As we continue through these unprecedented times, it’s important to be extra-vigilant when it comes to protecting your personal information and your finances. Fraudsters use the panic and anxiety surrounding disasters to hopefully get you to lower your guard, and give them personal information or access to your money.
- Don’t share personal banking information with anyone. No one will contact you about your stimulus check, so if someone calls or emails about it, do not provide your banking information. Scammers are currently reaching out to consumers via phone, text, and email to try to trick them into providing this information.
- Don’t share personal information or Social Security Numbers. Government agencies will never call, email or text to request personal information like your full name, bank account number or social security number.
- Don’t click links from unsolicited emails. These scams are always around, but we are seeing more of them to take advantage of the fear surrounding COVID-19. If you didn’t request the email, don’t click the links!
We have been hearing of an uptick in COVID-19 scams lately. Here are some additional scams you should keep an eye out for, so not to fall victim.
- IRS Calls To Get Direct Deposit Information. The IRS will not call you to get direct deposit information. If you previously received tax returns, the payment will be made to you the same way. DO NOT give an unsolicited caller (even if they say they are with the IRS), your banking information.
- Vaccines and Test Kits for Sale. At the time of this posting (April X), there is no vaccine to treat or prevent COVID-19. Likewise, online scammers are trying to sell non-FDA-approved home test kits. These test kits and vaccines are not legitimate.
- SBA/Loan Scams. If you receive an unsolicited message from the US Small Business Administration, don’t respond, and don’t provide any information. Scammers are claiming to be from the SBA trying to get unsuspecting consumers to fill out an application and get your personal information.
- Charitable Scams. As the community comes together, fraudsters also play off peoples’ goodwill. Some set up fake charities and then filter contributions to themselves. Make sure to do your research before making any donations. And if someone specifically requests gift cards, money orders or wire transfers, do not do it.
- Calls and emails impersonating Government Agencies (WHO, IRS, CDC) or Financial Institutions asking for personally identifiable information or card numbers. Please note that the Credit Union and government agencies will never ask you for your PIN, CVV code or expiration dates. If you have any doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of your card, or find the appropriate phone number online.
If you have any questions or believe you provided your information to a scammer, please contact Saco Valley Credit Union immediately.
For more information, visit the FTC webpage.