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3 Red Flags of a Scam
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You're contacted and urged to act now.
Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or messages, especially if they claim you've won a prize, inherited money or are eligible for a deal you didn't sign up for. Scammers often initiate contact out of the blue and lead with a sense of urgency that you must 'act now.'
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Your personal information is requested.
Legitimate organizations don't request sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or messages. Don't share your Social Security number, bank account details or passwords.
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You have to pay an upfront fee.
Scammers often ask victims to pay an upfront fee or to send gift cards for a promised benefit. However, after the payment is made, the promised benefit never materializes and the scammer disappears.
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Common Scams
Plain and simple - scams are downright harmful. They exploit trust, compromise personal and financial security and also can cause a huge financial loss for those that fall victim. It's crucial for you to be vigilant and to stay informed. At Copper State CU, we will do our best to bring you current and new online scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Employment Scam
Scammers post fake job postings or work-from-home opportunities.
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Spoofing Scam
Scammers send emails or text message with the goal of tricking you into clicking a malicious link.
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Tech Support Scam
Scammers pose as a technical support representatives and claim your computer is infected with malware.
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Romance Scam
Scammers create fake online personas to establish a romantic relationship with you.
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Lottery Scam
Scammers deceive you into believing you won a lottery or sweepstakes you did not enter.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scam
Scammers use Artificial Intelligence to clone voices impersonating family members or loved ones.
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Employment Scam
An employment or job scam is where an individual deceives you into believing you have secured a job or employment opportunity that does not actually exist or is not legitimate. These scams can take various forms, and a scammer often uses different tactics to exploit job seekers.
Scammer will post fake job advertisements on online job boards, websites or social media platforms. These jobs often promise high salaries, attractive benefits, and flexible working conditions to lure potential victims (such as working from home).
Be skeptical if a potential employer requests payment for job-related expenses. Legitimate employers typically cover these costs.
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Spoofing Scam
A spoofing scam is where the scammer disguises their identity to deceive the recipient. This can occur through various channels such as emails, phone calls or websites. The object is to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial details or personal information.
In email spoofing the scammer may make the email appear as if the message is coming from a trusted source, like a bank or a legitimate organization. This tactic aims to convince the recipient to click on malicious links, download malware or provide confidential information.
Phone number spoofing is where the caller ID is manipulated to display a fake number, often one that seems trustworthy. Scammers may use this technique to impersonate government agencies, banks, or other reputable businesses to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information or making fraudulent transactions.
Tech Support Scam
A tech support scam is where scammers attempt to deceive individuals into believing their computer has a serious issue or is infected with malware. The scammers typically pose as technical support representatives from well-known companies, antivirus providers, or even Microsoft.
Victims may receive unsolicited phone calls or see pop-up messages on their computer claiming their system is infected with viruses or malware and are given a number to call for assistance. Scammers then create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is required to fix the purported issues.
The scammer may request remote access to the victim's computer, claiming that they need to fix the problem. Once granted access, they can manipulate the system, install malicious software, or steal sensitive information.
After convincing the victim that their computer is fixed, the scammer demands payment for the supposed services rendered. Victims are often asked to provide credit card information or make payments through unconventional methods.
Romance Scam
A romance scam is where perpetrators create fake identities and build romantic relationships with individuals through online platforms, social media, or dating websites. The ultimate goal of the scammer is usually financial gain, and they often exploit the emotional connection and trust developed during the "relationship."
Scammers create a false identity, often using stolen photos and information from real individuals. They may present themselves as attractive, successful, and charming to attract potential victims.
Over time, the scammer invests in building a romantic relationship with the victim. They may share personal stories, express love and affection, and create a sense of intimacy to gain the victim's trust.
Once the scammer feels that the emotional connection is strong, they start to fabricate stories or emergencies that require financial assistance. Common scenarios include medical emergencies, travel expenses to meet the victim, or business troubles.
The scammer convinces the victim to send money, often through wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable methods. In some cases, the scammer may continue to request funds, leading to significant financial losses for the victim.
Lottery Scam
A lottery scam is where individuals are falsely informed that they have won a lottery or prize, usually accompanied by a request for payment or personal information to claim the alleged winnings. These scams often take various forms, such as fake lottery emails, letters, phone calls, or messages and they target individuals with the promise of a substantial prize or jackpot.
Victims receive communication, often through email, letter, or a phone call, informing them that they have won a lottery, prize, or sweepstakes. The message may claim that their entry was randomly selected, even if the person did not enter any such contest.
Scammers may ask the victim to provide personal information such as their full name, address, date of birth, and sometimes even financial details. This information is later used for identity theft or further fraudulent activities.
To claim the supposed winnings, victims are told they need to pay certain fees or taxes. Scammers may use various excuses for these payments, such as covering administrative costs or customs fees.
Some lottery scams involve sending the victim a fake check or money order. The scammer then asks the victim to deposit the check and wire a portion of the funds back, before the victim realizes that the check is fraudulent. In reality, there is no lottery or prize, and the scammer disappears with the money or personal information provided by the victim.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scam
An AI scam typically involves the misuse or misrepresentation of artificial intelligence (AI) to deceive individuals for fraudulent purposes. Scammers leverage the advanced nature of AI to trick people into providing personal information, making financial transactions or engaging in other activities that benefit the scammer.
With the rise of deepfake technology, scammers may use AI-generated content, such as fake videos or voice recordings, to impersonate individuals or manipulate multimedia content for fraudulent purposes. This could be used in various scenarios, including impersonating a loved one or family member claiming to need funds sent to get them out of a sticky situation. All the while your family member or loved one is not in distress and has no idea about the call you just received.
Think You've Been Scammed?
Here's What To Do:
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, taking prompt and appropriate action is crucial to minimize the potential damage and increase the chances of recovering lost funds or securing your personal information. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if you've been a victim of fraud.
1. Report to Law Enforcement
Contact your local law enforcement or the appropriate cybercrime unit to report the incident. Provide them with details of the fraud, including any communication you've had with the scammer and evidence of the fraudulent activity.
2. Contact Your Bank, Credit Union, or Credit Card Company
If the fraud involves unauthorized transactions on your bank account or credit card, contact your financial institution immediately. Report the incident, provide details of the transactions, and ask for guidance on how to proceed.
3. Change Passwords and Secure Accounts
Change your debit card PIN and passwords for all your online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, and social media. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to enhance account security.
4. Notify Credit Bureaus
Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
5. Review and Monitor Accounts
Carefully review all your bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts. Look for any unauthorized transactions and report them promptly. Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity.
6. File a Complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
File a complaint with the FTC directly by phone at 1.877.FTC.HELP (1.877.382.4357) or through their website. The FTC collects information that can help law enforcement agencies track and combat online fraud. You can also use the BBB's Scam Tracker. It's a free tool you can use to report or look up a scam.
7. Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report the incident to the IC3, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). You can file a complaint here.
8. Document Everything
Keep a record of all communication with the scammer, as well as any evidence of the fraud. This documentation can be valuable for law enforcement and financial institutions.
9. Be Wary of Follow-Up Scams
After being a victim of fraud, you may be targeted again by scammers offering assistance or claiming to recover lost funds. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and only communicate with trusted authorities.
10. Educate Yourself
Learn from the experience to avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future. Stay informed about common scams, practice online safety, and be skeptical of unsolicited communications. A great place to start is Banks Never Ask That. This website allows you to learn the signs of a scam, watch informative videos and even take a quiz to see if you think the pretend scenario is a scam or not.
If you are unsure about the appropriate steps to take, consider seeking advice from legal professionals, your bank, or law enforcement. The key is to act quickly, report the incident to the right authorities and take measures to secure your financial and personal information.
Spot a Scam in 1 Minute or Less
Be Aware Online
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We want you and your loved ones to stay safe when using the internet, especially if they are elderly. The National Council on Aging has a great website that will teaches warning signs of scams and shows you tips on how to avoid the popular ones.
While browsing the internet, also check out the AARP Fraud Watch website. It's a free resource on getting guidance from fraud specialists if you've been targeted.
Dispute and Debit Card Fraud
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Need a new debit card due to it being lost/stolen or suspect fraudulent activity?
Please call us at 623.580.6000 and select option 6.
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How to dispute a debit card transaction?
For cardholder support, please call 623.580.6000 and press option 6.
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How do you change your PIN?
Please call 623.580.6000 and select option 6. Debit cardholders will need to know their current PIN in order to change it.
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When can you expect your new debit card?
Once a new debt card has been ordered, expect your new card to arrive within 7-10 business days. Select a brand new personalized PIN to help keep your debit card safe.
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Together We Can Fight and Prevent Fraud
Trust your instincts. It's always better to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of a situation rather than falling victim to a scam. If you have any doubts, consult with friends, family, or professionals and report suspicious activities to authorities right away. Scammers are constantly evolving, and new tactics may emerge.
Stay ahead of the scammers by checking out Scam Spotter. It's a website put together by the Cybercrime Support Network and Google. A good rule of thumb:
If an offer or opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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