Alerts and Scams

Scam-proof your doorstep

Nowadays, you can encounter a scam artist just about anywhere — online, over the phone and even at your door. Here are a few ruses that might come a’ knocking, and tips to avoid getting taken:

Home repair scams

Someone offers to do yardwork or make repairs in or around your home. You want to save money and really need the work done so you give it a shot. He or she takes a cash payment from you upfront… and never returns.

Cable reconnect scams

Money’s been tight and your cable is off due to nonpayment. A flyer says you can get your cable reconnected for an unbelievably low price. You make an appointment, pay, and your cable may even reconnect — provided the scammers don’t skip off with your money first.

But will your cable stay on? Probably not. And is this even legal? Absolutely not. Once the cable company catches on, you’re cable-less again, out of the money you paid, and you’re probably in trouble with the company and law enforcement to boot.

Utility cut-on scams

There’s a power outage. Someone claiming to be with your utility company offers to reconnect your service for, say, $50. You pay. You wait. Hours later you’re still in the dark and out of money. A scam artist has run off with your money.

Protect your money, property and personal safety by following a few tips:

Don’t let anyone come into your home unless you have a prescheduled appointment. You have the right to refuse to open your own door.

• Don’t pay cash to anyone who comes to your home claiming to be with a utility company or other service provider.

• Confirm any special offers with your service provider — using the number on your bill or their website. Also, be suspicious of a promotional flyer offering service from multiple providers. Competitors don’t typically advertise together.

• If you’re struggling with your bill, most providers can make payment arrangements to restore your service legitimately.

To file a complaint, contact The Federal Trade Commission, link is on the left in the Helpful Links. 

Protective measures against phishing scams and malware include:

• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
• Do not follow unsolicited web links in email, text, or chat messages.
• Use ad-blocking software to avoid "malvertising" and potential downloading of malicious content
• Enable "click to play" in your internet browser to avoid automatically playing embedded content on a web page (i.e. news sites, Facebook, etc.).
• Do not open unexpected attachments.
• Save and virus scan attachments before opening them.
• Do not provide personal or corporate information over the phone, through a website, or via email to unknown persons or to an unsecure web site.
• Verity the identity of the person with whom you are communicating.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Adventure Credit Union by calling 800-323-2129. Thank you for your membership

Phishing & Email Scams

A phishing scam lures you into providing personal information so that criminals can use it to steal your identity. If a phone call seems suspicious, hang up and call the company back using a telephone number you have for them (NOT a number the caller gives you) to check whether the inquiry is legitimate. If an email looks suspicious or is from an unknown source, don't click any links, provide any information or open any attachments.

• Install and update anti-virus and spyware-detectIon software, as well as a firewall.
• Keep your computer and browser updated by allowing automatic downloads.
• Never respond to emails or web pages requesting personal information verification.
• Delete emails from unknown senders with nonsensical information, subject line typos, or suspicious links. Don't click any links in suspicious emails.
• Use strong passwords with a mix of numbers, random characters and letter cases.
• Make sure your password for online banking and mobile banking are unique and not used on other websites.
• Limit your sharing of personal information online and read privacy statements.
• When you shop online, check your browser for an "s" (for "secure") in the web address (i.e., "https") and a locked padlock symbol.
• Set passwords and enable screen locks to prevent others from using your devices.
• Check your account information frequently and report any suspicious transactions to us immediately.
• Place a code word on your account for an extra layer of security when you call or visit our branches.

Keep Your Password Safe

• Never open an email from an unknown person or company.
• Use a different password for every website.
• Use a combination of letter cases, numbers and symbols.
• Change your passwords every three months.
• Make sure your computer has an anti-virus program.

Protect Your Adventure Credit Union Debit Card

• Sign up for alerts in Online Banking that update you about account activity (click on Options tab and, then, Alerts)
• Register your card with MasterCard® SecureCode™ to get additional protection against unauthorized transactions