Fraud Prevention
As we get closer to the holiday shopping season, please be aware that this is also the time of year that many scammers will try to access your accounts.
We’ve recently had calls from members that there is a new scam call making the rounds that a member’s account has had unauthorized charges that were caught by the fraud team on your debit card. The individual will give you their name and “badge number.” They will then ask you for your home banking login credentials. DO NOT give them this information.
Community Powered will NEVER contact you and ask for access to your account, your online password or PIN, personal security codes, or answers to security questions. This information should ALWAYS be kept confidential. It is for your use only – do not share it with anyone. If someone asks you for this information, question their identity. The best course of action is to hang up and call Community Powered at (302) 368-2396. Please call this number to report suspicious calls with as much detail as possible so we can continue protecting our members.
Make sure you’re logging in to a secure website
Community Powered’s website address starts with https, not http. The “s” means the site is secure and your credit card and personal information is protected. Also, most website browsers will often feature a padlock icon near the secured web address.
Don’t transfer money to someone you don’t know
If you are asked to use gift cards, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or digital currency to resolve fraud or some financial issue, it’s likely a scam.
Use unique passwords for every online account and change them regularly
Don’t use easily identifiable information such as your mother’s maiden name, your address, date of birth, or telephone number.
Be wary of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks
If you are simply browsing the internet, you’re fine. However, if you’re doing anything that requires login information, it’s best to avoid using these unsecured networks. If it is a “must do,” we advise you to get a reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network). Some are even free!
Financial scams can happen to anyone. However, scammers often single out older and retired individuals due to their regular income and potentially substantial savings. In this article, we’ll explore some common scams and provide tips on how to protect yourself and your savings from these schemes.
Phishing scams are emails or text messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. Scammers will often pose as trusted institutions, like banks or government agencies in order to win your trust.
- Always verify the source of an email or message. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive information through email.
- If you are on a desktop, hover your mouse pointer over links in emails to see the actual web address and make sure it matches the official website of the supposed sender.
- Regularly update your computer’s anti-virus and anti-malware software to help detect phishing attempts.
Tech support scams start when scammers call you, claiming to be from a tech company, and implying that there’s a problem with your computer. They will often ask you to install software so they can remotely access your computer. If they obtain access, they can steal your personal information or install malware.
- Never give out your personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company, hang up and call the company directly at the number listed on their website.
Impersonation scams rely on manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information or making payments. Scammers may impersonate family members, friends, law enforcement officers, or government employees.
- If someone contacts you asking for money or personal information, independently verify their identity. If the message is supposedly from a friend or family member, contact that person using contact info you already have, not those provided in the message.
- Always ask for identification if someone claims to be an official. Legitimate officials will provide it.
- Scammers often use emotional stories to elicit sympathy and prompt hasty decisions. Take your time to consider before acting.
Impersonation scams rely on manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information or making payments. Scammers may impersonate family members, friends, law enforcement officers, or government employees.
- Do not provide any personal information until you can verify the debt is legitimate.
Investment scams promise a potentially lucrative deal with high returns and little to no risk. These types of scams prey on individuals’ desire to grow their savings.
- Investigate any investment opportunity thoroughly. Verify the legitimacy of the company and check for complaints with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or your local regulatory body.
- Consult with a certified financial advisor before making any significant investments.
In lottery or prize scams, scammers will claim you’ve won a prize, but before you can be rewarded, they require a fee or personal information.
- If you didn’t enter a contest or lottery, it’s unlikely you’ve won anything.
- Legitimate winnings shouldn’t require upfront fees. Avoid sending money or personal information.
In charity scams, scammers will often pose as a real charity, or set up fake charities in the name of popular causes, such as cancer research or disaster relief. These scams often pop up before the holidays as well as after newsworthy natural disasters and emergencies.
- Look for details about the charity, including physical address and contact number.
- You can verify a charity’s legitimacy through their official website or a reputable third-party source.
