Fraud & Identity Protection
Your account and its security are of the utmost importance to us.
7 Red Flags to Watch for in Latest UPS Scam
The convenience of online shopping has simplified our lives, yet the digital landscape has also paved the way for a surge in scams. Recent reports highlight an alarming trend of UPS-related scams, leaving consumers vulnerable. As summer unfolds, media outlets caution against cunning tactics involving fake UPS notifications. From demanding shipping proof before payment to deceptive text messages, these scams are growing in sophistication. Recognizing red flags is crucial: double-check sender numbers, avoid suspicious links, and be wary of misspellings or odd grammar. Particularly targeted are seniors, making vigilance imperative. Read on to discover the red flags to watch for:
- Buyers Demand Proof of Shipping Before Payment
- According to ABC 15 Arizona, a common UPS scam involves people sending expensive items to supposed buyers, but the buyer says they want proof the item was shipped before they pay. The merchandise ships, but the payment never comes. Never sell anything in this manner. To further protect yourself, sell items on sites like eBay that offer seller protection.
- The Fake Text Scam
- You may receive a text message saying there’s problem with your UPS delivery. The text might say there was a missed delivery or a delivery that needs to be rescheduled or it says there is a small amount owed before delivery can happen.
- The Text Includes This
- It Comes From a Number That Isn’t This
- In the U.S., UPS will only send texts from MYUPS (69877). Any texts sent from another number are suspect.
- The Tracking Number Doesn’t Check Out
- If the text comes with a tracking number, don’t click through. Copy-and-paste the number into the tracking window on UPS.com to see if it’s legitimate.
- Seniors Increasingly Targeted
- As with many scams, seniors are a prime target for the UPS scam. If you’re in that demographic, be especially cautious about unsolicited text messages.
- It Doesn’t Pass Muster With Your Local UPS Store
- An easy way to check out any UPS-related texts is to call a local UPS Store. An employee can answer any questions you might have and warn you against any messages that might come from scammers.
Keep Your Personal Information Safe From Identity Thieves
Identity thieves are increasingly using telephone and online scams to steal personal & banking information. When you receive a phone call, text message, or email from Island Federal, how do you know it’s legitimate? In situations when we contact you, Island Federal representatives will not ask for:
- Debit/credit card number
- Debit/ credit card PIN
- Mobile verification number
- Bank statement
- Online banking password
If you ever have any concerns over the legitimacy of a phone call, text message, or email from Island Federal, you can call our Contact Center directly at (631) 851-1100 to speak to an Island Federal representative. We work with numerous organizations to ensure our fraud prevention methods & technologies are up-to-date and that your information is safe & secure.
Protect Yourself Against Holiday Scams:
Helpful resources regarding ways to protect yourself this holiday shopping season:
Scam Alert: Lapse of Home Warranty Coverage Letters
Letters documenting Island Federal as the home lending institution are being mailed urging the recipient to call a number about a lapse in their home warranty.
How did the senders get my information?
At Island Federal, we are committed to protecting our Members’ personal information. Likewise, we do not sell or otherwise distribute it to non-affiliate third parties.
However, some information about mortgages, regardless of what lender the consumer works with, is public record. That is how scammers like this can obtain your contact information. Note that the Customer ID does not match your Member ID which is a good indicator it is a scam.What should I do if I get this letter?
The best thing to do is disregard the letter. Dispose of it however you would any other junk mail you receive. In addition, you are always encouraged to contact us directly should you have questions or concerns.
Counterfeit Official Checks
- Official Checks claiming to be drawn on Island Federal Credit Union are being distributed via multiple mailing sources, (USPS, FedEx, DHL UPS). If you believe that you may be the recipient of one of these checks please destroy it immediately.
Up-to-Date Security/Scam Issues
Helpful Resources About Fraud
- Avoid a Money Mule Scam
- NCUA’s Fraud Prevention Center
- Skimming Devices to Web Fraud: krebsonsecurity.com
- Federal Trade Commission: Four Signs That It’s a Scam
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Suspicious Activity Reports on Elder Financial Exploitation
- AARP: Fraud & Scam Protection
ATM Safety Tips
Check ATM before Use
If the part in which you insert your debit card looks loose or damaged, do not insert your card. This could be an indication that a skimming devise has been attached to the ATM machine.
Protecting your PIN Number
When entering your pin number at the ATM, make sure to use your hand as a shield to prevent others from seeing your pin.
Check for Cameras
If you notice that there are cameras near or pointing to the ATM machine, avoid use.
Plan Ahead
If you decide to use a drive-up ATM, make sure you plan ahead and know what kind of transactions you're going to make. Sign checks prior to your trip so you can easily deposit them.
Drive-Up ATM
When using a drive-up ATM, keep your car running and make sure your doors are locked. Leave enough room on all sides of your vehicle so you are able to escape if an emergency arises.
Be Aware
Take note of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable or happen to see someone watching you, make your transaction and leave. If you feel like you're being followed either call the police or head to a police station.
Check your Statements
If you see any transactions on your bank statement that you did not make, call us immediately at 631-851-1100.
Don't Be the Next Victim of Fraud
Help us protect you!
Keep our members’ accounts safe and secure is a top priority at Island.
YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED IF:
- You receive a check or money order in response to something you sold online.
- You have any reason to suspect that a check or money order you receive is not valid.
- The check is drawn on an account that is different from the person buying your item.
- The amount of the check or money order is more than the item’s selling price.
- The check or money order is connected to someone you only communicated with by email.
- You are informed that you were the winner of a LOTTERY, that you did not enter.
- You receive commission for facilitating money transfers through your account.
- You are asked to open an account as a result of a job offer you received online.
DON’T BE A VICTIM
- If the check or money order is later returned, you will be held liable for the bad check.
- We are not able to tell you when a check or money order you deposit will clear.
- Even when we lift a “hold” on funds from a deposited check or money order, that does not mean the item has cleared.
- If funds are to be held by a third party, or escrowed, be sure it is a party you can trust.
- Remember: always exercise extreme caution when conducting
business with strangers.
REMEMBER…
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Never provide your online banking credentials to anyone.
- Trust your gut feelings – when you have a bad feeling about an offer or a company.
- If someone asks you to deposit a check or money order and then wire them funds,
this is definitely a scam.
To further learn how to avoid scams, protect yourself from Internet hackers and more, visit www.onguardonline.gov.