Frauds/Scams Happening In Our Area:
November 7, 2022
We have received multiple calls from members who have received a text stating that their debit/credit card has been locked. The text message prompts the member to call a specific phone number. Once the member calls, the company asks for the card number, SSN, PIN number for the card, etc. These are NOT our texts.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone during this holiday season that because they might be using their cards more often, financial institutions and card processors may indeed reach out to them to verify transactions by asking a YES or NO question regarding a specific transaction but should never ask for any personal information or card numbers etc.
If you are ever contacted by anyone by text or over the phone and you are not sure who you are communicating with, please do not give out any personal information. Hang up and call your financial institution directly to inquire.
ESFCU Vice President of Automated Services, Micaela Hinerman had this to say. “The holidays are an especially busy time for shoppers but they're also a busy time for those attempting to steal your information. We all need to have a constant awareness of the value of our personal information and take all of the precautions possible to ensure the security of that information. We appreciate your continued vigilance in ensuring the safety and privacy of your personal information at all times.“
We remind you that we do offer Credit Sense which includes alerts you can set to keep track of what's happening in your accounts to help you combat fraud. You can sign up for this FREE service through out secure online banking! As always, feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns by calling or texting 620-342-2336.
March 25, 2022
Summary of Incident:
A credit union in our region has recently experienced an influx of pin-based fraud with their debit cardholders. From what we have gathered, the member is receiving a text message appearing to be from the credit union, and even includes the correct phone number. This “alert” is very similar to legitimate fraud alerts. Around the same time, there is a small (usually $0.01) transaction attempted on the card (various merchants and locations are being used for this “test transaction”). This spikes a risk score, and the legitimate fraud department reaches out via email to verify the fraud with a real case number listed.
The “fraudster” somehow sees this legitimate alert and then calls the real fraud department, pretending to be the member cardholder and verifies NO fraud with the case number given, leaving the card open for transactions. The ”fraudster” then calls the member and gives them the real case number that was on the email and asked them to verify the Walmart charge (that is also on the fake text message) and tells the member that they believe they are seeing this fraud because they have given out their pin number and asks them to verify the pin so that they will know if this is correct or not.
The member gives the pin number and then the call ends and the “fraudster” then uses the card number with, what we assume is counterfeit cards, as a pin-based transaction at ATMs and grocery stores. We have been told that, on at least one occasion, the fraudster told the cardholder they would take care of blocking the card and getting any lost funds back to the member’s account (presumably hoping that would deter the member from following up.)
We were notified yesterday from another Credit Union in Kansas that one of their members also received the same text message from the “fraudsters,” and the same sort of events happened and ATM withdrawals were made.
Please note that ESFCU will NEVER ask you to verify you PIN number. If you are unsure, please contact us. Call/Text 620-342-2336.
Covid 19 Stimulus Money Scams
Dangerous scams are targeting our most vulnerable residents.
Scammers are calling people claiming they are with the IRS and have stimulus money available to give to you. The only thing you need to do is provide your account information and they will quickly deposit it into your account.
DO NOT FALL FOR IT!
This is a Scam.
Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone over the phone. If you are receiving a check from the IRS, they have your information from your most recent tax return. If you do not believe they have your information, contact them directly.
This is a hard time financially for a lot of people right now. We need your help sharing this message with friends, family and neighbors so they do not lose their hard-earned money to scammers.
Please be vigilant and keep an eye on your ESFCU accounts!