

Imposter: "I'm with Credit Union West, calling to notify you of a fraudulent charge on your checking account."

Red Flags: They ask for your debit card PIN or other personal information to verify your identity. Please be aware, Credit Union West will never ask for your debit card PIN or your Online Banking password.

IRS Imposter: "I'm with the IRS. I can get your stimulus check to you faster for a fee." Or, "You need to pay a fee in order to cash your Economic Impact Payment."

Red Flags: The IRS will never charge a fee to issue a refund or payment. They will never contact you by phone, email, text or social media to ask for verification of your personal and/or banking information.

Good Samaritan: "I can help you with errands, it's no trouble." Or, "I can pick up your prescriptions and groceries. You don't need to leave your house."

Red Flags: They ask for your PIN or credit card information so they can pay for your items. Or, they ask for your personal information such as date of birth and social security number to verify your identity for the pharmacy.

Fake Goods: "Glad I got you! You recently responded to one of our ads about purchasing COVID-19 home filter kits. Would you like to place an order?"

Red Flags: You're asked to purchase an item you never heard of and to pay for it via money transfer, PayPal, or Zelle before the item is received.

Charity: "Hi, the reason for my call is to see if you would donate"

Red Flags: You receive a request to donate to a charity that you've never heard of and for which you can’t find an official website.

Person in Need: "Grandma, I need your help. I need some money, fast!"

Red Flags: You receive a call from someone claiming to be a family-member or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency and instructions on where to send the funds. Don’t send money unless you’re sure it’s the real person who contacted you. Be sure to verify the story with your family-member or loved one.

Social Security Imposter: "Your Social Security benefits are going to be suspended. You need to pay a fee to verify your checking account."

Red Flags: You received a request to make a payment to verify your checking account or pay a fee to maintain regular benefit payments. The SSA will never ask you to pay a fee, especially by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or mailing cash.

Tech Support: "We've detected malware on your computer. Let's get this fixed for you."

Red flags: You receive a request from tech support claiming your computer has malware and requesting payment to fix the defects or access your computer.

Lottery or Sweepstakes: "Your email was randomly selected to participate in a drawing. Please send us your details."

Red flags: You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.

Debt Relief: "I can help reduce or eliminate your debt."

Red flags: You receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle or get rid of debt.

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