Recently DCFCU members have reported various fraudulent attempts to obtain financial information and we would like to make you aware of them so that you can keep your money safe from scammers.
These scams are known as "phishing" and usually involve a phone call, e-mail or text message that appears to come from a trustworthy source. These phishing scammers will ask you to visit a seemingly genuine website or call a phone number that looks to be authentic. In both instances you will then be asked to give personal financial information such as credit card numbers, account numbers and passwords, PINs, and social security numbers.
Please know that you will never be asked by your credit union to provide confidential information by phone, e-mail or text message. Never reply to a request for financial information over one of these devices. If you are ever unsure of a request that is being made, call the credit union directly at 313.386.2200 or 800.837.1080, or come into any branch and talk with a Member Services Representative.
Also be on the lookout for these common financial scams:
Foreclosure Rescue
Some people in danger of foreclosure can be taken in by promises to save their homes. In reality, these schemes can cheat the victim out of mortgage payments or even the deed to their house in exchange for "negotiating with lenders."
Some people in danger of foreclosure can be taken in by promises to save their homes. In reality, these schemes can cheat the victim out of mortgage payments or even the deed to their house in exchange for "negotiating with lenders."
Hidden Bankruptcy
Though bankruptcy itself is legitimate, it comes with serious consequences to your credit. Some less reputable companies will hide the fact that they are offering bankruptcy with claims to "consolidate your bills."
Though bankruptcy itself is legitimate, it comes with serious consequences to your credit. Some less reputable companies will hide the fact that they are offering bankruptcy with claims to "consolidate your bills."
Fake Debt Collectors
The U.S. government has issued warnings regarding fake debt collectors calling people at home and work and threatening arrest or fines if a debt does not get paid. Out of fear, some victims will pay the fake collectors money that they don't even owe.
The U.S. government has issued warnings regarding fake debt collectors calling people at home and work and threatening arrest or fines if a debt does not get paid. Out of fear, some victims will pay the fake collectors money that they don't even owe.
Credit Repair
Credit Repair Agencies claim to have a quick and easy way to repair your credit for a large sum of money up front. Officials at the Federal Trade Commission have yet to find a Credit Repair Agency that has actually fixed a damaged credit report.
Credit Repair Agencies claim to have a quick and easy way to repair your credit for a large sum of money up front. Officials at the Federal Trade Commission have yet to find a Credit Repair Agency that has actually fixed a damaged credit report.
Advance Fee Loans
People in need of a loan are told that they can get one regardless of credit history, if they pay several hundred dollars in advance.
People in need of a loan are told that they can get one regardless of credit history, if they pay several hundred dollars in advance.
Foreign Letters
A person from another country, claiming to be a government official from that country or a long lost relative of a multi millionaire that just passed away, offers to give you a large sum of cash. They ask for a couple hundred, or some cases thousands, of dollars to cover the expenses of wiring the fortune to your bank account. In the end, there is no fortune and the scammers have your money, and likely, your bank account number.
A person from another country, claiming to be a government official from that country or a long lost relative of a multi millionaire that just passed away, offers to give you a large sum of cash. They ask for a couple hundred, or some cases thousands, of dollars to cover the expenses of wiring the fortune to your bank account. In the end, there is no fortune and the scammers have your money, and likely, your bank account number.
Home-based Businesses
As unemployment rises, these schemes involving tempting offers of big earnings while working from home are becoming increasingly common. You'll be required to pay a "start-up" fee in exchange for what is usually worthless literature, if you get anything.
As unemployment rises, these schemes involving tempting offers of big earnings while working from home are becoming increasingly common. You'll be required to pay a "start-up" fee in exchange for what is usually worthless literature, if you get anything.
Re-shipping Scams
A foreign company or business man posts an ad seeking someone to inspect electronics from home. These goods have been stolen using fake credit cards, and all evidence will point to you should a police investigation ensue.
A foreign company or business man posts an ad seeking someone to inspect electronics from home. These goods have been stolen using fake credit cards, and all evidence will point to you should a police investigation ensue.
