We all know there are phishing schemes and con artists always trying to get our personal information.  To help you decipher what is real and what is a scam, we are providing a list of items that we have sent to some members recently.  If you received something that is not on this list, check our list of common scams and phishing schemes that are out there.  When in doubt, call us directly at 1.800.639.5550 or 207.772.0808 to make sure you aren’t being conned.  Remember NEVER give personal identification information or financial account information over the phone unless you initiated the call or you know the caller.  NEVER, EVER put personal identification information or financial account information in an email or a cell phone text. 

I received an email from TruChoice in July 2011 offering me a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card in exchange for my feedback on a loan application.  REAL

I received an automated call from TruChoice saying I need to enter my credit card number for activation.  FRAUD  TruChoice does not call members about activating credit or debit cards.

I received an email IRS.gov saying my tax payment was rejected.  FRAUD  On June 21, 2011, the IRS updated its announcement that people have been receiving fraudulent emails that appear to be sent from the Internal Revenue Service.  Some bear the name of fictitious IRS employees, departments, or both.  The warning noted that phishing emails, such as these, frequently carry attachments or links to Web pages that host malicious code and software, which should not be opened or visited.  IRS asked that fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from IRS be sent to phishing@irs.gov. Source: IRS

I received an email from NACHA (@nacha.org) about my accounts.  FRAUD  On April 22, 2011, the Electronic Payments Association said that it has been receiving reports that individuals and companies continue to receive fraudulent emails that appear to be sent from NACHA.  NACHA said the content of the emails varies, but they mistakenly appear to be transmitted from email addresses associated with the NACHA domain (@nacha.org). Some bear the name of fictitious NACHA employees, departments, or both.  The warning noted that phishing emails, such as these, frequently carry attachments or links to Web pages that host malicious code and software, which should not be opened or visited.  NACHA asked that fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from NACHA be sent to abuse@nacha.org. Source: CUNA News Now

I received an email from TruChoice saying this is an important notice regarding standard overdraft protection. The government has changed its regulations regarding standard overdraft practices . . .
REAL  As the email states, due to a change in regulation, we are required to ask you to Opt In.

I received a letter from TruChoice asking if I want to Opt-In to overdraft protection services
REAL  As the letter states, due to a change in regulation, we are required to ask you to Opt In.

When I logged into TruClick, a pop-up asked me to Opt-In to overdraft protection services.
REAL  As the letter states, due to a change in regulation, we are required to ask you to Opt In.

I received an email from Allegiance, Inc. with subject line TruChoice FCU: Make your voice heard
REAL  This is a legitimate survey that is being administered by Allegiance on behalf of TruChoice. 

I received a survey with the TruChoice logo and MemberPulse by Allegiance at the top
REAL  This is a legitimate survey that is being administered by Allegiance on behalf of TruChoice.  Please complete the survey using the online link provided to help us reduce costs. 

 

POPULAR SCAMS:

 

I received a text message saying my account has been locked and I should contact a toll free number immediately.

I received a call or email saying my account has been locked.

I received an email from alerts@mail.visa.com saying my card had fraudulent activity and I need to fill out an online Visa Card Holder Form.

I saw an ad on Craig’s List saying I could get money for referring new credit union members.

I received an email with the subject line “Rejected ACH Transaction”.

I received a call saying I had won a lottery that I don’t remember entering.

A stranger asked me to deposit a check and wire them the money. 

My US Census asked for my social security number and banking information.

A foreigner contacted me about helping him move his money into a US bank account.