The Column - January 23, 2020
SCAM CAMPAIGN
At Boulder Dam Credit Union, we work hard to make sure that your money is safe. That is not an easy job in today’s fast paced and technological world. Scammers are working just as hard to separate you from your money. One of the best tools we have against scammers is being informed. Over the next few months we will be sharing tips and information provided by the Federal Trade Commission related to scams and fraud. We hope you find this information helpful and that you pass it along. Working together we can shed some light on the dark world of the scammer.
To kick off this program we thought it would be best to give you a list of the top 10 things you can do to avoid fraud. Here they are:
10 STEPS TO AVOID FRAUD
- Spot Imposters – Never give out personal information or send money regarding an unexpected request whatever it’s form; text, phone call or email.
- Do online searches – Use words like “complaint” or “scam” when typing a company name or product into your favorite search engine to see if others have reported them as scams.
- Don’t believe your caller ID – Technology makes it easy to fake caller ID information, names and numbers you see aren’t always real. If someone asks for money or personal information, hang up. Call back to a number you know is genuine.
- Don’t pay upfront for a promise – If someone asks you to pay in advance for fees or taxes for something like loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job offer, it may be a scam. Find help with these issues at www.consumer.ftc.gov
- Consider how you pay – Wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram can be risky, as is using reloadable cards; it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Honest companies won’t require these payment methods.
- Talk to someone – Con artists want you to make a quick decision and may even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, or tell a friend, before you give up your money or personal information.
- Hang up on robocalls – If you answer a call to a recorded sales pitch, hang up. Don’t press any button to speak to someone, that could lead to more calls. Simply hang up.
- Be skeptical about free trial offers – Free trials can lead to you being unaware that you are signing up for a monthly, reoccurring bill. Research the company’s cancellation policy before you buy or agree to anything.
- Don’t deposit a check and wire money back – Fake checks can take weeks to uncover. If you’ve deposited a check, wired money and the check is returned as fraud, even weeks later, you’re responsible for repaying the financial institution.
- Find the latest tips and advice from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/scams, you can even sign up for free scan alerts.
BOULDER DAM CREDIT UNION ANNUAL MEETING
The Credit Union’s 2020 Annual Meeting will be held on the evening of Wednesday, February 19th, at the Boulder Creek Golf Course pavilion. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and dinner begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and go on sale here at the Credit Union starting at 9:30 a.m. on February 4th. We look forward to seeing you there.
WORDS OF WISDOM
"There are two ways to meeting difficulties.
You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself to meet them."
-Phyllis Bottome
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