Fraud Alerts & Protection

If It's Too Good to Be True, It's Probably a SCAM!

A report from the Identity Theft Resource Center revealed that in 2017 there were 1,579 data breaches that exposed 179 million records containing personal information. Identity theft was the most popular outcome from these data breaches.

Identity theft can be challenging to recover from. At Meijer Credit Union, we reduce the chance of fraud by protecting our members' personal information and monitoring account activity. We also educate members and the community on how to protect and prevent themselves from being a victim of fraud. Keep visiting our website for up-to-date scams and information.

Recent Scams and Fraud

For the most recent scam alerts, visit the Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Information page.

What to Watch For

Phishing emails, phone scams, and SMS (text) attacks are popular ways that fraudsters can get your personal information. These red flags will let you know if an email, phone call, or text message is linked to fraud:

Phishing emails

  • Phishing emails are used to gain access to personal information through tricking the recipiant into providing personal information. 
  • Make sure you know who sent an email and that it is a trusted source before you open an attacment or click on a link.
  • If you are not sure or if something looks suspicious don't open it until you can verify the sender.

Phone Scams

  • You don't recognize the phone number
  • The caller poses as a credit card company, the IRS, or Medicare and threatens incarceration and lawsuits
  • They request you to verify your Social Security Number or bank account number by dialing the numbers.

SMS Attacks (Text)

  • You don't recognize the phone number
  • The sender asks for account numbers, passwords, or PINs
  • The message prompts you to click on a link

 

NOTE: Your financial institution, the IRS, and other government agencies will NEVER call, text, or email you to demand immediate payments, or ask for credit/ debit card numbers or Social Security Number.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Use strong passwords and change them every 4-6 weeks.
  • Never give out your personal information over the phone, text message, or on unsecure websites. This includes Social Security Numbers, birth date, credit card PIN number, online banking passwords, and bank account numbers.
  • Set up debit or credit card alerts.
  • Shred documents with personal information that you no longer need.
  • Check your credit score once a year for any discrepancies.

What to do if you are a victim of fraud

These are some signs that you are a victim of fraud:

Here are the steps to take when you are a victim:

No longer getting bills (utilities or medical bills)

  • You are being billed for purchases you didn't buy
  •  Bank statements have unauthorized transactions
  • Your tax return is rejected

1. Contact the companies where you know fraud occurred and have them freeze your accounts.

2. Change logins, passwords, and PINs for your accounts

3. Place a fraud alert on your credit report

            1-888-397-3742

            1-800-680-7289

            1-888-766-0008

4. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

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