Are you looking for a new job? Sometimes this leads to scammers looking for you too.

Imagine the following scenario: You’ve applied for several jobs online through reputable sites.  You then hear from a “recruiter” showing interest in you.  You set up an interview and it goes well, leading to what you believe is an offer.  The “recruiter” begins asking personal information (including bank accounts) claiming they need this for background checks or payroll setup.  They may even say you have to pay a small fee for equipment, etc. before starting. You haven’t signed anything and believe this is all just normal for the hiring process.

You soon find out that you just gave a scammer enough information to access your finances.  You may have also paid them, thinking it was going to be reimbursed later.

Are You the Target of a Scam?

Unfortunately, we all are, but we are seeing more scams targeting individuals 60 and over. These are often associated with a wire transfer, which results in a higher loss.

Tech support fraud has been the most reported fraud among the targeted population. Tech support scammers impersonate well-known companies to fix non-existent technology issues or renew fraudulent software or other security subscriptions. They may request you to send a wire transfer, purchase gift cards or send cash overnight.

Know the Warning Signs of Fraud

Each year millions of reports about fraud are filed and victims lose billions of dollars because of these crimes. With fraud continuing to become more rampant, it is essential to stay informed and take actions to protect yourself and your family against fraud and scams. Many of these scams have been around for years so let’s point out some common warning signs that you might be dealing with fraud.

1. There is a prize involved.
You get notified that you’ve won a lottery or contest and are told to claim your prize. Oftentimes, you must first pay a fee to claim this prize.

2. You’re confronted with an urgent request.
Scammers often pressure victims into making a quick decision. This is usually because they want you to send cash (or gift cards) before you realize it’s fraud. Take time to do your research. Any reason that a scammer has given you to send money can often be found online due to other victims sharing the same story.

Member Security Alert

Indiana Members Credit Union values your identity. Be aware of scams where fraudsters send a text message alerting you your debit card has been disabled. This is not from Indiana Members Credit Union and members should not call the phone number provided in the text message. This is a scam. 

If you are ever concerned about a text message or phone call you’ve received, please hang up and contact your local IMCU branch, or our member services department at 317-248-8556 or 800-556-9268.

Click here for a listing of IMCU locations and hours:  http://www.imcu.com/Locations-and-Hours.aspx

Do You Know How to Spot, Stop, and Report a Scam?

Phone Scams

People lose a lot of money to phone scams. Scammers have unfortunately figured out numerous ways to cheat you out of your money and sometimes your life savings. They could act friendly or they might threaten you. No matter which road they take, they seem believable and as these scams evolve, they become even more believable to you. One thing is always certain; they are trying to get your money and personal information.

Some things to remember:

1. There is no prize. You know the saying “if it’s too good to be true, it is?” You may get a call that you’ve won the lottery. Remember if you have to pay to get a prize, it’s not a prize.
2. You won’t be arrested. Scammers may pretend to be law enforcement, the IRS or another agency. They may say you owe money, they may say a family member is in trouble. The goal is to scare you into paying them money.
3. There is never a good reason to send cash or pay with a gift card. The minute someone tells you they need you to buy gift cards, you know it’s a scam. This is a method used because there is virtually no way to get your money back.
4. You shouldn’t be getting all those calls. Ever noticed you might receive multiple calls with a similar start number to your own phone number? You may block one and receive another. These are robocalls and likely a scam.

Member Security Alert

Indiana Members Credit Union values your identity.  Be aware of scams where fraudsters call members purporting to be a credit union employee and ask for debit or credit card information. IMCU will not contact you to ask for personal information.

If you are ever concerned about a text message or phone call you’ve received, please hang up and contact your local IMCU branch, or our member services department at 317-248-8556 or 800-556-9268.

Click here for a listing of IMCU locations and hours:  http://www.imcu.com/Locations-and-Hours.aspx

Member Security Alert

Indiana Members Credit Union values your identity.  Be aware of scams where fraudsters send a message alerting you to verify transactions then follow up with a phone call purporting to be a credit union employee.

If you are ever concerned about a text message or phone call you’ve received, please hang up and contact your local IMCU branch, or our member services department at 317-248-8556 or 800-556-9268.

Click here for a listing of IMCU locations and hours:  http://www.imcu.com/Locations-and-Hours.aspx

Avoiding Romance Scams

Romance scams are one of the oldest, yet most expensive scams out there. With more people spending time at home and on the internet, this opens up more opportunities for scammers to lure you through online channels.

While it’s true that millions of people turn to online dating apps or social networking sites to meet someone and successful relationships do exist, scammers also use online dating sites, apps and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money. These imposters often create fake profiles to build online relationships and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. They are often quick to profess their love to you.

Member Security Alert

Indiana Members Credit Union values your identity.  Be aware of scams where fraudsters call members purporting to be a credit union employee and ask for debit or credit card information. IMCU will not contact you to ask for personal information.

If you are ever concerned about a text message or phone call you’ve received, please hang up and contact your local IMCU branch, or our member services department at 317-248-8556 or 800-556-9268.

Click here for a listing of IMCU locations and hours:  http://www.imcu.com/Locations-and-Hours.aspx

Member Security Alert

Indiana Members Credit Union values your identity.  Be aware of scams where fraudsters send  a “FREE TEXT” message alerting you to verify transactions then follow up with a phone call purporting to be a credit union employee.

If you are ever concerned about a text message or phone call you’ve received, please hang up and contact your local IMCU branch, or our member services department at 317-248-8556 or 800-556-9268.

Click here for a listing of IMCU locations and hours:  http://www.imcu.com/Locations-and-Hours.aspx