member alerts
SC Telco Federal Credit Union will not ask for personal information such as online credentials, account numbers or card numbers through email, voice or text messaging. If you have concerns that you may have compromised your personal information, please contact us immediately.
06/18/2013
Money Smart for Older Adults: Prevent Financial Exploitation
With over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older, Older Adults are prime targets for financial exploitation both by persons they know and trust and by strangers. Financial exploitation has been called “the crime of the 21st century” with one study suggesting that older Americans lost at least $2.9 billion to financial exploitation by a broad spectrum of perpetrators in 2010.
A key factor in some cases of elder financial exploitation is mild cognitive impairment which
can diminish an older adult’s ability to make sound financial decisions.
This epidemic is under the radar. The cases tend to be very complex and can be difficult to
investigate and prosecute. Elders who lose their life savings usually have little or no opportunity to regain what they have lost. Elder financial abuse can result in the loss of the ability to live independently; decline in health; broken trust, and fractured families.
Awareness and prevention is the first step. Planning ahead for financial wellbeing and the
possibility of diminished financial capacity is critical. Reporting and early intervention that
results in loss prevention is imperative.
Money Smart for Older Adults is issued by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). It is designed to provide us with information and tips to help prevent common frauds, scams and other types of elder financial exploitation in our community.
Click here to view Money Smart for Older Adults.
03/28/2013
Phishing Alert
NCUA has detected an online phishing scam that attemps to persuade consumers to provide their debit card account numbers. The intended victim receives a telephone call from an unknown number with an automated message identifying itself as the National Credit Union Administration. The message informs the consumer that her or his debit cards has been deactivated, and then instructs, "to reactivate, press 1," and "please enter your 16-digist account number."
Consumers should be aware this is not a call from NCUA, and if they receive it, should notify NCUA’s Fraud Hotline, toll-free, at 800-827-9650 or 703-518-6550 in the Washington, DC area.
02/11/2013
Tax ID Theft: One million fraudulent returns expected
WASHINGTON (2/5/12)--Although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has tepped up efforts to spot fraudulent tax returns filed by thieves, expect an explosion in tax identity theft--and know that the burden falls on you to protect yourself (Kiplinger's Jan. 28).
According to a recent national Taxpayer Advocate report to Congress, tax-related ID theft has increased 650% since 2008 (Dailyfinance.com Jan 25.) About 940,000 tax returns were filed fraudulently during the 2011 tax year, and the number is expected to reach one million for the 2012 tax year. The sudden boom has caught filers and tax experts off guard.
Scammers hope to beat you to the punch and file before you do. They steal year-end statements, W-2s and other documents containing personal information to file a return in your name. Their preferred method of receiving your refund is prepaid cards because they're just like cash.
Avoid becoming a victim:
--Monitor the mail. Watch for your W-2, 1099, and other tax forms. Follow up with the financial institution if you haven't received the forms and ask when they were mailed. If you suspect fraud, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, ext. 245.
--Ignore IRS emails, texts. The IRS does not use e-mails or texts to contact you, so don't respond. If you click on an attachment that purports to be from the IRS, it may contain a virus or take you to a fraudulent site. Forward suspect e-mails to phishing@irs.gov.
--Watch for pop-ups. When filing taxes online, be suspicious of out-of-place pop-ups or a slow-running computer.
--Secure your refund. Choose direct deposit to avoid lost or stolen checks.
--Send your return safely. File online if you can. If you file by mail, never put your return in an unsecured mailbox, an office mailbox, or outgoing mail bin at work. The envelope says "tax return" and can easily be snatched. Take the return directly to the post office and use certified mail.
--Choose preparers carefully. Scammers may pose as tax-preparation companies offering to review your return for errors, but instead they steal your information and your refund. Verify the status of the preparer's license with the Better Business Bureau and the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility at opr@irs.gov. Don't sign your return if the preparer didn't sign it, or if the return is incomplete.
12/03/2012
Malware extorting ransom money under IC3 name
Cybercriminals using the Citadel malware platform to deliver Reveton ransomware are deploying a new extortion technique. The most recent version of the ransomware uses the name of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to frighten victims into sending money to the perpetrators.
Besides creating a fear of prosecution, the malware claims the user's computer activity is being recorded with audio, video and other devices, IC3 said. IC3 is an interagency web site that tracks cybercrimes and frauds.
The mailware lures the victim to a drive-by download web site, and installs the ransomware on the user's computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen displays a warning that the user has violated U.S. federal law. The message declares that a law enforcement agency has determined that a computer using the victim's internet provider address has accessed child pornography and other illegal content.
To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine with prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user's personal computer determines what payment services are offered. In addition to installing the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can commit online banking and credit card fraud.
"This is not a legitimate communication from the IC3, but rather is an attempt to extort money from the victim," said IC3's web site. Users receiving such messages or something similar should not follow the payment instructions.
Instead, IC3 suggested they should:
- File a complaint at www.IC3.gov
- Keep operating systems and legitimate antivirus and antispyware software updated
- Contact a reputable computer expert to assist with removing the malware
09/18/2012
Bogus "Refund Pending" emails targeting PayPal customers
Fake PayPal notifications about a bogus refund are hitting inboxes around the world, trying to trick users into following the offered link and supposedly log into their accounts in order to receive it:
Unfortunately for those who fall for the ruse, the link will take them to a page that looks like PayPal's login page, but is actually a fake one mimicking PayPal's, and all the information submitted into it gets forwarded directly to the phishers behind this scheme, who can then use it to hijack the victim's PayPal and probably even gain entrance to other online accounts.
"PayPal is a favorite target of phishers, probably because payPal does conuct so much of its business via email," says Hoax-Slayer.
"But, PayPayl will never send you an unsolicited email that asks you to verify or update your account by clicking a link. Or by opening an attachment as in some variants of these phishing scams. And PayPal will never send you a message that includes a generic greeting such as 'Dear Customer'. Official PayPal emails will always address you by name."
09/04/2012
Scams Follow Disasters, Warns Agencies
Several federal and state agencies and consumer groups have issued warnings to consumers to beware of scams that typically occur after a natural disaster--both in the affected areas and across the country. Credit unions should be alert to two fo the most popular: charity donation scams and home improvement loan scams.
The Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Financial Protection Board and several state agencies all have issued alerts to consumers. Credit unions, especially in states that have flooding from Hurrican/Tropical Storm Isaac, should also be alert to members withdrawing or transferring funds to possible fraudulent entities posing as charities and home repair specialists.
Because credit union employees and members tend to be "people helping people," they could be at risk for encountering scam artists posing as charities collecting funds for victims in a disaster area. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Chicago has warned consumers to fully check out anyone soliciting donations (The Sacramento Bee Aug. 31). The bureau particularly warned consumers to avoid donations pitches that come through e-mail and to be wary of claims that 100% of the donation will go to victims. All charities have expenses, said BBB.
The FTC has advised people to: donate to charities they know and trust; ask if a caller is a paid fundraiser, who they work for and what percentage of the donation goes to the charity and the fundraiser; avoid giving out the charity before donating to it.
Home and business repair contractors may be fraudulent if they:
- Are unable or unwilling to provide proof of licensing, bonding and insurance
- Insist on full payment or a large down payment before beginning work or pressure the consumer into signing a contract
- Offer a great deal because of materials "left over" from a previous job or offer a discount for finding other customers.
Other common scams, according to information from the Office of the Attorney General in Bismarck, ND, include:
- Form completion services. Advise members to avoid people who charge a fee to help them complete a disaster assistance form for agencies such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Federal Emercengy Assistance Agency (FEMA). These services are provided free by FEMA and the American Red Cross.
- Phony inspectors. Advise members to verify the credentials before letting anyone in the home and to ask for a telephone number to confirm teh inspector is working for an authorized agency.
-Government grant offers. Members hould be told to be aware of entities that offer "free grant money" for flood repair or disaster relief. A true grand is free and doesn not require ufront fees or repayment. Advise members to check with a regional or state economic development office to learn about grant programs they may be eligable for. Local social service agencies can also provide information or assistance.
-Advance fee loans. It is illegal to charge an up-front fee for a loan. Tell members to ignore any company that "guarantees" they will receive a loan. Scamsters will charge a processing fee, then promise to find a lender. Members should check to see if the "lender" is registered with the state department of financial institutions in order to lend funds in the state.
-Water testing and purifiers. Warn members to avoid offers for "free" home water testing or be skeptical if an in-home "test" indicates they have unsafe water. They can monitor local news media for instructions from health authorities regarding water safety and purification or they can contact their local public health authority directly.
06/20/2012
From CUNA Mutual:
Fraudsters continue to use automated phone calls (referred to as robo-calls) to obtain personal and/or credit/debit card information from credit union members. The automated phone calls play a recorded message informing members their credit or debit card has been blocked. Some members receive these calls at their place of employment.
Ongoing member education is critical to prevent their accounts from being compromised through this scam. Members should simply hang up when they receive a phone call asking for personal and/or financial information no matter how urgent the message may seem.
Risk Mitigation Tips
- Advise members to never respond to any telephone call requesting personal or financial information
- Educate members to take caution when visiting social media web sites and sharing personal information
-Instruct members receiving this type of call to report it to the following:
1) Credit Union
2) Federal Trade Commission (877) 382-4357
3) Phone Carrier - Landline or Cell Phone provider
- File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission at
http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
- If a member responds to such a call by providing account or card information, close or block the accounts to prevent fraudulent transactions.
06/27/2012
The BBB Warns: New Scam Claims President Obama Will Pay Your Utility Bills
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a nationwide warning about a new scam claiming that President obama will pay your utitlity bills through a new federal program.
How the scam works:
Consumers have been contacted through telephone calls, flyers, social media and text messages with claims that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.
To receive the money, scammers claim they need the consumer's social security and bank routing numbers.
In return, customers are given a fraudulent bank routing number to pay their utility bills through the automated telephone payment service.
The payment service initially "accepts" the payment but then declines it within a few days when the bank account number is discovered to be fake.
The BBB has these tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
- Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting to who calls you, regardless of whom they claim to be representing.
- If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
-Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
- always think safety first. Do no give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.
For more information about identity theft scams, please visit the Better Business Bureau.
06/08/2012
Caution: Bogus RE/MAX Listing Alerts Seek E-mail Logins
Please be advised of a recent phishing scam, which exploits the RE/MAX brand in an effort to gain consumers’ e-mail login credentials.
Consumers have received generic, one-line e-mails, which appear to be sent from the recipients’ known contacts - and sometimes even from “@remax.com” or “@remax.net” addresses - that advertise property listings. The subject lines for these e-mails have been vague, such as “RE: Check New Properties Around You,” “RE: check out this remax listings in your area,” or, “RE: Hot Property Alert!” The e-mail does not address the recipient by name. A link to a web page is included, and at that page, such as shown here, the Internet user is asked to login with their webmail credentials in order to see a “secured page.” Do NOT enter your information. RE/MAX and other reputable organizations will never ask for your password or personal information via e-mail.
In general with online transactions, be cautious when clicking on ANY link in an e-mail you receive. If the landing page looks suspicious, do not proceed with the transaction. If you doubt the validity of any message or website, it is likely not legitimate. In addition, take a look at the address bar of your web browser to view which site you are on. If the address looks unfamiliar, do not proceed.
Please report any suspicious e-mail that features the RE/MAX name, RE/MAX logo, or RE/MAX hot air balloon to abuse@remax.net.
03/28/2012
Loan Payoff Scams
Financial Institutions are reporting increased "loan payoff scams." The scams typically follow a general pattern: someone makes contact with a borrower and promises a solution that will either erase their debt or that the debt can be discharged due to the U.S. Constitution.
According to the FBI, the checks have the following characteristics:
- 1. Are written in different colored ink;
- 2. Have the words “EFT Only,” “For the Discharge of Debt,” “Not for Deposit, EFT Only for the Discharge of Debt”, “Authorized Representative without Recourse” with a signature endorsement;
- 3. Checks are sent by U.S. Postal Service Certified mail with a “Notary Certificate of Services” letter included
The “con artists” are trained to win your trust in order to extract important information about you, your job, your home, and even your family. Victims who pay these scammers are falsely led to believe that their debt has been erased when, in reality, it hasn’t.
Tips to Avoid Loan Payoff Scams
- 1. Do not give money or sign any property or collateral over to anyone making “too good to be true” promises.
- 2. Check out the company with your local consumer protection office, Better Business Bureau, or the Attorney General’s Office.
- 3. If you witness this type of activity, please:
- - Contact us. We’ll work with authorities to investigate the possible scam.
- - Tell your family, friends, and associates about any scams you receive and how not to respond to it. Public awareness can help prevent fraud.
- 4. NEVER give anyone personal information through any channel unless the request is from a trusted source. If you’re ever in doubt, please contact us.
02/27/2012
WASHINGTON ((2/27/2012)--As credit unions help consumers with tax preparation under the Internal Revenue services' Volunteer Income Tax assistance (VITA) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) programs, they will need to make their members aware of a new list of tax scams released last week by the IRS.
The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who make $50,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
The EITC is refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families.
The IRS recently issued its annual Dirty Dozen ranking of tax scams so tax payers can protect themselves again schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.
The Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2012 include:
1. Identity Theft. Repsonding to growing identity theft concerns, the IRS has focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases. In addition to the law-enforcement crackdown, the IRS stepped up its internal reviews to spot false tax returns before tax refunds before tax refunds are issued. The agency also is working to help victims of the identity theft refund schemes.
2. Phishing. Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake web site that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. Tell members to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by e-mail to request personal or financial information.
3. Return preparer fraud. Questionable return preparers have been known to skim off their clients' refunds, charge inflated fees for return preparation services and attract new clients by promising guaranteed or inflated refunds. Tell members to choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer.
4. Hiding income offshore. While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, reporting requirements must be met. US taxpayers who maintain such accounts and do no comply with reporting and disclosure requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, and the possiblility of criminal prosecution, said the IRS.
5. "Free money" from teh IRS and tax scams involving Social Security. Scammers prey on low-income individuals and the elderly. They build false hopes and charge people good money for bad advice. In the end, the victims discover their claims are rejected. Meanwhile, the promoters are long gone.
6. False/Infalated income and expenses. Including income that was never earned, either as wages or as self-employment income to maximize refundable credits, is another popular scam, one that could have serious repercussions.
7. False Form 1099 refund claims. In this ongoing scam, the perpetrator files a fake information return, such as a Form 1099 Original Issue Discount (OID), to justifya false refund claim on a corresponding tax return. Members should be advised not to fall prey to people who encourage them to claim deductions or credits to which they are not entitled. Nor should they willingly allow others to use their information to file false returns.
8. Frivolous arguments. Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims to avoid paying the taxes they owe. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law, said the IRS.
9. Falsely claiming zero wages. Filing a phony information return is an illegal way to lower the amount of taxes an individual owes. Members should resist participating in any variations of this scheme. Filing this type of return may result in a $5,000 penalty.
10. Abuse of charitable organizations and deductions. IRS examiners continue to uncover the intentional abuse of charitable organizations, including arrangements that improperly shield income or assets from taxation and attempts by donors to maintain control over donated assets or the income from donated property. The IRS is investigating schemes that involve the donation of non-cash contribution.
11. Disguised corporate ownership. Third parties are improperly used to request employer identification numbers and form corporations that obscure the true ownership of the business. These entities can be used to underreport income, claim fictitious deductions, avoid filing tax returns, participate in listed transactions and facilitate money laundering, and financial crimes.
12. Misuse of trusts. IRS personanel have seen an increase in the improper use of private annuity trusts and foreign trusts to shirft income and deduct personal expenses. As with other arrangements, urge members to seek the advice of a reputable professional before entering a trust arrangement.
01/05/2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (1/5/12)--The California Department of Real Estate issued a mortgage fraud warning to consumers that credit unions can pass on to their members.
The department is advising consumers look out for mortgage relief, loan modifications, and foreclosure rescue scams perpetrated by fraudsters on financially strapped homeowners looking for a way out of trouble (American Banker Jan. 3).
One prominent tactic used by scamsters and third-party operators is to ask for an up-front fee from homeowners in exchange for promised reduced monthly mortgage payments. When the fee is paid, the con artists do little or nothing to procure the loan modification for the bilked homeowner, the Banker said.
More than 1,000 administrative actions for modification scams have been filed in the department's database since 2009, said the agency.
The most widespread action the department takes is the issuing of a desist-and-refrain order to shady third-party operators to stop their illicit activities.
It is not necessary for consumers to use third-party operators, because they may not enhance a homeowner's ability to obtain a payment modification--and may hinder working with the homeowner's mortgage servicer, said the California Association of Realtors. Any ads that claim to "stop foreclosure now" and offer "money-back guarantees," should be considered with caution, the association said.
Third-party fraudsters scan foreclosure notices in public filings and the news media to locate potential victims, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
01/04/2012
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued an alert on a new version of the Zeus Trojan called Gameover, which is distributed via spear phishing attacks aimed at commercial accounts and ultimately lead to account takeovers. Emails purporting to be from NACHA (The Electronic Payments Association) inform the victim organizations of a failed ACH transaction. The victim's computer is infected with the Trojan when they click on the link contained in the email.
Details:
Gameover is used to steal online banking login credentials and can defeat serveral forms of dual-factor authentication. Cyber thieves initiate large dollar wire transfers from the compromised accounts. The cyber thieves employ a number of tactics in this scam, including the use of money mules and distributed denial of service attacks (DDos).
After the cyber thieves initiate wire transfers out of the account, they conduct a DDos attack on the financial institution in attempt to take down the institution's web site. The FBI believes the DDos attack is used as a smoke-screen to deflect attention from the wire transfers.
The wires are transmitted to high-end jewelry stores, which is where the money mules come into play. The perpetrators contact the high-end jeweler with a request to purchase precious stones and high-end watches. The jewelry store is informed payment via wire transfer will be made and someone will come in to pick-up the merchandise.
Business members should no open emails purporting to be from NACHA. NACHA does not send emails directly to businesses or consumers.
12/29/2011
NEW YORK, Wis. )--Credit unions can help their members avoid becoming victims scams and rip-off attempts with some simple but smart tips.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has compiled a list of the five most malicious scams consumers are likely to encounter in 2012.
The Nigerian letter. In this advance-fee scam, someone unknown to the consumer offers promises of great riches. Lonely people in financial distress are usually targeted by scammers trying to take advantage of kindness generosity or greed. While this scam is old, new variations make it more effective in trapping the vulnerable and unwary. The questionable plea promising millions of dollars has been replaced by more clever approaches: a foreign business person trying to set up a domestic bank account, a parent trying to raise money to help free a hostage child, or a U.S. soldier trying to ship home war booty to help his dying mother. Data mining now allows the scammers to appear more legitimate by personalizing the messages.
Credit unions should advise their members not to respond these types of inquiries. Instead, members should delete any e-mails of this type and throw away any paper mail.
Exploitation through education. With this type of scam, fraudsters offer a "secret" system, manipulating the consumer's emotions while promising riches or easy success. Middle-agers and seniors looking to change careers are usually targeted. Scammers entice the education-seeking unemployed with promises to get rich quick with the secret plan, win a high-paying job with the streamlined schooling, or pass a test for a chance at a nice government job. Victims often learn little they couldn't find in their local library, but become burdened with thousands of dollars in bogus tuition and fees.
Credit unions should caution members to avoid making same-day decisions. Any career or education decision merits research and referrals.
Trumped up diagnoses of problems. Here, fraudsters exploit consumers' lack of expertise, their trust in authority and any critical need. Most consumers are cautious when an auto mechanic discovers a previously undetected, but expensive, car repair. The mechanic has personal interest in pointing out the pricey problem. That same conflict of interest now appears in other industries. AARP cited hearing specialists who hawk hearing aids and financial planners pitching a brand of mutual funds as examples of scams exploiting consumers' trust.
Credit unions should advise their members to separate the diagnosis from the product or service deliverer.
Facebook scams. An organization or person who doesn't know the consumer may attempt to "friend" consumers via Facebook, exploiting the trust of the "safe" social-network environment. While Facebook keeps people connected, the walled-off environment of filtered contacts that consumers have learned to trust has also led them to a false sense of security that scammers take advantage of. Once "friended," they link out of the safe environment to an external site where they can attack consumers viruses or pitched scam offers.
Credit unions should advise their members not to respond to or "friend" any person or organization that they do not know.
Phishing. In "phishing," a false entity asks for information it should already have--if it were the legitimate entity--and targets anyone with a bank or credit card account. Armed with consumers' names, addresses and phone numbers, phishers call or e-mail consumers with requests to "verify" other personal information such as Social Security number, credit card information and banking data.
AARP advises that the best defense to these scams is to avoid making quick decisions and divulging any personal information. Discuss any financial decision over $500 with a friend or relative, and take at least 24 hours to mull it over.
11/28/2011
MADISON, Wis. -- While the holiday season is the time of the year for shopping and sharing, it's also the time for online fraud and scams. Shopping and phishing scams, viruses and malware can turn good cheer into frustration with the click of a mouse. Education, as always, is the key to prevention.
Email scams may include these solicitations:
- Requests for upfront shipping fees before receiving an unsolicted package
- Requests for "Charitable contributions" from illegitimate sources
- Fake anti-virus software offers ("scareware")
- Fake social media "contests" and "promotions" for gift cards or free iPads
- Holiday "job offers" and travel scams offering free cruises
- Holiday e-cards from unnamed "friends" and relatives
Many financial-related phishing e-mails are designed to appear oriented as "verification of account information" e-mails that look like official communications from financial institutions, according to the Texas Credit Union League (Lone Star Leaguer Nov. 22). In the e-mails, receivers are solicited to "click a link" where they will be prompted to verify their account information, such as name and account number. While most consumers will ignore these e-mails, it only takes one click to make it worth while to the fraudster.
As communication evolves, social media platforms are increasingly becoming a target of fraudsters. A recent scam occurred at Southwest Airlines when cybercriminals disguised the scheme as a Facebook post that read, "I love Southwest." Visitors were asked to "repost" the ad on their news feed for "free tickets." But when they clicked, they were asked to take surveys, provide personal information and sign up for free "product" trials. There were no free tickets.
In instances of malware and/or viruses intrusions, some computer owners never know their computers are infected because some virus/malware can avoid virus software detection. Malware is becoming increasingly sophisticated because fraudsters are always working to stay one step ahead of authorities.
Earlier this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation dismantled an organized cyber network of eastern European criminals who used malware to target banner display advertising. The malware, which infected millions of computers worldwide, redirected users to websites that generated at least $14 million in fraudulent advertising fees. The malware was undetectalbe by virus software such as MacAfee. It would swap legitimate banner ads, such as those that appear on Amazon or Google, with phony ads that directed users to bogus websites soliciting personal information.
Take preventative measures to protect yourself. Take these steps:
- Do not follow unsolicited web links in e-mail messages or on social media platforms
- Take caution when opening e-mail attachements
- Maintain up-to-date antivirus software
- Verify charity authenticity through a trusted contact number
10/4/2011
Some of our members have received calls from a "National Protection Agency." They are claiming they have noticed suspicious activity online and need to verify with our members their account number and routing number. They are not mentioning SC Telco in their calls. The number that shows on the caller ID is (609) 599-3578.
10/4/2011
Phone authorized checks payable to I.B.C.G are being generated with the Saigon National Bank name printed on them and the routing and account numbers from actual accounts at other financial institutions. The victim may receive a phone call in connection with this check stating that they are being sued by a California bank. The details of the call are unclear as the caller has a heavy foreign accent and is difficult to understand. The phone number printed on the check is (866) 809-3402, which does not accept incoming calls. This is a nationwide scam and is not targeted specifically at our membership.