Fraud Alert: Don’t Fall for This Tech Support Scam!
Lately, we have seen a rise in members reporting a common and very convincing scam involving fake PayPal emails. This scam is designed to trick you into giving your personal or financial information by making you think there’s a problem with your account or a suspicious transaction has occurred.
Here’s how the scam typically works (although you may see variations of it):
You received an email that appears to be from PayPal, Amazon, or the FTC. The email might say there’s been unusual activity on your account, or that a payment you didn’t authorize has been made.
The email urges you to call a phone number to dispute or stop the transaction. Sometimes they will say your account will be suspended if you don’t act quickly.
When you call, you’re connected to a scammer posing as a PayPal, Amazon or FTC representative. They’ll sound professional and may even “verify” your name or email to build your trust.
They might ask you to:
a. Share personal details like your Social Security number, or online banking information.
b. Give them access to your computer or mobile device to reverse the transaction.
c. Go to the credit union and take a large sum of cash out to keep it safe or buy gift cards.
What You Should Know:
PayPal will never ask you to call a phone number to resolve a dispute or need access to your computer.
If you’re unsure about a message, DON’T CLICK ANY LINK OR CALL ANY NUMBERS IN THE MESSAGE.
How You Can Protect Yourself:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication on your accounts when possible.
Never share your passwords, access codes, or full account number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
IF YOU DID CALL the number or share information, contact OURCU right away, so we can help secure your accounts.
FINAL REMINDER:
These scammers are getting more sophisticated, but staying informed is your best defense. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Our staff is always here to help if you have questions or concerns.
