LCW Group Scam Discussions and Alerts

LCW Group Scam Discussions and Alerts  »  Security "upgrade" scam

Security "upgrade" scam

by Cheryl Baumgartner Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical...
There was recently a warning issued by the Texas Attorney General on Credit union Security upgrade scams.  Credit union members are receiving emails telling them that the credit union has upgraded security to protect it's members against Identity theft.  The member is then told that their account has been frozen and to access their account they must call the provided 800 number to speak with "customer service" to have their account released.

People are falling for this because there is no mention of a website, and they are being told it is an upgrade to prevent identity theft.  Again contact your financial institution by the customer service number on your statement, not through information sent to you through an email!
Jan 1st 2008 00:13

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Comments

Bj aka Bill Brown Magnate I   Hosting and Backup Service provider
Hi Cheryl.

Thanks for posting this warning. New twists on established methods are always important to know about.


Jan 1st 2008 10:15   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
You are welcome. This one will probably get a lot of people in the US since this Red Flag rule has gone into effect. Many people will think it's because of that rule.
Jan 1st 2008 10:54   
Arthur Webster Senior   Just plain honesty
One of the things about this scam is that it sent out to people who could not possibly be affected - me for one!

Many banks are the subject of similar spoof security emails - easy to spot if you don't have an acccount but the links go to a very impressive copy of the real bank web site.

It cannot be said too often that NO bank would use such an insecure method as email to contact their customers and they would NEVER EVER ask for verification of any details by email.
Jan 1st 2008 12:05   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
That's true Arthur, many people have caught on to the links or email issue. This is different in that it provides a phone number for "customer service" which people will call. I know my credit union has also placed a warning on their website and mailed out warnings to members via snail mail.

Unfortunately a lot of people will call the number and give their information because they believe that they are A) talking to the customer service center and B) believe they are helping to protect themselves from the very thing this scam will create.

Jan 1st 2008 14:12   
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