Fraud Education & Awareness

Scammers can be scary and convincing, but once you know their tricks it’s a lot easier to protect yourself.

Scammers can be convincing, especially if you're caught off-guard by an “emergency" phone call, email or text message. However, paying close attention to the things scammers say — and how they say them — can give you clues about their real intentions.

Here are just a few things scammers say to get you to give them your personal or account information:

1. “We need you to provide your login so we can 'verify' your account."
   Remember, legitimate organizations, including WPCU, will never request log-in or account information over the phone. This is a scam. Don’t respond!

2. “You have a large pending transaction. Click here to confirm."
   If you're notified about a mysterious charge you didn't make, pause and remain calm. Scammers want you to panic and act quickly without thinking things through. Don’t click provided links. Contact us directly instead.
3. “This is your credit union. Respond NOW or your account will be locked!"
   Scammers can “spoof" phone numbers and email addresses to make them seem like legitimate sources, including WPCU. Remember, we will never threaten to close or suspend your account if you don’t provide personal or account information.

For more common things scammers say to separate you from hard-earn money, click here.

What scams should you watch for this season? Protect yourself from fraud with helpful tips from WPCU.

Between high school and college graduation, travel and other activities, it's prime time for scammers! 

Watch out for these common scams:

• Fake Job Offers — New college grads are often targeted by fake job scams. Be skeptical and steer clear of offers that seem too good to be true.

• Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams — Watch for “surprise” scholarships that ask for your personal or financial information.
• Travel Scams — Be wary of last-minute deals or “free vacation” offers. Don't pay for tickets until you have all the details.

Read more about the latest scams and tips to protect yourself from them.

Fraudsters are targeting members with fake texts and calls. Be vigilant and learn how to protect yourself.

Along with many other financial institutions, Wright-Patt Credit Union is continuing to see a rise in fraudulent attempts to gain unauthorized access to member accounts.

Fraudsters are contacting members via text messages and phone calls falsifying information to make it appear the texts and calls are from Wright-Patt Credit Union.

If you receive a text, call or email appearing to be from Wright-Patt Credit Union, do not do any of the following, no matter how legitimate, convincing, or urgent the request is.

• DO NOT click on any links
• DO NOT call any numbers provided
• DO NOT enter any personal or account information, i.e., username, password, or security code into a website the text takes you to.

Delete the text or hang up the phone immediately and call Wright-Patt Credit Union directly at (937) 912-7000 or (800) 762-0047 or visit our website at WPCU.coop to log into Online Banking.

Click here to view examples of fraudulent texts and the fake WPCU site.

Cybercriminals are at it again – using fear, panic, and now cryptocurrency as part of a new scam to prey on the vulnerable. Be vigilant and learn how to protect yourself.

Cybercriminals are at it again—using fear, panic, and now cryptocurrency as part of a new scam to prey on the vulnerable.

WPCU has been made aware of a scam involving “Bitcoin ATMs.” The devices, which turn cash into cryptocurrency, have been popping up all over Southwest and Central Ohio.

Scammers are using Bitcoin ATM machines to take people’s money and deposit it directly into their own digital wallet. The fraudsters send urgent, fear-evoking messages with pop-up windows on PCs, emails and texts, telling members that either:

1. Their personal information has been compromised (e.g., their Account or Social Security Number).
2. There is a billing or payment issue with a common third party they may have dealings with, like PayPal or Amazon.

Then direct the member to call the number (fake) on their screen—within the pop-up window, email or text.

Once the member calls the number, they are instructed to move their money to a "safe account" while their account with us is being investigated. In the most recent cases, the scammers are giving specific directions to deposit withdrawn their cash into a local Bitcoin ATM—as a result, the funds go directly into the scammer digital wallet.

Do NOT fall for it. WPCU will never do this. 

WPCU will never direct you to deposit your money into any other third party account. Remember, these scammers can be convincing, and use fear, urgency and scare tactics to get you to comply. 

If you receive this warning via a Pop-up banner on your computer, in an email or text message, do not call the number provided on the screen. It’s a scam, attempting to steal your hard-earned money.  Instead, contact your local authorities. This is an attempted cybercrime and should be reported accordingly.

Do you know the risks of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps and platforms? Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe and secure.

1. Only Pay Those You Know
   Remember, payment apps are designed for sending money to people you know and trust, not strangers. Not all platforms offer protections to help you get your funds back once you send it, so be sure to verify details such as the username, phone number and email address before sending money to someone.
2. Secure Your Login
   In addition to a strong, unique password, set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your P2P account if possible. This gives your account an extra layer of protection to prevent hackers and cybercriminals from accessing your money and information.

3. Keep an Eye On Your Accounts
   It’s always a good idea to check your personal financial accounts at least once a week to watch for fraudulent transactions. If you use a P2P app or platform regularly, one tip is to transfer the money you receive into your checking or savings account instead of storing a balance within the app. This will make it easier to track your funds and spot any suspicious activity.

1. Monitor your accounts regularly for any unusual activity. WPCU Online and Mobile Banking make it easy to view all your accounts, balances and transaction history information. Learn more here.
2. Request and review your official credit report 3x per year. You can get a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.

3. Don’t share personal information, such as your Social Security number, account numbers, passwords, etc., online, over the phone, or via text message.
4. Create challenging passwords to make it difficult for others to get into your online accounts and change your passwords every 60 days.

Scammers are posing as familiar sources — including credit unions! Learn how to spot the signs and keep your information safe.

1. Watch for “Phishy” Emails
   In Phishing scams, cybercriminals use email to impersonate trustworthy sources like credit unions and trick their victims into revealing personal or financial information. If you receive an email that asks you to verify, update or secure your account by providing your username or password, account numbers, credit card information or any other personal or financial information, be suspicious. This is something scammers do!
2. Hang Up On Phony Callers
   Scammers can also “spoof” caller ID to make it seem like a call is coming from your credit union. If you receive a call out of the blue asking for (or demanding) your personal or financial information, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, hang up and call WPCU directly to find out if the call was legitimate.

3. Text with Care
   Text messages are another way scammers are posing as credit unions and targeting unsuspecting victims. These phony text messages may prompt you to click a link to secure your account or respond to confirm a credit or debit card charge. Pause and think before you click or respond. Again, contact the source directly to find out if they were trying to contact you.

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a reminder to watch for the signs of elder abuse — including financial abuse. Here are a few red flags to look for.

1. Unusual financial activity
   Changes to an older adult’s usual financial patterns may be a sign they’re a victim of financial abuse or fraud. Examples of unusual activity might include making large, frequent cash withdrawals, depositing unfamiliar checks, maxing out credit cards and even transferring money or buying excessive gift cards to send to a new “friend.”
   
   At Wright-Patt Credit Union, we take a proactive role in securing our elderly members’ accounts and identifying changes in their usual financial behavior, including their check-writing patterns and account activity.
2. Mood or personality changes
   Pay attention if an older adult begins to isolate and withdraw from their family and friends. This could be a sign they’re experiencing emotional distress due to fraud or financial abuse. Simply checking up on elderly neighbors and loved ones can make a big difference in preventing fraud.

3. Sudden updates to important documents
   Financial abusers may convince older adults to add their names to legal documents — such as wills, trusts or power of attorney documents — in order to gain control of their assets and make financial decisions on their behalf.

   If you suspect or know an elder who is being taken advantage of financially, don’t hesitate to speak up. Use the Eldercare Locator to find local help and services. You can also report any type of fraud to the FTC.

Use the following tips to protect yourself against fraud.

1. Never give out account information, including your PIN, online, over the phone, or via text.
2. Don’t respond to unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or emails asking for personal information.
3. Change your personal login information every few months.
4. Review and monitor your accounts at least 2 to 3 times per week using WPCU’s Online or Mobile Banking.
5. Set up email or text alerts through WPCU’s Online Banking to notify you of account activity.

6. Before using ATMs and other card-reading devices, ensure they have not been tampered with. A simple tug on the card-reader will do the trick.
7. Review copies of your credit report annually to check for inaccuracies. You can contact the three major credit bureaus to place a freeze on your credit at no cost.
8. Use caution when sharing personal information online and ensure the website is secure.
9. If you receive a check through the mail, make sure you know the person sending it.
10. If you’re unsure about any activity on your accounts, contact WPCU right away.

Use the following tips to protect against identity theft.

1. Shred printed documents that contain your personal data such as checks, mail, bills, or tax documents before throwing them away.
2. Monitor accounts and credit reports regularly for any unusual activity. You can get a free copy of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
3. Don’t share personal information, such as your Social Security number, online, over the phone, or via text message.

4. Create challenging passwords to make it difficult for others to get into your online accounts and change your passwords every 60 days.
5. Make sure the websites you use to shop or share personal information are secure to prevent hackers from accessing identifying information.

Follow these tips to use cash transfer apps safely and prevent fraud.

1. Always verify who you're sending money to. Money transfer apps like Venmo and Cash App are not required to refund the money you've paid, even if you accidentally send money to the wrong person.
2. Only send money to people you know and trust. Scammers will often use cash transfer apps to carry out their schemes.
3. Use a secure, private Wi-Fi network to transfer money with cash payment apps. On a public Wi-Fi network, hackers can access your financial and personal information.

4. Set up extra layers of security on cash transfer apps. Requiring a password, PIN or fingerprint scan to send money can protect you if your device is stolen.
5. Be aware of surprise fees. Some cash transfer apps charge fees to process payments from credit cards.
6. Adjust your privacy settings. Many apps automatically make transaction activity public. Make sure you're comfortable with the information you're sharing.

Protect your devices from fraud with these 10 quick tips.

1. Secure your smartphone, tablet or computer by setting a strong password. If your smart devices has a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition, use these features for extra security.
2. Always lock the screens on your devices when they are not in use.
3. Change your passwords every 90 days and use a complex combination of letters, numbers and symbols–not birthdates or name!
4. Don't share passwords with anyone, including family.
5. Use anti-virus software and firewalls to prevent malware attacks. Always keep your device's software and systems up to date.

6. Look for apps and programs that are slowing your system's performance. This could be a sign of a malware attack.
7. Use camera covers to block your camera on your laptop to protect you if a cybercriminal gains access to your device's camera system through a spyware attack.
8. Turn off your device's location tracking service when you don't need it for extra privacy and security.
9. Log out of online banking accounts or apps when you're not actively using them.
10. Don't save passwords directly to your smartphone, tablet or computer. If you have trouble remembering your passwords, use a password keeper app to place them in a secure space.

Stay safe while using an ATM with these tips.

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Look for an ATM in a safe, well-lit location. If you don’t feel comfortable, find a different ATM in a safer spot. 
2. Inspect the ATM for signs of tampering. Push and pull on the card reader and keypad. If anything feels loose or broken, do not use the ATM. Call the financial institution that operates the ATM to notify them of the problem. 

3. Keep your card safe. Have your card ready to use when you approach the ATM. Be sure to retrieve your card after completing your transaction. 
4. Protect your PIN. Use your hand to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN to prevent others from seeing what you type. 
5. Monitor your accounts. If you notice any unusual activity, contact your financial institution right away. 

Top tips to keep your information secure.

1. Keep your debit and credit cards in a secure, safe place when you’re not using them.
2. Use your 4-digit PIN and chip card technology whenever possible. These create additional safeguards and make it difficult for someone to steal your information.
3. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. When sharing your card or account information online, only use secure websites. Look for the lock symbol in the address bar and check that the web address begins with ‘https’ (the s stands for ‘secure’).
4. Create complex passwords for your online accounts, and change your passwords at least every 90 days.

5. Set up Online and Mobile Banking to pay bills and avoid sharing your account information in multiple online environments.
6. Avoid tossing items containing your personal information, such as old credit cards or billing statements, directly in the trash. Shred them or use one of the confidential bins available in any Wright-Patt Credit Union Member Center to safely dispose of them.
7. Monitor your accounts at least once a week to spot unusual transactions. Get a free annual copy your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
8. Stay informed on the latest data breaches by visiting FTC.gov. 

Follow these tips to protect against mail fraud.

1. Keep your mail secure by installing a locking mailbox.
2. Check your mail daily; don't leave your mail unattended for days at a time.
3. Take note of any missing mail, especially bills.
4. Instead of leaving checking in your mailbox for pick-up, use WPCU's Online Bill Pay.
5. Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity and unauthorized charges.
6. Check your credit reports annually for signs of identity theft.

7. Shred confidential mail and old checks, or use one of WPCU's free certified bins for safe disposal.
8. When going out of town, place a hold on your mail at the post office until you return.
9. Be suspicious of package deliveries that you didn't order - this could be an early sign of identity theft.
10. Before using a public mailbox, check for signs of tampering. If you see any suspicious activity near a mailbox, report it to authorities.

Protect against scams targeting students and young adults with these quick tips.

1. Set your social media profiles to private and only connect with users that you know personally.
2. Avoid oversharing on social media. Don't give out personal information that could be used to steal your identity, such as your address, Social Security number or phone number.
3. Do not accept job offers that require an upfront payment. These offers are likely a scam.
4. When shopping online, use secure, reputable websites with good reviews.

5. Monitor your financial accounts regularly and report any unusual charges, which can be an early sign of identity theft.
6. When searching for scholarships, use free resources and steer clear of offers that ask for an upfront payment. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
7. Watch out for emails, social media posts and messages promising "easy money" if you cash a check or money order or provide your financial information. Many get-rich-quick offers turn out to be money-laundering scams.
8. Be leery of suspicious posts advertising limited-time offers or unbelievable deals. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Tax season is prime time for scams. Protect your tax refund and your personal information with these tips.

1. File your tax return as early as possible. If a scammer has your personal information (like your Social Security number), they may try to file a fraudulent tax return in your name and claim your tax refund. By filing early in the season, you prevent someone else from filing in your name. Plus, you’ll get your refund sooner!
2. Watch out for IRS impersonators. Scammers often pose as IRS officials hoping to trick people out of their money or personal information. If someone contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from the IRS and demanding payment or information, be wary. The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message or social media. If you’re unsure, don’t respond. Call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040 to see if they were actually trying to reach you.

3. Protect your information online. Look out for suspicious emails that appear to be from tax preparers, tax software providers and other reputable sources. Scammers will send these phishing emails in an attempt to steal your personal or financial information. Clicking on unfamiliar links or attachments could take you to a fraudulent website portal or download malware onto your device.
4. Choose a tax preparer wisely. Do your research and choose a reputable tax professional who has cybersecurity measures in place to protect your information.
5. Request to receive your tax refund as a direct deposit. This way, criminals can’t steal your refund check from your mailbox or redirect it to their address.

School’s out for summer, and kids of all ages are online! Read these tips for a refresh of cybersecurity basics.

1. Keep Personal Information Private
   It’s important to teach kids that their personal information — such as their full name, usernames, passwords and Social Security number — is valuable and should always be kept private. Minors are often targeted online by identity thieves who use stolen information to open credit cards, apply for loans and commit other crimes. The fraud can go on for years undetected, often until the child’s credit history is reviewed. Placing a “freeze” on a child’s credit is one way to help prevent this type of identity theft.
2. Spot the Signs of a Phishing Scam
   It’s not too early to teach kids how to spot the common signs of a scam, including phishing scams designed to “fish” for their personal and financial information. Remind your kids to never click on unfamiliar links they may come across when searching online or via emails, social media and even text messages. Scammers often use fear tactics or phony offers or contests to trick young people into clicking links or providing their information. Most importantly, talk openly with your child about their online activity and encourage them to come to you if they have any questions.

3. Be Smart on Social Media
   Setting strong privacy settings on social media platforms or enabling parental controls on apps can help keep kids safe on social media by limiting what they can see and do — including accepting friend requests or messages from strangers. Remind your kids that anything they put online becomes part of their “digital footprint,” so they should always be careful about what they write, post and share.

Protect yourself by learning the common signs of a scam. 

1. You’re contacted unexpectedly. Many scams start with a call, letter, email, text or social media message out of the blue. 
2. You’re asked to provide personal or financial information. Never send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request. If you’re unsure, contact the source directly. 
3. You’re pressured to act quickly. Scammers want to rush you into making a decision before you have time to think it through. Always slow down and think before you click, act or respond. 

4. You’re asked to use untraceable payment methods. Scam artists may ask you to send them money by wire transfer, gift cards or cash to receive a “prize” or payment. But once the money is sent, it’s gone for good. 
5. It sounds too good to be true. If an offer or request seems suspicious, steer clear. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Online scams are more common than ever. Cybercriminals frequently use email and social media to access consumers’ financial data or personal identifiable information.

Common online scams:

• Phishing and Smishing: Phishing occurs when scam artists pose as trustworthy sources, including banks or credit unions, and ask for your personal or financial information over email. Smishing uses the same tactics but via text.
• Hacking and data breaches: Cyber criminals use technology to breach the information systems of businesses and steal consumers’ personal data, including credit and debit card information. 

• Sweetheart/Dating scams: Scammers create phony profiles on legitimate dating websites and take advantage of relationships formed with their victims to obtain money or personal information

How to protect yourself:
Always think before you click, respond, react, or share your personal information online. Make sure your devices are updated with firewalls and anti-spyware to prevent hackers from accessing your information. When it comes to online dating websites, stick to larger companies with a positive reputation and beware of interactions with users from overseas. Many scammers operate from outside of the United States. Monitor your accounts and credit reports frequently to check for unusual data. 

Scammers may also target their victims in person to access their money, financial data, or personal information. 

Common in-person scams:

• Charity Fraud: Scammers go door-to-door soliciting donations for phony charities. Charity fraud frequently occurs during awareness months or after natural disasters.

• Card Skimming: Card skimming occurs when a criminal attaches a phony card-reading device over the real card-reader, often at an ATM or gas pump. The device is equipped with recorders that capture the information from your card.

How to protect yourself:
Always research charities to verify the legitimacy of the organization before making a donation. To check for skimmers, give the card-reading device a tug and look for signs of broken seals around the card-reader. 

Scammers may contact victims over the phone posing as reputable sources and request money or personal identifiable information. 

Common phone scams:

• Vishing: Scammers make phone calls or leave voice messages posing as reputable sources, such as banks or credit unions, and ask individuals to provide account details or personal information.
• Tax, debt, or bill collector scams: Scammers call pretending to be from the IRS or collecting agencies and make demands for money for a past due debt or taxes, often in a threatening manner. 

How to protect yourself: 
Don’t respond to unsolicited phone calls asking for your personal information, and never give out your account information, including your PIN, over the phone. Always research opportunities, charities and travel packages on your own, separate from potential calls about them. If you’re unsure about a phone call, remember that it’s okay to hang up! If you believe you have been the victim of an IRS impersonation scam, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). You can also register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry online or by calling 1-888-382-1222. If you still receive telemarketing calls after registering, there’s a good chance that the calls are scams. 

Mail fraud refers to any fraudulent scheme or activity carried out with the use of United States mail. Mail fraud is a federal crime.

Common types of mail fraud:

• Mail theft: Criminals commit mail theft by placing a sticky substance in mailboxes to retrieve letters, cards, and packages. The thieves then sort through the mail to steal checks, cash, gift cards, and documents that contain personally identifiable information.
• Sweepstakes and lottery fraud: Scammers send out letters congratulating an individual on winning a prize for a lottery or sweepstakes contest that they never entered. The scammers try to trick victims into sending or wiring money upfront for fees or taxes in order to receive their winnings.

How to protect yourself:
To avoid mail theft, empty your mailboxes daily and don’t send cash or gift cards through the mail. If you’re traveling, ask your local post office to hold your mail until you return. Sign up for WPCU’s Online Bill Pay instead of mailing checks to prevent mail fraud. WPCU also offers free certified bins for members to safely dispose of their confidential mail and checks, helping to prevent the risk of fraud. Finally, remember that you cannot win a contest or lottery that you did not enter in the first place. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is!

In many scams, criminals ask their victims to send them money using a wire transfer service. Wire transfers happen quickly, and once the money is sent, it can be difficult to recover lost funds.

Common wire transfer scams:

• Work at home scams: Consumers are offered a part-time job where they are asked to deposit checks into their personal accounts, keep a percentage as commission, and wire the rest to their “employer.” The checks are often fraudulent and the consumer is held responsible for check fraud. 

• “Grandparent” scams: Con artists contact their targets posing as a relative in need of immediate help and ask their target to send money via wire transfer. These scammers often take advantage of the elderly by posing as a grandchild.

How to protect yourself:
Never wire money to someone you don’t know. If a relative asks you to send money via wire transfer, call other family members to confirm if the story is true.