At Mission Fed, we’re always looking out for your success. And that includes giving you tools and resources so you can help keep your personal information and accounts secure.
Online scams, quick money schemes or even a request from a friend or family member may compromise your information. Help protect your personal information and accounts by watching these common scam videos on our website and reading about them below.
Tax Scams
Your phone rings and the person on the other end says you owe money and better pay up quick with gift cards purchased at a local electronics store. What do you do?
Here’s one example of this common scam:
You get a call from someone identifying themselves as an IRS representative. They say you owe back taxes and there is a warrant out for your arrest if you don’t immediately pay them thousands of dollars.
The fastest way for you to pay them, according to the person on the phone, is to go to a local electronics store and purchase gift cards totaling the amount you owe.
You go buy the cards and then read them the gift card info over the phone to make your payment. And just like that, you’ve given the scammer funds that can’t be recovered and aren’t protected by your Debit or Credit cardholder benefits.
Think twice before giving someone you don’t know gift card info over the phone. And don’t be afraid to ask the people you know and trust at Mission Fed for help if you’re being asked to do something that doesn’t seem quite right.
ATM Skimming
Watch for signs of card skimming when you’re at the ATM and help protect your card information.
Card skimming is when thieves try to steal your card information and PIN when you’re doing a legitimate transaction, like an ATM withdrawal.
Here’s how to protect yourself and your information:
Try to use familiar ATMs, preferably in secure locations or attached to a bank or credit union. Stand-alone ATMs are easier targets for thieves to install skimming devices. If you stick to using familiar ATMs, you’ll also be able to tell if something about the machine seems wrong so you can report it to someone.
Cover your hand when entering your PIN. Skimmers have to steal your PIN by seeing you enter it via small cameras or someone watching you enter your PIN. Make sure to cover the PIN pad when entering your PIN, even if there isn’t anyone standing nearby.
Watch out for card skimming when you’re using the ATM. And please let a Mission Fed employee know as soon as possible if you think your card info has been stolen or compromised.
Computer Virus Scams
Scammers try to convince you to hand over your money by preying on your emotions, and one of their favorite tricks is to go after your computer.
Here’s an example of this kind of scam:
You’re browsing a website and a popup message appears saying that your computer is infected with a virus and all your data is in jeopardy of being lost.
In order to get rid of the virus, the message directs you to visit a website or dial an 800 number for computer support.
You enter your Credit or Debit card info on the website or give it to the fake computer technician over the phone and they pretend to fix the issue. Then they make other fraudulent charges with your card, hoping you don’t notice.
Think twice before replying to any messages on your computer instructing you to pay money for a quick fix. And don’t be afraid to ask the people you know and trust at Mission Fed for help if you think your card may have been compromised in one of these scams.
At Mission Fed, we put people before profit and we’re willing to invest in your security. Do your part to keep your information secure, and together, we can help keep your money and your identity safe. You can find more account security resources and our website.
The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. Mission Federal Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided. References to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name in this article by Mission Federal Credit Union is for the information and convenience of its readers and does not constitute endorsement, control or warranty by Mission Federal Credit Union.
