Scam Alerts
There is a new scam affecting our members. The person on the phone is claiming to be from Spectrum offering a deal on your plan. Part of this plan is a DVD player. All you have to do is pay $49.99 for the DVD player and you will get a new plan with great savings. They require a credit or debit card number to charge the $49.99 to. The scammers then use your card information to make other charges.
Spectrum will never call you. If you get a call from Spectrum, it is a scam. Just hang up.
If you ever get a call from someone you are not sure about, hang up and call the credit union. We are here to help.
TOP 10 SCAMS
Social Security Number Phishing
Free Money Scams
Amazon and Package Delivery Phishing
Computer Tech Support Scams
Phony Relationships
Debt Collection Scams
Online Classified Listing Scams
Extortion Emails
Grandchild Imposter Scams
Bank and Financial Institution Phishing
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PHISHING
Scammers call claiming there has been criminal or fraudulent activity involving your Social Security number. They may pretend to be government agencies or law enforcement and threaten arrest or other consequences.
How to protect yourself:
● Government agencies do not call asking for your Social Security number.
● Official communications are generally sent by mail.
● Never provide personal information to unknown callers.
FREE MONEY SCAMS
You receive a call, email, or letter claiming you have won money or a prize. The catch is that you must pay fees or taxes upfront before receiving the winnings. Some scams include fake checks that later bounce.
How to protect yourself:
● Never pay money to receive prize winnings.
● Be cautious of unsolicited checks.
● If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
AMAZON AND PACKAGE DELIVERY PHISHING
Scammers claim there is a problem with your Amazon account, a charge on your card, or a package delivery issue. They attempt to obtain your card information or gain remote access to your computer.
How to protect yourself:
● Amazon does not call unless you request contact.
● Do not click suspicious links.
● Contact companies directly through verified channels.
COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
You receive a phone call or pop-up claiming your computer has a virus. The scammer asks for remote access and payment for fake services.
How to protect yourself:
● Never grant remote computer access to strangers.
● Do not trust unsolicited pop-up warnings.
● Hang up on callers claiming to be tech support.
PHONY RELATIONSHIP SCAMS
Scammers pretend to be romantic interests, friends, relatives, or trusted individuals and ask for money.
How to protect yourself:
● Verify identities independently.
● Be suspicious of requests for gift cards or wire transfers.
● Stop communication if something feels suspicious.
DEBT COLLECTION SCAMS
Fraudsters claim you owe money and threaten legal action if payment is not made immediately.
How to protect yourself:
● Request written verification of any debt.
● Legitimate collectors cannot threaten arrest over the phone.
● Do not provide payment information without verification.
ONLINE CLASSIFIED LISTING SCAMS
Scammers overpay with fake checks, advertise fake rental properties, or create fraudulent pet sale listings.
How to protect yourself:
● Be cautious of overpayment offers.
● Verify rental properties independently.
● Never wire money to unknown individuals.
EXTORTION EMAILS
Victims receive emails claiming hackers have compromising photos or videos and demanding payment, often in cryptocurrency.
How to protect yourself:
● Do not respond to threats.
● Change passwords and enable security protections.
● Report suspicious messages.
GRANDCHILD IMPOSTER SCAMS
Scammers pretend to be grandchildren or family members in urgent situations and request immediate financial assistance.
How to protect yourself:
● Verify emergencies directly with family members.
● Never send money based solely on a phone call.
BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PHISHING
Scammers send emails or make phone calls pretending to be a financial institution. They claim there is suspicious activity and attempt to collect account information.
How to protect yourself:
● Never provide account information through unsolicited communications.
● Contact your financial institution using verified contact information.
● Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts.