“This is an automated message from National Credit Union Administration. Your ATM card has been deactivated. To reactivate call 415-354-1098. We apologize for any inconvenience. Sincerely, NCUA Online Department.”

If you receive a phishing email, do NOT reply. Do NOT call any number listed. Please do forward to fraud@WyandotteCU.coop and report the fraud to NCUA on their website at http://www.ncua.gov/FraudInfo.

Just a reminder that WCU or NCUA will never send you an email or text message asking for any personally identifying information such as your account or PIN number. Do not reply to these type of scams and phishing or vishing attempts.

June 29, 2009
Scammers find lucrative business from funerals, foreclosures
 
NEW YORK (6/29/09)--While you're pinching pennies during the recession, scammers keep finding innovative ways to pick your pocket.

The foreclosure mess is turning into a lucrative business for crooks who promise to "help people" avoid foreclosure--for a price (nytimes.com June 21). While there are many legitimate nonprofit agencies providing free, confidential help to borrowers, con artists convince desperate homeowners who are behind on their payments to fork over $1,500, $3,000, or even up to $8,000 in fees for services that typically are free.

Before you seek help, ask WCU for advice or for referrals to legitimate counselors. Also, visit www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org, which allows you to enter your zip code to access information about local agencies affiliated with the federal government's National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) Program, a collaboration with NeighborWorks America.

Be on the lookout for yet another scam source that's less well-known: online guest books for deceased individuals. This is a site where family and friends can share stories about the deceased, leave messages of support for each other, and upload pictures. But Consumer Reports (June 15) warns that scammers have easy access to the e-mail addresses some visitors post on the guest book site. Crooks then send phony messages, stating that a long-deceased relative owes them money that will be released as soon as fees are paid to an overseas bank account. In some cases, the letter writers claim to be officials of foreign governments. Many people have been fooled--even when they aren't distracted by grief.

Avoid becoming a victim of online guest books:  Refuse to respond to anyone or any company that requests an advance payment of fees. Add the e-mail address of the sender to your "block address" list. Notify your local or state consumer protection office of the scam so they can pass the information on to authorities and warn others. If you receive a check, take it to your credit union to verify authenticity before you cash it. If you deposit it, you may be liable for repaying any funds you withdraw against it.

MasterCard
January 13, 2009

A small portion of Wyandotte Credit Union members may have had their MasterCard cards blocked and reissued due to fraud activity that originated at the national level.

Although we believe the fraudulent activity has been identified and contained, we ask all members to carefully check statements and immediately report any suspicious or fraudulent activity by calling Wyandotte Credit Union directly at 913.788.7942.

The percentage of members affected was extremely small; if you would feel more comfortable having your card blocked and reissued, please contact us and we will be happy to reissue your card.

Thank you for your membership and for subscribing to our Wyandotte1st notification service.

Text Phishing
01.07.09
A credit union in Dodge City reported that a member received a text message on her cell phone Sunday evening, January 4, from danny@printertek.com. The message read:

“Dear NCUA member, your accunt has been closed due to unusual activity. Call us @ 1-408-465-7403 or use our web site:  danny@printertek.com”

When a call was placed to the 408 number, the recording indicated it was the National Credit Union Administration customer service department and requested the member’s debit card number.

This is a fraudulent text message. Wyandotte CU, KCUA or NCUA will never contact you by text message, email, or by phone to request any personally identifying information. If you receive any communication that asks for your PIN, social security number, or account number, do not call, reply, or respond in any way. Immediately report the activity to us at Fraud@WyandotteCU.coop.