We are advising our members to be on alert for text message and phone scams currently in circulation claiming to be from your Credit Union or Credit Union Card Services team! Below is an example of a scam text message.
How does the scam happen?
- You may receive a phone call and/or text message which creates a sense of urgency in relation to a ‘suspicious payment’ from your account or other security issue.
- The text message will let you know that someone from your Credit union or Card Services team will be contacting you shortly and may be on a private number.
- The text message may also use a name(eg. Kieran McMahon will contact you shortly) to create a sense of security
- In some cases you may receive an authorisation code and be asked to give the code over the phone to the fraudster– This will give the fraudster access to your account!!
- If you receive a fraudulent call the number may mimic the genuine number of the bank or credit union. If you find yourself on a suspicious call, the fraudster will try to get personal, financial and security information.
- The fraudster may imply that if you don’t act immediately, it will have negative consequences, for example, that money will be lost from your account.
- The fraudster may even advise you to delete your mobile banking or credit union app and ask you not to log into your bank or credit union accounts for a period of time. In order to make you believe this instruction
- The fraudster may ask you to confirm personal details over the phone.
What should you do if you receive a suspicious text message?
- Do not use phone numbers provided within the text of a text message. Contact your bank or credit union using the number on the back of your debit / credit card or your bank or credit unions main contact number.
- Do not reply to unsolicited text messages or provide personal or financial information.
- Do not click on a link or attachment from unsolicited emails or text messages.
- If someone is pressurising you on the phone to take urgent action, hang up and call the number on the bank or credit union of your debit / credit card or your bank or credit unions main contact number.
- Never give away personal information, bank or credit union debit card payment details, bank or credit union account details or security details such as your PIN or online password to anyone.
- Block the sender of a suspicious email or text message and delete the message.
- Contact your bank or credit union immediately, if you think you have responded to a scam text message or phone call.