A new analysis from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that fake financial institution fraud warnings were the most common form of text message scams reported to the agency in 2022 – nearly twenty times the number since 2019. These texts are designed to create a sense of urgency, often by asking people to verify a large...
Category: Fraud Prevention
Looking for a job? Never pay to get one.
You got the job! Work from home and earn top dollar. They already sent you a big check to buy supplies. (“Send us whatever is left, probably around $1,000,” they said.) If your alarm bells are clanging — great. This dream job has earmarks of a job scam. Last year, tens of thousands of people reported...
No, that’s not the IRS texting you about a tax refund. It’s a scam.
IRS impersonators have been around for a while. But as more people get to know their tricks, they’re switching it up. So instead of contacting you about a tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up, scammers may send you a text about a “tax rebate” or some other tax refund or benefit. Here’s...
Beware of the Google Voice scam
If there’s one constant among scammers, it’s that they’re always coming up with new schemes, like the Google Voice verification scam. Have you heard about it? Here’s how it works. Scammers target people who post things for sale on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. They also prey on people who post looking for help...
How to recognize a phone scam
Telephone scammers impersonate people they believe you know or trust. They pretend to be attorneys, police officers, creditors, and even credit union representatives by spoofing phone numbers from known sources. It may even look like a credit union number on your caller ID screen. The con artist claims there is a time-sensitive issue that requires...
Fraud prevention begins with awareness
Keeping your financial and personal information secure is a top priority at DuTrac. From text alerts for our checking account debit cards, to credit cards with chip-enhanced technology, we are constantly working to provide the latest fraud protection tools and services. DuTrac Community Credit Union will never: call, email, or text asking you to provide your online...
Secure your accounts and devices
By making a few changes to your devices and accounts, you can maintain security against outside parties’ unwanted attempts to access your data, as well as protect your privacy from those you don’t consent to sharing your information with. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your information online. Keep Your Account Secure Never...
Don’t fall for the imposter scam
What the imposter looks like: Someone asks you to buy gift cards or send money How the imposter convinces you to send money: A scammer might use different ways to convince you to send money. The scammer might say: There is a security problem with your computer You owe taxes to the IRS You won...
Webcam hacked? Who could be spying on you?
It is easier and more common that you think. Any device you use that has a camera could be taken over: your computer, tablet, and smartphone are all at risk. How do they gain access? Webcams are an amplified risk because they can record video without users being aware. This is called webcam hacking or is also...
Be alert for money mule scams
Here’s how they work: Someone might offer you a job. Or say you’ve won a sweepstakes. Or start an online relationship with you. Whatever the story, next they want to send you money – and then ask you to send it on to someone else. They often say to wire the money or use gift...