We have been notified by members

Below is the updated list of current scams. Please check back, this page is updated on regular basis.

Fraud Alert Issued (01/24/08):
Several Maine consumers, including some credit union members, in various parts of the State have reported being the target of an automated phone message that says that their financial institution has suspended their account(s) due to a national issue. It then gives two phone numbers for consumers to call (781) 583-7108 or (781) 583-7100, and asks for personal account and identification information. Consumers are urged NOT to give out this information and to call their financial institution immediately. The number that comes up on Caller ID is (912) 373-7478.

Fraud Alert Issued (01/24/08)
Several Maine consumers, including some credit union members, in various parts of the State have reported being the target of an automated phone message that says that their financial institution has suspended their account(s) due to a national issue. It then gives two phone numbers for consumers to call (781) 583-7108 or (781) 583-7100, and asks for personal account and identification information. Consumers are urged not to give out this information and to call their financial institution immediately. The number that comes up on Caller ID is (912) 373-7478.

** Jury Duty Scam - We have been informed of a new phone scam targeting the elderly. Members are receiving calls stating they have been selected for jury duty. The caller states the member can avoid serving if they supply their account & credit card numbers along with other personal information. The caller states the information is needed to assess a small fee that will excuse them from jury duty.

*** Overpayment Scams - According to the Better Business Bureau, law enforcement and other agencies, a new type of online scam for grant money has surfaced. This scam appears to be another version of the “overpayment scam”. Victims are solicited online regarding grants that may be available to them. These grants may be for education, debt relief, low income subsidy, or any other type of “financial aid”. Responding victims apply for their grant and are sent printed information along with a check, typically for $4,975.00. They are then directed to a website for instructions. The site instructs the victim to purchase a specific variety of stored value credit card (*GREENDOT Reloadable/MoneyPak) and load it with the grant broker’s “commission”. They are promised a second, larger check after the stored value card number is e-mailed to the broker. Of course, the card is quickly liquidated and the original check is later returned as counterfeit, or account closed. The websites reportedly used in the scam are: jqbank.com, grantchecks.com, beverlyhillsgrants.com and grantoutlet.com. The scammers move their operation to a new website when they start attracting too much scrutiny. GREENDOT Reloadable/Money Pak stored value credit cards are legitimate cards but are being used as part of this scam.

*** Money Gram Scams - Walmart & CVS Pharmacy - BEWARE - Fraudulent Money Gram Money Orders are the latest scam to hit our area. Unfortunately, criminals are using the business names of Walmart and CVS as a validation for these deceptive forms of currency. Two of our credit union members have already reported receiving these money orders via delivered mail with U.S. postage. The reports indicate that the envelope contains more then one Money Gram Money Order and are in the amounts of $500 to $999 each. Remember - free money is not free money! If you receive any form of money order or check in the mail that you find suspicious, bring it to the teller's attention before cashing or depositing to your account. A double check to validate a money order or check could save you from being a victim of a costly scam.

*** NCUA & TJX Companies data breach - A recent phishing e-mail appearing to be from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), is targeting consumers', and their fear of security relating to the recent TJX Companies data breach. The false e-mail discusses the TJX Companies data breach, which was made public in January. The breach incidents spanned periods from 2003 through 2006. The phish e-mail gives the wrong dates for the breach and says Visa notified NCUA in January about the breach. The notice warns that "magnetic strip" information was being stored and your PIN may have been captured" and "strongly" urges NCUA's "members" to update their information within the next 48 hours. Do not reply to this e-mail. If you have any questions regarding the TJX Companies or NCUA, please contact our Visa department at 443-5531 ext. 1215 for Ellee or ext. 1223 for Tina.

***CU Service Center $50 Survey Reward - Phishing e-mails are reaching our local area with criminals using the CU Service Center name and logo. The e-mail contains a survey for you to complete. At the end of the survey, you are requested to provide your credit card and/or account information with password and pin information. The e-mail states this information is needed to credit your card or account the $50 for completing the survey. The CU Service Center would never contact you or solicit survey information from you. If you receive this e-mail or any similar to it, do not complete the information and notify us immediately.

***Lottery - You are a Winner! Fake Lottery checks continue to inundate our local mailboxes. At first, these lottery scams were strictly Canadian checks with prize money of $1,500. Now they are from everywhere and anywhere for numerous dollar amounts. BEWARE! Free money is suspicious money and the first alert for a scam. If you receive a lottery check, before you deposit it, make sure you communicate with the Teller assisting you that the check you are depositing is a suspicious item. Our Tellers are here to help you protect yourself from scams and fraud.

Scam Examples:

E-Mail Example #1

Subject: Update Your Account Details

In attention of all Credit Union customers,

screening the accounts in our system. We recently reviewed your account,
and we need more information to help us provide you with secure service.
Until we can collect this information, your access to sensitive account
features will be limited. We would like to restore your access as soon
as possible, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Why is my account access limited?

Your account access has been limited for the following reason(s):
* We would like to ensure that your account was not accessed by an
unauthorized third party. Because protecting the security of your
account is our primary concern, we have limited access to sensitive
Credit Union account features. We understand that this may be an
inconvenience but please understand that this temporary limitation is
for your protection.

(Your case ID for this reason is PCU1-818-214-242146.)

At Credit Union, one of our most important responsibilities to you, our
customer, is the safekeeping of the nonpublic personal ("confidential")
information you have entrusted to us and using this information in a
responsible manner. Appropriate use of the confidential information you
provide us is also at the heart of our ability to provide you with
exceptional personal service whenever you contact us.

How can I restore my account access?

Please confirm your identity here: Restore My Online Banking and complete the "Steps to Remove Limitations."

Completing all of the checklist items will automatically restore your
account access.

Scam E-mail Example #2

Credit Union National Association

During our regulary schedule account maintenance and verification we have detected a slight error in
your billing information on file with CUNA. This might be due to either following reasons:

        - A recent change in your personal information (i.e. change of address)
        - Submitting invalid information during the initial sign up process.
        - An inability to accurately verify your selected option of payment due an internal error
          within our processors.

If your account information is not updated, your credit/debit card access will become restricted.