"SECURITY ALERT - URGENT"

If you receive an email from CSCU (Card Services for Credit Unions) asking you to take a short survey, please do not agree.  This survey is bogus and does ask for personal account information as well as plastic card information.  As you know, this type of information is kept on file; so, it is not necessary for the company to ask.

"The Lottery"

There is a Nigerian Mob Ring in Tucson, AZ, that stole company checks from KOJO Corporation and is randomly mailing them to individuals claiming that they have won the lottery.  Within the mailing is an explanation that the initial check is to cover taxes.  They indicate further that upon the reception of the proper account information, a larger check will be mailed to the individual.  Please do not give you account information to anyone who claims that you have won the lottery.

"Fraudulent Money Orders/Official Checks"

The Internet can be a wonderful place to locate information and to sell personal property (especially with Ebay).  However, it is imperative that you remain alert to any scams.  If you sell property via the Internet and the buyer sends you a money order or an official checks in excess of the purchase price with the request that you cash the check and send them the difference, please be wary of these terms.  In most cases, the money order or check will be from Nigeria and is fraudulent.  Please handle your selling carefully and protect yourself.

Phishing and Pharming - Internet Users Alert

Please clink on the link for more information and learn how to protect yourself from these common Internet scams.

"Camelia Charity"

We all like to earn a little extra cash now and then.  However, if you are approached by Michael Peterson with the Camelia Organization and the opportunity to become an Independent Contractor, just say no.  The deal is, Camelia sends you a check with the request that you send donations to various people via Western Union.  They also indicate that you receive 7% from every transaction for your services.  What they don't tell you is that the check is fraudulent (why would they?).  The Camelia Organization is located in the Netherlands...a definite red flag.  Remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

"Sweepstakes Winner"

Be very careful when prompted to enter a sweepstakes through the Internet.  While it may seem authentic, it may be just a way to obtain personal information from you.  This was the case with Drury, Inc.  An individual received a check from Drury, Inc. in the amount of $3,980.00 claiming he had won a sweepstakes.  In fact, the individual had actually entered a sweepstakes, but it is our belief that the entry was just part of the scam.  The check was fraudulent.  Sweepstakes entries are not like they used to be.

"Sweepstakes/Lottery Scam"

You are a Winner!  This scam leads you to believe that you have won the lottery...even though you never entered or applied.  You are notified of a large cash prize that can be claimed by depositing a check representing the tax and related fees.  The depositor is required to deposit the check and then wire the amount to a location that cannon be traced. The check is counterfeit and no winnings are ever disbursed.  Remember, if you did not enter the lottery; most likely, you did not win.  Also, never wire money to a location or person that is unknown to you.

"419" or Nigerian Letter

If you receive a letter or e-mail offering you the opportunity to share a percentage of millions just by helping the sender transfer the funds out of Nigeria, please do not reply and forward the letter to the U.S. Secret Service or FBI.  You will be asked for your financial institution's name, your account number, and other personal information.  This will result in identity theft, drained bank accounts, and large credit card balances.  Please do not share any of your personal information with anyone unknown to you.

 "Secret Shopper Scam"

 If you are contacted by the Consumer Research Program offering you the opportunity to become a Secret Shopper....just say No.  This is a scam.  They will most likely ask you to purchase an item and return it to the store within 30 minutes of the purchase.  Then, you will be asked to purchase and take home a different item of your choice.  Finally, you will receive a check in the amount of $3,950.00 to cover all outlined expenses and your payment.  You will be required to wire $3,440.00 to the fraudulent company.  By the time the fraudulent check is discovered, it's too late.  You have already lost your money.  Be careful when conducting business on the internet; there are too many dishonest people in the world.

Classified Ad/Internet Purchase

Are you about to cash a check from an item you sold on the Internet, such as a car, jewelry, etc?  If you can answer YES to any of these questions, you may be getting SCAMMED.

• Is it the result of communicating with someone by email?
• Is this person creating a sense of urgency that just doesn't feel right?
• Did it arrive via an overnight delivery service?
• Is it from a business or individual account that is different from the person buying your item or product?
• Is the amount more than the item's selling price? 
• Are they asking you to wire/send the difference back to them or to a third party (i.e. "the shipper")?

Please take a moment to analyze the situation before getting caught up in a scam.  If your not sure, contact the credit union at 301-729-8015, we are happy to help you.   Remember, if it is too good to be true, it's probably a SCAM!

ALERT!!!!   If you receive an a telephone call from the "Bureau of Criminal Investigation" (name of caller:  Mac Johnson) claiming that you owe a loan, please do not give them your social security number or account number.  THIS IS A SCAM & THE LOAN IS NON-EXISTENT!  If you have any questions, please contact the credit union at 301-729-8015.  Thank you.

ALERT!!!!   If you receive an automated telephone call telling you that your Visa Check/Debit card has been de-activiated, do not enter your 16-digit card number to re-activate the card.  THIS IS A SCAM!  If you have any questions, please contact the credit union at 301-729-8015.  Thank you.