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Avoid Scams: Be Aware of Spoofing

Graphic that reads: Avoid Scams: Spoofing with the UMe logo

It’s important to be hyper-aware of fraudulent activity in the digital space – it continues to be on the rise. Lately, you may have seen an increase of fake emails and calls, and you should absolutely be suspicious of unfamiliar names and numbers. However, what about when you do recognize names and numbers? How can you keep yourself safe while knowing when to trust the right sources?

We want to help you spot the difference! When someone is using an entity you recognize, but is not that organization or person, this is called spoofing –  and it’s criminal fraudulent activity. Fraudsters “mask” emails, phone numbers, even names on your caller ID with ones you recognize, making you feel safe to reply and engage with them.

If you have any doubt, even a tiny feeling, that someone or something is not who they claim to be, simply end the call and directly call the organization yourself. If the inquiry is real, they will know what you’re calling about, and you can proceed with confidence.

Across all secure logins on the web, no organization will call you to ask for a code that you get through a secondary measure of security, like two-factor authentication codes. If you don’t already have it set, we highly recommend you do use two-factor authentication whenever possible!

Remember, here at UMe, we will never call you and ask for your online banking login details or tell you to log in or out of online banking or your app. If you get a call like that, end that call and contact us at (818) 238-2900.

When you call us for anything related to your account, we will ask for account verification information from you in order to make sure that you are who you say you are. However, you’ll know it’s safe to give that information, because you called us directly.

We will never call you unprompted and ask for any personal information, like your address, PIN number, date of birth, and Social Security Number. We also won’t ask to call you back from a different phone number, or call you to ask you just to download a file, or call just to get you to click a URL.  If someone calls you and is posing as a UMe Credit Union employee and they say they need to call you back because there is something wrong with the phone line – this is a red flag! We would never do that. Hang up on that fraudster and call us directly at (818) 238-2900.

To keep it simple, feel confident when you call us, but be on guard if someone calls you claiming to be from UMe and asking for any of your personal information.

Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

You can also report any fraudulent activity:

 

 


Disclaimer: U matter to Me (all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!

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