Some information re: Credit Union Scams

More phishing expeditions aimed at CUNA, CUs

MADISON, Wis. (6/26/07)--More phishes surfaced this past week, including one that targeted the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and News Now Friday.

That one, addressed to CUNA members, asked recipients to take part in an "easy 5-question survey about the services offered to you by your Credit Union Bank." The come-on offered to credit "50$ to your Credit Union account." The phish also refers to clicking the News Now< section for the survey. Instead, the section leads to a bogus website that tries to gather personal data for potential fraud.

The fake website has already been taken down, said Dorothy Steffens, vice president of CUNA's web services. CUNA and News Now would never attempt to obtain personal information through unsolicited e-mails.

Other recent phishing fraud sightings:


Missouri CU, Columbia, Mo. was alerted June 5 to a problem when several members reported an mail that told them the credit union had implemented a new security system and needed account information verified, reported the Missouri Credit Union Association (Courier Net June 13).


The New York State Credit Union League reported that a phish targeted the New Hartford-based GPO FCU, saying that its online department had temporarily disabled the e-mail recipient's account after three unsuccessful log-in attempts, until further investigation. It said all cards from the account were suspended, except for temporary cards. It urged members to reactivate their account at a link that goes to a bogus website (League Lines June 22).


A version of the lottery-check fraud scam was sent to a member of Lancaster Red Rose CU, Lancaster, Pa., said the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association (Life is a Highway June 19). The letter to the member instructed the recipient to wire funds via Western Union to tax agents "Chris Adams" or "Larry Jones."


The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned consumers about scammers claiming to be from the American Red Cross and who contact families of military service members. The caller notifies the individual that the family member has been injured on duty and says paperwork must be completed to speed up treatment. The caller attempts to "verify" personal information. According to the American Red Cross, its representatives typically do not contact military members or their members directly.

courtesy of www.cuna.org/newsnow