ALERT:
Banking Email Scam
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is warning netizens about a recent phishing email scam.
The NCUA reports that emails are being received by consumers in the U.S. and Europe from what appears to be a legitimate website managed by an Australian financial services company called “National Credit Union”. This company claims to offer financial products and services to consumers in the U.S. and Europe.
The emails are similar to the one below:
The emails ask consumers to verify their identity in a “routine check for security purposes”. The emails request personal information, such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, log-in information, and a request to transfer large amounts of money.
The NCUA emphasizes that it has no affiliation with the “National Credit Union”, and that they would never ask consumers for such information.
What To Do If You Receive A Suspected Scam Email:
- Do not reply to the email. Do not click on any links. Do not open any attachments. Do not give any information. Do not act on financial requests. Delete the email.
- Contact the NCUA’s Fraud Hotline, toll-free 1-800-827-9650. All reports remain confidential.
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The center is a partnership between the FBI and the non-profit National White Collar Crime Center established as a clearinghouse for Internet-related crimes.
- Visit the “Frauds and Scams” page on MyCreditUnion.gov. This page, operated by the NCUA, gives an overview of CyberCrime scams.
If you think your identity has been stolen, contact your financial institution as soon as possible.
Dispute any fraudulent transactions and, if needed, close your accounts and open new ones. Also, to protect your credit, notify the 3 big credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports.
If you find any “National Credit Union” phishing emails in your inbox, following these steps can prevent an incredible amount of lost time, hassle, and money.
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