It is easier and more common that you think. Any device you use that has a camera could be taken over: your computer, tablet, and smartphone are all at risk. How do they gain access? Webcams are an amplified risk because they can record video without users being aware. This is called webcam hacking or is also...
Category: Fraud Prevention
Be alert for money mule scams
Here’s how they work: Someone might offer you a job. Or say you’ve won a sweepstakes. Or start an online relationship with you. Whatever the story, next they want to send you money – and then ask you to send it on to someone else. They often say to wire the money or use gift...
Phishing scams and how to spot them
In this scam, you receive a pop up, an email or text message or even a phone call that appears to be from a legitimate company or financial institution, asking you to “update” or “verify” personal information. In one of the variations, you might receive an email that appears to be from the IRS about...
Investment scams and what to know
Because you might be planning for retirement, several investment scams have targeted individuals looking to safeguard their cash. From pyramid schemes, like the one that made Bernie Madoff infamous, to stories of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of...
Buyer Beware: Homeowner Scams
Scammers like to take advantage of people who own their homes. Unfortunately, this valuable asset increases the potential dollar value of specific scams. Scammers send personalized letters to different properties, apparently on behalf of the County Assessor’s Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, identifies the property’s assessed value and...
Sensitive information scam
Sometimes your might receive emails warning that your sensitive personal information is being sold in the shadowy marketplaces of the dark web. Some emails list the stolen information, like all or part of the person’s Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license number. If you receive one of these emails, take steps to...
Sweepstakes and lottery scam
This simple scam is one with which most credit unions are familiar. In this one, scammers inform a member that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. However, they must make a payment to cover the taxes before they can collect the winnings. To lend credibility to the scam, people will often be sent a...
Tech support scam
Scammers often pose as support or service representatives, offering to resolve issues related to a compromised email, a virus on your computer, or even a software license renewal. These scams usually start with a phone call or a pop-up warning of a computer problem that gives a number to call. The scammers often claim to...
Smash and grab on the rise
There is a surge of “smash-and-grab” thefts from parking lots at retail stores, event centers, parking ramps, sports fields, wedding venues, and more. Perpetrators smash your window and grab your purse, wallet, or phone. The thief will use the stolen items (checks, ID, credit card, debit card) to access your financial information. This can lead...
Applying for jobs? Be on the lookout for scams.
You might have just graduated from college, but there’s still more to learn when you’re on the job hunt. Not every posting or job recruiter is legit. Learn how to spot the scams. We’ve been getting reports about a scam that starts out with a job recruiter reaching out to ask for your resume. Sounds...