Updates from Bragg Mutual FCU

Are you taking the steps necessary to protect your identity and personal information? Click on the link below to take a short quiz that can help you evaluate your habits regarding protecting your information!

Identity Theft Prevention Quiz

Before you make a large cash withdrawal from your Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union account(s), please review this information on protecting yourself from fraud.

First: Someone unexpectedly engages you in an online friendship or other relationship.

Then: After establishing trust, the scammer asks you to withdraw cash, send a wire transfer, or purchase pre-paid gift cards. After getting as much money as possible, they disappear.

Prevent it: Do not give or lend money to someone you have never met in person, and you only know online. This includes dating sites.

First: You receive a direct phone call from someone claiming they are an agent of the IRS or another law enforcement agency.

Then: The fraudster claims you owe unpaid taxes. They may be abusive and threaten arrest or deportation if the taxes are not paid immediately.

Prevent it: Reject any demand to pay US taxes using cash or gift cards. Also remember that the IRS will never make initial contact with a taxpayer by email or phone or threaten arrest to obtain payment.

First: You receive an online offer for an investment opportunity promising quick profits.

Then: Fraudsters request your account information, where money will be deposited from other supposed investors. You are then asked by the fraudster to send most of the money to them. The money is actually stolen, implicating you in this illegal scheme.

Prevent it: Only disclose your account information to sources that you have verified to be legitimate.

First: You receive a response to an advertisement you posted online. Or someone contacts you to say you won the lottery or are the recipient of an inheritance. They send a check that appears real in a larger amount than what was supposed to be sent.

Then: The fraudster asks you to deposit the check and return a certain amount to them. The check, however, is counterfeit. Any amount you transfer to them is debited from your account before the check is returned unpaid.

Prevent it: Never send money to a stranger after receiving a check from them.

The above list is not exhaustive. Scammers find new ways to steal your money, including:

Mortgage closing costs scams: If you get an email with new payment instructions for closing costs, confirm with your attorney by phone or in person. Fraudsters may have stolen your info from another party in the transaction, such as a title company.

Lottery & sweepstakes scams: Scammers call, email or text you to congratulate you on winning a lottery, drawing, or sweepstakes you may not have even entered. The scammer asks for an upfront payment to cover processing fees or taxes.

Grandparent scams: An imposter calls pretending to be your grandchild in trouble, often using their real name, and pleads for you to immediately withdraw cash or wire money without telling any family members to avoid upsetting them.

Charity scams: A thief poses as a real charity or a made-up charity that sounds real.

While ATM owners — often small businesses — are the direct victims of jackpotting, consumers should still be cautious when using ATMs. Other types of ATM fraud, such as skimming and card cloning, are more likely to affect individual bank accounts.

Here are a few tips for avoiding ATM fraud:

• Stick to secure ATMs. Use machines located in well-lit, high-traffic areas, preferably inside bank branches or trusted businesses.
• Inspect ATMs for skimmers before you use them. Look for loose or bulky attachments on the card reader or keypad. Wiggle the card slot (it should feel secure). If anything looks off, walk away.
• Never withdraw money in response to an unexpected call, text or email. No legitimate bank or law enforcement agency will ever ask you to do this.
• Use your bank’s mobile app to set up withdrawal or transaction alerts. These can notify you immediately if your card is used and can help you spot unauthorized activity faster.
• Consider using contactless payment options, like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This can reduce your exposure to compromised machines and prevent skimmers from stealing your data.

Fortunately, the jackpotting scheme allegedly doesn’t affect your personal account if it’s used to facilitate a scammer’s withdrawal, but it acts as a good reminder to try and prevent other fraudulent activity that can.