Fraud Alert: Protect Your Econo​mic Impact Payment

Scammers and identity thieves are trying to take advantage of those receiving a stimulus check.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent calls, texts, and emails coming from scammers pretending to be with the Social Security Administration, IRS, Census, USCIS and the FDIC. These fake government messages are telling people they are approved for quick relief payments or cash grants due to COVID-19.  Do not reply to these messages or requests for personal information, they are fraudulent.

Stimulus Payment Scams – What to Watch For
Another round of Economic Impact Payments means more stimulus payment-related scams. Here are a few things to watch for:

• Text messages and emails about stimulus payments – Scammers use text and email featuring malicious links to steal personal information or load malware onto your device. Don't fall for it. The IRS will not contact you by unsolicited text email or phone to discuss your stimulus payment.
• ​​You are asked to verify financial information – Again, the IRS will never call, text, or email to confirm personal or financial information. If information needs to be verified, you will be directed to an IRS web page.
• Fake checks sent by mail – If you receive a check for an unusual amount, or it requires verification, be wary. Scammers mail fake checks for an odd amount and ask you to call a number or verify information online to cash it. If you receive a check that seems suspicious, contact the IRS.
• Offers for faster stimulus payments – Claims offering payment faster through a third-party is a scam. All stimulus checks will come from the IRS.
• Payment request to get your check – No one ever has to pay anything to receive a stimulus check.

​ What to Do if You're a Victim of Stimulus Payment Fraud
If you think you're a victim of a stimulus payment scam, the IRS suggests you​ report it to the IRS and FTC simulta​neously through IdentityTheft.gov. You can also contact the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free. Call 888-400-5530 or live-chat on the website.​​

Learn more about the latest stimulus scams.

For more information about the Economic Impact Payments and how Wright-Patt Credit Union is here to help, click here.​

Federal Agencies Warn of Emerging COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies have worked hard and fast to bring the world a viable COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately fraudsters and scammers are working just as quickly to use public interest in the vaccine in several emerging fraud schemes.

As COVID-19 vaccination begins, the FBI and Department of Health and Human Services is warning the public to be aware of potential indicators of fraudulent activity, including:

• Any advertisements for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
  
• Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
  
• Unsolicited emails, texts or calls requesting personal information to determine your eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials
  

For more information, read the FBI press release or download this convenient flyer: Avoid COVID-10 Vaccine Scams​.

​Check Scams and "Spoofing" Attempts on the Rise

Financial institutions in Southwest and Central Ohio – including Wright-Patt Credit Union – have recently seen an increase in cases of check scams and “spoofing.”

Check Scams

At WPCU, we have seen a rise in check and money order scams, including the “Car Wrap Scam." If you receive unsolicited checks or money orders in the mail, especially any relating to Car Wrap Ads please contact our Member Help Center at (800) 762-0047 and report the fraudulent activity to the FTC. As reminder, do not share any personal or account information with an unknown company or person. For more informa​tion about this scam click here. ​

​"Spoofing"

"Spoofing" is when a fraudulent caller deliberately falsifies the information displayed on your caller ID to disguise his or her identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used for fraudulent activity or sold illegally.

Answering a Call From Wright-Patt Credit Union

If you answer a call appearing on your Caller ID from Wright-Patt Credit Union and the phone number (937) 912-7000 (or any phone number for that matter), and the caller is seeking personal information such as account number, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, passwords, debit/credit card numbers, PIN or CVV numbers, expiration dates, etc., hang up and call Wright-Patt Credit Union directly at (937) 912-7000 or (800) 762-0047 and use our phone navigation menu to reach our Member Help Center or the person/department who called you.

As a reminder, Wright-Patt Credit Union will never call or email asking you to provide us your personal or account information. However, in some cases, we may contact you asking to confirm recent transactions on your account to help identify potentially fraudulent activity.

Receiving a Voicemail from Wright-Patt Credit Union

If you receive a voicemail that displayed on your caller ID as Wright-Patt Credit Union and the phone number (937) 912-7000 or (800) 762-0047 (or any phone number for that matter), return the call to (937) 912-7000 or (800) 762-0047 (regardless of the number the caller asked you to call back) and go through the phone navigation menu to reach our Member Help Center or the person/department who called you. DO NOT call any other number provided by the caller.

For more helpful fraud prevention tips, click here.​

​Don't Fall Victim to COVID-19 Scams

Many people are vulnerable right now as they experience financial concerns from job layoffs and reduced hours. Cybercriminals are using this time to create new email and phone scams promising extra money in an attempt to steal your personal information and your money.

Example of COVID-19 Email Scam

Scammers are claiming to be a bank or credit union employee offering free money to help their customers. To access the funds, the recipient is asked to provide their online banking credentials, ultimately giving scammers full access to their account.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: John Doe Member <YourEmail@email.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: My email
To: mark smith marksmith23@abcmail.com

Who gave you permission to change my email address??

On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 2:36 PM ​​mark smith <marksmith23@abcmail.com> wrote:

​I'm a banker.. with a credit union bank… due to the COVID-19 we are given out help to people to sustain there needs..

And avoid going out but stay at home..this money is free and we notice not all people knows about this but few citizens..

​​Government Relief Checks
Scammers are also contacting people saying they can help them get their government relief check early. This is not true!  Do not respond to texts or emails about relief checks from the federal government.

How do I stay protected from scams?

• Be on the lookout for phishing emails that at first glance appear to come from a trusted source, yet after closer inspection, contain typos and use poor grammar. In addition, never click on unknown attachments, links or provide personal identifiable information via an unsecure website.
• Be cautious of emails and phone calls offering unexpected or unprompted information or in which the sender/caller requests your personal information.
• When searching for information about the COVID-19, only use reputable source​s su​ch as the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
• If you receive an automated phone call, do not press any numbers, simply hang up. Scammers use illegal robocalls to try and obtain your personal information.

As a reminder, if you suspect any fraudulent activity, please contact our Member Help Center at (800) 762-0047 and report the activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible.

COVID-19 Relief Scams Awareness

With the increasing impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on our communities, there have been reports that the U.S. government will soon be sending relief funds by check or direct deposit. It is important to understand that the details of such a relief program are still being worked out. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) predicts scammers are starting to take advantage of this.

Please remember:

1. The U.S. government will not ask you to pay anything up front to receive funds – no fees, no charges.
2. The U.S. government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number.
3. This program is not yet approved. Anyone telling you they can get you money now is trying to scam you.

If you suspect a scam, please contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

To keep up to date with the latest Coronavirus-related scams please visit www.ftc.gov/coronavirus.

​

Cybercriminals are Taking Advantage of the Rising Concerns about the Coronavirus

With the increasing concerns regarding COVID-19, or the coronavirus, cybercriminals using this time to create scams and attempt to steal your personal information or infect your devices with harmful malware.

For example, there has been a recent report of a fraudulent email that appeared to be from the CDC Health Alert Network claiming to provide a list of local cases. To access the list, recipients were instructed to click on a link in the email and then input personal information.

How Do I Stay Protected?

1. When searching for information about the coronavirus only use reputable sources such as the U.S. Center for Disease Control or the World Health Organization.
2. Be on the lookout for phishing emails that at first glance appear to come from a trusted source. Never click on unknown attachments, links or provide personal identifiable information via an unsecure website.
3. Be cautious of emails and phone calls offering unexpected or unprompted information or in which the sender/callers requests your personal information.
4. Not all advertisements are created equal. Social media companies are cracking down on ads spreading coronavirus rumors, however, some false ads may make it through their filters. It's best to find information on the disease from official sources like the U.S. Center for Disease Control or the World Health Organization.

As a reminder, if you suspect any fraudulent activity, please contact our Member Help Center at (800) 762-0047 and report the activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible.​