Scam Alerts

At Choice One, we are committed to keeping our members informed and protected against the ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters. As technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers to deceive unsuspecting individuals. It is essential to stay updated and vigilant to safeguard your personal and financial information.

Security Advisement: Cyber Scams During the Holiday Shopping Season

As the holiday season draws near, Choice One Community Credit Union is keenly aware of the increased risk of cyber scams and fraudulent activities that can affect our members. During this time of year, it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting yourself from online threats while engaging in holiday shopping.

Recently, on November 22, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) issued a Cyber Crime Advisory Report. This report is a critical resource for understanding the landscape of cyber threats and offers practical advice for safely navigating the digital shopping environment. Notably, the OCCIP’s press release emphasized the rising complexity of phishing attacks, especially with the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These advancements allow cybercriminals to quickly learn and modify their tactics, making them more challenging to detect.

Choice One Community Credit Union urges all members to become familiar with the cybersecurity best practices outlined in this report. By staying informed and cautious, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable holiday shopping experience. Remember, your safety is our top priority.

Here are some of the latest scams you should be aware of:

AI-Driven Voice Scams

In today’s digital age, AI-driven voice scams have evolved into a dangerous and silent threat to our homes. These scams use advanced artificial intelligence to impersonate people or organizations we trust, manipulating our emotions and trust for fraudulent purposes. Our recent blog post delves deep into the world of AI voice scamming. We’ll reveal what this deceptive practice entails, its various forms, and how to spot it to safeguard your household. Click here to read the article and learn more.

Protecting Yourself from the ‘Brushing’

In our modern age of online shopping, the thrill of receiving packages is a familiar joy. However, not every package on your doorstep is a reason to celebrate. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has sounded the alarm about the rising ‘brushing’ scam, a crafty ploy that targets both consumers and e-commerce platforms. This deceptive practice involves sending unordered merchandise to recipients, not as a gesture of goodwill, but as a means to artificially inflate seller reputations. Our recent blog post uncovers the inner workings of brushing, its warning signs, and what to do if you suspect you suspect it. Stay informed, and protect your personal information and finances from this cunning scam by reading our blog article.

Zelle® Scams

In a world driven by technology, Zelle® has revolutionized the way we transfer money—fast, easy, and convenient. But with great power comes great responsibility, as scammers have honed their techniques to exploit unsuspecting users. This blog post is your ultimate guide to understanding the latest Zelle® scams, including the shocking story of a fraudster posing as Bank of America. We’ll delve into the common tactics fraudsters use and provide you with practical measures to safeguard your financial well-being. Don’t fall victim to these cunning scams; stay informed and protected with this blog post!

Phishing Scams

Phishing is a deceptive technique used by fraudsters to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or financial details. Scammers often send fraudulent emails or text messages posing as reputable organizations, enticing recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information. Remember, Choice One will never reach out to request sensitive information. If you do receive a suspicious call, email, or text, hang up, refrain from clicking on any links, and reach out to us directly through trusted channels to report the incident.

Smishing Scams

Similar to phishing scams, smishing scams involve fraudulent text messages sent to individuals’ mobile phones. These messages often contain urgent requests or enticing offers, encouraging recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information. Be cautious of any unexpected or suspicious texts, especially those requesting personal information. Click here to read our recent blog post featuring tips to avoid text scams.

Vishing Scams

Vishing, short for voice phishing, is a scam where fraudsters make phone calls impersonating legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies. They use various tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or making unauthorized transactions. Remember, if someone calls claiming to be from Choice One and asks for personal or financial information, hang up and call our official phone number to verify the request.

Social Engineering Scams

Social engineering scams involve manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information through psychological manipulation. Fraudsters may pretend to be trustworthy individuals, such as a friend, family member, or even a colleague, to gain access to personal or financial data. Be cautious when sharing sensitive information, even with people you know, and always verify requests through alternative means of communication.

Investment and Money Transfer Scams

Scammers often lure individuals with promises of high returns on investments or lucrative money transfer opportunities. They may use fake investment schemes, pyramid schemes, or fraudulent job offers to exploit unsuspecting victims. Exercise caution when presented with such opportunities and always research and verify before making any financial commitments. Remember, if something seems to good to be true, it usually is.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve fraudsters posing as tech support representatives from reputable companies, claiming that there is an issue with your computer or device. They may ask for remote access to your device, install malware, or request payment for unnecessary services. Remember, legitimate companies will never contact you unsolicited to offer tech support. If in doubt, contact the company directly using official contact information.

“Act Now” Scams

“Act Now” scams refer to deceptive tactics used by fraudsters to pressure individuals into making immediate decisions or taking swift actions. These scams often exploit a sense of urgency, fear, or greed to manipulate victims into providing personal or financial information, making payments, or engaging in other actions that benefit the scammers. Common examples include fake lottery winnings, bogus investment opportunities, or phony emergency situations requiring immediate financial assistance. The scammers emphasize the need for quick action, creating a sense of panic, and preventing victims from carefully considering the legitimacy of the offer. It is important to exercise caution and skepticism when confronted with such requests and to verify the authenticity of any claims before taking any action.

In Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the latest scams used by fraudsters. It is crucial to stay informed, remain vigilant, and protect yourself against these fraudulent activities. At Choice One, we have robust security measures in place to protect our members, but your awareness and proactive approach are equally important.

If you ever encounter suspicious activity or believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact Choice One Community Credit Union immediately. Our dedicated fraud prevention team is here to assist you in resolving any issues and safeguarding your financial well-being.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to fraud prevention. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together, we can combat scams and protect your financial future. Click here to learn more about Choice Alert, a proactive credit and debit card account monitoring tool that empowers members to establish diverse controls and notifications.

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