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Fraud & Identity Theft

Firstmark Credit Union values your identity, and as such, we will NEVER ask you via phone or email for your account number or password. If you ever receive a call where this information is requested, DO NOT provide your account information.

Do You Think You Were Scammed?

Email / Text Alerts

In the event fraud is detected, an email and a text from a dedicated number will be sent to the email address and phone number we have for you on file. If the flagged transaction is legitimate, you will then have the option to validate; however, if you indicate the charge is fraudulent, we will decline the transaction.

NOTE: If both the email and text message go unanswered, an interactive digital call will go to the phone number on file.

General Information

Cyber
  • Spoofing | A tactic where someone impersonates another person or company to get your personal information, such as through email or websites –  Learn More
  • Smishing | A type of cybercrime that uses deceptive tactics conveyed in text messages to manipulate you into sharing personal information – Learn More
  • Tech Support | Scammers will pose as technical support via phone calls or security pop-up messages to gain access to your computer or persuade you to paying them – Learn More
Fraud
  • Money Mule | A money mule is somebody who assists in moving illegally obtained money on behalf of someone else (recruited by criminals to assist in laundering funds), and they do so through channels such as social media, dating sites, and job boards, and more.
    • Investment Scams | A money mule scam where they promise you’ll earn a lot of money or receive a large return on investments, such as Crypto, Ponzi Scheme, and more, with little to no risk – Learn More
    • Romance Scams | Money mule scammers use a fake online identity to earn your trust and manipulate you to gain access to your money – Learn More
    • Remote Deposit Scams | Another money mule scam where they gain access to your accounts through social engineering tactics and deposit fraudulent checks through remote deposit.
  • Identity Theft | When a criminal uses your personal or financial information without your authorization. There are various methods they can steal your identity:
    • Stolen wallet or purse
    • Obtaining sensitive information from either the trash or through stolen mail
    • Skimming devices planted at ATM or card machines
    • Phishing emails, texts, or phone calls
    • Social media platforms

Five (5) Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

  1. Use strong passwords
  2. Do not give out personal information (a financial institution already has your information)
  3. Limit oversharing on social networks
  4. Store important financial records safely
  5. Shred old statements, unused personal checks, invoices, and financial information

Detecting Fraud

How to Detect a Scam or Fraudulent Activity

Scammers pretend to be from a trusted organization you are familiar with…

They may pretend to be contacting you from a local or federal law enforcement agency, Social Security Office, Internal Revenue Service (IRS); some may even pose as a company you are familiar with such as your financial institution, technology company, or even a public utility company. They may spoof the number so that it appears to be coming from the actual organization they are posing as.

They will say there is a problem with your service, personal information, etc…

Scammers may attempt to persuade you that you or someone in your family is in legal trouble and owe money. They may also state there’s a problem with your computer or personal accounts and will ask for your login credentials.

Scammers will apply pressure…

These individuals may be impatient and want you to act quickly to not realize what is going on. They may threaten to arrest or sue you, advise you to not disconnect the call, and provide a time limit for you to complete their requests.

Forms of Payment…

Scammers will often state they only accept payment in specific forms. Some of these include (not limited to): cryptocurrency, wiring money, person to person (P2P), purchasing gift cards, or asking you for your personal banking information.

How Do I Protect Myself from Scams?

Do not give out your personal or banking information…

Firstmark will never use a phone call, email, or text to ask for confidential information, such as usernames, passwords, one-time passcodes, or other personal information like account or Social Security numbers.

Protect your information by doing the following…

If you feel you have been a victim of identity theft, place a fraud alert, contact credit reporting company, update your files, close your account if you believe it’s been tampered with, or file a complaint at ftc.gov/idtheft.

Do not act quickly and take the time to review the communication…

Legitimate organizations will allow you time to make a decision and provide you with the opportunity to disconnect and call the main number to ask for the same representative.

Confirm with someone you trust or the organization they claim to be…

Before acting, talk to someone you can count on and run the situation by them, or hang up and reach out to the organization who is claiming to be calling you.

Identity Theft

Resources:

Protect Your Firstmark Credit Union VISA®
Register for a Verified by VISA®

Free Credit Report (annually):
annualcreditreport.com

Credit Reporting Companies

Equifax
(800) 525-6285
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
(888) 397-3742
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
(800) 680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Let's Get Started

Needed Items

To make this process as quick as possible, please have the following ready for yourself and any joint account holders on the account, including beneficiaries:

  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Current Address
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Valid ID
  • Initial Deposit Amount (ACH or Credit Card)

Choose one of the following:

Let's Get Started

Needed Items
To make this process as quick as possible, please have the following ready for yourself and any joint account holders on the account, including beneficiary’s:

  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Current Address
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Valid ID
  • Requested Loan Amount