Fraud Protection Resources
We take security very seriously. We know you do too. If you have questions please contact us at 207-221-5000.
Be wary of those contacting you requesting your full account information, card numbers, login credentials, PINs, or other personal information.
Scam Scenarios: What to Know & What to Do.
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Phone Number Spoofing
Scammers can mask their caller ID and impersonate a trusted contact, financial institution, or a government agency.
Scenario: A member receives a phone call from “Evergreen Credit Union”.
The scammer asked if they had made a purchase for a laptop from eBay.
To appear legit, the fraudster asked if they had shared their card information with anyone. The scammers then assured the member they would receive a new card within 24-48 hours.
The spoof caller told our member their current debit card was still active for personal transaction, but blocked for online use...RED FLAG! If a card is deactivated, it will not work.
What you can do if you think you're being spoofed:
- You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information.
- Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security Numbers, maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
- If someone contacts you claiming to represent a company or government agency and requests personal information, do not provide it. Instead, hang up and verify the authenticity of the request by calling the phone number listed on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the official website of the company or agency.
- Use caution if you are being pressured for information.
Government Imposter Scam
Government agencies WILL NOT call, email, or text you asking for money or personal information!
Scenario: A fraudster is claiming to be an IRS agent. They call you and sounds official, and the caller ID may even show “Internal Revenue Service.”
The caller tells you that you owe unpaid taxes for the past two years. They claim if you do not pay immediately, the IRS will issue a warrant for his arrest and seize his bank accounts.
How to Avoid a Government Imposter Scam:
- Don’t wire money, send cash, or use gift cards to pay someone who says they are with the government.
- Don’t give your financial or other personal information.
- Don’t trust your caller ID. Your caller ID might show the government agency’s real phone number or even say “Social Security Administration.”
- Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or text messages. Scammers may send emails and text messages that look like they’re from a government agency.
Social Security Scams
Fraudsters might call, email, text, write, or message you on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They might even be using a name of someone who works there.
Scenario: You receive a call from someone claiming to be an agent from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller ID may even show "Social Security" to make it seem legitimate.
The caller tells you that your Social Security number has been “suspended” due to suspicious activity, and all her benefits will be frozen unless you verify your Social Security Number for them.
Social Security Will Never:
- Message or call you through social media!
- Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay money to them immediately.
- Suspend your Social Security Number.
- Pressure you to share financial or personal information.
- Ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or by mailing cash.
- Threaten to seize your bank account.
- Demand secrecy.
Internet, Email & Text Fraud
Emails or text messages from a fraudster may appear to be from a know financial institutions, credit card company, or online store such as Amazon. Scammers will request personal data like your login name or SSN to verify your account or “update your payment information”.
Scenario: You receive a text message claiming to be from Amazon. The message reads:
“Amazon Alert: Suspicious login attempt detected on your account. Click here to secure your account:”
You may be worried about your security and hastily click the link. The mink takes you to a website that looks just like Amazon’s login page. They ask you to enter your login information. And because it appears very legitimate you do so.
The next day you see many unauthorized charges on your debit card and realize you have been scammed.
What to Do?
- NEVER provide any personal or financial information such as your Social Security Number, account number, or passwords over the internet unless you initiated the contact.
- NEVER click links provided in an email or text message without checking the email address / telephone number it came from OR if you believe it to be fraudulent.
- Be mindful and watch out for red flags like misspellings, or old logos of “trusted” companies.
Medicare / Health Insurance Scams
Some fraudsters will call you and impersonate Medicare or a legitimate health agency.
Scenario: Someone is calling to tell you your Medicare card is invalid and is claiming you need a new Medicare Number and card. They tell you your Medicare will be suspended if you do not update your payment information.
What to do?
- Never share your Medicare Number with someone claiming that they are a Medicare Representative. They already have your info.
- Questions? Call Medicare. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Computer Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters will try and fool you into thinking your computer has a virus, or needs fixing. They want you to pay for tech support services you don’t need, or fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
Scenario: You receive a pop-up that appears legitimate from a trusted computer company that reads: "Critical Security Alert: Your computer has been infected with a virus! Call 1-800-555-5555 immediately for assistance.”
The message claims that if you don't call the number, or click the link provided, your personal data will be exposed, and your computer may stop working.
Worried about your cyber security you call the number provided and a "technician" answers the phone claiming to work for the computer company. They tell you they can fix your computer but needs to remote in and provide payment for the repair.
Later, you find out this technician was a scammer, and you have unauthorized charges to your account, as well as malicious software on your computer!
What to Do?
- NEVER click on a link or a button in a pop-up window. Always exit out of them using the "x" button in the top-right corner.
- Use your resources, visit a trusted cell phone store, or have a family member assist you.
- Legitimate companies will never reach out to you by phone, email, or text message telling you there’s a problem with your device.
- NEVER provide your personal or bank account information.
Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
Scenario: You receive a call, email, text, send a social media message, or piece of mail claiming you've won!
Warning Signs:
- You won something you don't recall entering to win.
- You need to provide some form of payment for the so called prize.
Romance Scams
Scammers will use real dating apps or websites to trick people that are looking for love or companionship. They strategically target divorced or windowed seniors.
Scenario: You join an online dating website and start talking to someone who is charming, and makes you feel special. You text, and have phone calls daily, building a connection.
After a few weeks they tell you the project they are working on is delayed because they unexpectedly ran out of funds for materials. They ask you for a loan and promise to pay you back ASAP. You comply and wire $3,000.
Once you send the money, your messages stop, and you can no longer reach the person you built a connection with.
You finally realize you were never going to meet this online charmer and you're out $3,000.
How to avoid a romance scam:
- Limit what you share online. Do not list personal or financial information on dating apps or websites.
- Do your research on the person your talking to.
- Listen to your gut...If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
The Grandparent Scam
This happens when a scammer impersonates a family member. They may claim to be in danger, or in a scenario where you need to pay fees, fines, or ransoms to help them.
Scenario: You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandson and then tell you not to tell anyone they’re calling you.
He says he's gotten into some trouble and doesn't want anyone to know. He may even start crying. He goes on about how he traveled to Europe and ran out of funds.
Once he gets you to believe he's your grandson, he asks you to wire $5,000 to his friend's account that he met overseas.
What to Do?
- Hang up and contact your family or loved ones.
- Report it to local authorities if you feel necessary.
Charity Scams
Scenario: Scammers will ask for donations to an organization that does not exist and pocket any money obtained.
What to Do?
- Only give to established charities that you trust.
- Do your research on any new, unheard-of non-profit or charity organization before donating to them.
- NEVER give out your bank account or personal information.
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Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones.
Below are some links to help you safeguard against fraud.
