Theme-1

IRS TAX REFUND EMAIL AND TEXT SCAM

Scammers are sending text and email messages about your “tax refund” or “tax refund e-statement.” They tell you to click a link — supposedly to check on your “tax refund e-statement” or “fill out a form to get your refund.” But it’s a scam and if you click that link, the scammer might steal your identity or put malware on your phone or computer. The real IRS won’t contact you by email, text message, or social media to get your personal or financial information.

ACCOUNT SCAM ALERT

Never offer account, card, Zelle®, or online banking information by phone or text with anyone claiming to be a PriorityONE employee, or with anyone claiming to be from our fraud department. We will never call you and ask you for this information. The only time PriorityONE will ask for your personal information will be to verify your identity on a call that you have initiated. If you ever receive a voice or a text message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly for assistance at 954-335-5100.

STUDENT LOAN RELIEF SCAMS

Scammers are targeting student loan borrowers with fake debt relief to steal personal information and money. Here are some warnings from the U.S. Department of Education to help you recognize and avoid these scams.

ROMANCE SCAMS

Online Imposters Break Hearts and Bank Accounts

What it is?

A fraud that targets victims with companionship and friendship, with a goal of having the victim send them money for a variety of reasons such as travel, medical care, business opportunity, etc.

How does it work?

Fraudsters make contact with the victim through social media networks, online forums, or dating sites.

This fraud takes time to develop as the fraudster builds trust with the victim.

At some point the fraudster will make a request for money.

Typical requests include travel expenses to see the victim, emergency medical expenses for the fraudster or a family member; business opportunity that will allow them to get enough money to live together.

The fraudster will generally begin by requesting a small amount of money and increase the request over time. 

Don’t Become a Victim

• Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the material has been used elsewhere.
• Go slow and ask lots of questions.
• Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or Facebook to go “offline.”
• Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.

                            ***DO NOT share your Login credentials, account or debit card information with anyone***

• Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse because he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
• Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.
• Talk to someone about this new love interest. And pay attention if your friends or family are concerned.
• If you suspect a romance scam, cut off contact right away. Then, report to the scam to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Notify the dating site where you met the scammer, too.

THE UNEXPECTED PACKAGE SCAM

• You get an unexpected package from a retailer.
• You open it, and it has something nice inside.
• A card inside says thanks for your loyalty with a QR code to get more free stuff.
• If you scan the QR code, it installs malware on your phone.
• Hackers then steal all your personal information and can even take over your phone, draining your bank accounts.

Be on the lookout!

FAKE CHECK SCAMS

Lots of scammers use fake checks to get your money.

Here are some examples:

Online Jobs. Scammers pretend to hire you as mystery shoppers, personal assistants, etc. You get a check with instructions to deposit it in your account and send money to someone else or buy gift cards. But once you do, the money is gone and your so-called “employer” disappears. That leaves you without money and a fake check.

Car wrap decals. You respond to an offer for car wrap advertising. The company tells you to deposit a check and then send money to decal installers. But it’s a scam, the installers aren’t real, and now your money is gone.

Claiming prizes. A sweepstakes says you’ve won and gives you a check. They tell you to send the money to cover taxes, fees, etc. That’s not how a legitimate sweepstakes work – you’ll be out any money you send.

Overpayments. People buying something from you online and “accidentally” send a check for too much, and ask you to refund the balance. It’s a scam.

PriorityONE Credit Union will never contact you asking for your Personal dentification Number or account numbers. Here are several effective security techniques that we encourage you to implement when you use the online banking service:

• Never reveal your password to anyone or leave your password anywhere that someone else can obtain and use it.
• Change your password on a regular basis.
• Use the Exit button to end each Internet banking session. Do not use the Back button to exit the site.
• Change your session timeout in User Options to a time that meets your needs.
• Balance your account on a regular basis.

As with all financial transactions, please exercise discretion when using the automated teller machine (ATM) or night deposit facility. For your safety, please follow the suggestions on the link provided- Safety Precautions and Tips

To report a Lost/Stolen Debit Card

• During regular business hours call (954) 335-5100, option 2

• After hours, weekends and holidays call 1-844-665-5228

To report your lost or stolen Visa Platinum Card

call 1-800-449-7728