Get the information you need to protect yourself from being a victim of the latest scam tactics:
Tech support scams – Scammers pretend that there is a problem with your computer and then try to convince you to pay them to fix it.
Free security scans – Don’t be tricked by messages on your computer screen that claim that your machine is already infected with a virus. The realistic, but phony, security alerts exploit your fear of online viruses and security threats.
Advance fee scams – Don’t fall for claims that you have won a lottery, prize, or can invest in a great opportunity, if you have to pay a small fee in advance.
Debt relief scams – Some scammers hope that you are as eager to get rid of your debt as they are to scam you out of your money. Know the warning signs so you won’t be their next victim.
Health product scams – Be wary of trusting all claims. Take time to get the facts about a product first.
IRS-related scams – Be careful with email that is supposedly from the IRS. Scammers try to gain access to your financial information in order to steal your identity and assets.
Learn more about these and other common scams at:
usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds
Federal Trade Commission
Fraud Hotline: 1-877-438-4338
consumer.gov/idtheft
Social Security Administration
Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
ssa.gov
Free Annual Credit Report
What if I think I have been scammed?
- The first thing you should do is contact the financial institutions that manage the information you provided to the Scammers. This could be your account number, check number, credit or debit cards.
- Be sure to let them know exactly what happened, what information you provided and review your accounts for any unauthorized charges.
- Contact the local police to notify them of scams taking place.
- If you provided your social security number, you may be at risk for identity theft. You should report it to the Federal Trade Commission and IRS.
For an explanation of common scams, and how to avoid them, visit:
For an explanation of Identity Theft and how to prevent it, visit:
To report Identity Theft and a helpful contact checklist, visit:
Protect Yourself from "Free" Trial Offers!
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers to be wary of “Free” product trials, especially ones that require card information for a small shipping or handling fee. According to the FTC, “…some dishonest businesses make it tough to cancel, hiding the terms and conditions of their offers in teensy type, using pre-checked sign-up boxes as the default setting online, and putting conditions on returns and cancellations that are so strict it could be next to impossible to stop the deliveries and the billing.”
Financial Terms and Definitions
They offer several tips to avoid being scammed by these trail offers.
Research the company online. See what other people are saying about the company’s free trials — and its service. Complaints from other customers can tip you off to “catches” that might come with the trial.
Find the terms and conditions for the offer. That includes offers online, on TV, in the newspaper, or on the radio. If you can’t find them or can’t understand exactly what you’re agreeing to, don’t sign up.
Look for who’s behind the offer. Just because you’re buying something online from one company doesn’t mean the offer or pop-up isn’t from someone else.
Watch out for pre-checked boxes. If you sign up for a free trial online, look for already-checked boxes. That checkmark may give the company the green light to continue the offer past the free trial or sign you up for more products — only this time you have to pay.
Mark your calendar. Your free trial probably has a time limit. Once it passes without you telling the company to cancel your “order,” you may be on the hook for more products.
Look for info on how you can cancel future shipments or services. If you don’t want them, do you have to pay? Do you have a limited time to respond?
Read your credit and debit card statements. That way you’ll know right away if you’re being charged for something you didn’t order.
To read the full article, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
The financial world can sometimes be confusing and a little frightening, especially if you aren’t sure what the terms being used actually mean. We have put together a comprehensive list of common financial terms and some examples of when they might be used to help members better navigate applications and daily transactions. View the list.
Do You Know Your Rights when it comes to Credit Reports?
Consumers have many rights regarding their Credit information. If you have applied for a loan, or are planning to, be sure to know what information you can ask for. Items in your Credit report can damage your ability to borrow money, especially if they are fraudulent or incorrectly reported. And watching your Credit Report is one great way to protect yourself from Identity Theft.!
Here at CJCU, we strive to provide you with information that will benefit your financial situation and future. If you have any questions, please stop in or give us a call!
- Learn More on the Summary of Consumer Rights, prepared by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
- Obtain your Free Credit Reports Once a Year.
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com
What is Identity Theft?
Any type of identity theft can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation, and take time, money, and patience to resolve. Often, identity thieves will use a Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth or account number to open fraudulent new credit card accounts, charge existing credit card accounts, write share drafts, open share accounts, or obtain new loans.
You may already know that identity theft is a serious crime. You take steps to protect your personal information by not opening unrecognized emails and shredding important documents. But, do you know how to recognize and prevent from becoming a victim of tax identity theft?
Tax identity thieves may use your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. If the IRS if sends you a notice saying their records show:
- You were paid by an employer you don’t know, or
- More than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.