The Home Repair Scam (Click Here)

The "Your card has unusual activity" Scam

Northwest United members have been getting computer generated calls stating that their credit card has had unusual avtivity and has been blocked. The call then asks you to call back to an 800 or 866 number to reactivate your card. During this call an attempt will be made to get your card number and other information to be able to use your card.

In a variation of this scam, you may get a call from a real person claiming to be from either the VISA or Matercard Fraud Unit. They will already have the card number and possibly other personal information. They will tell you that a charge has been made to your credit card and ask if you made it (Of course you didn't). They will then tell you that a credit will be made to your account and tell you additional information to make you believe they are legitimate. They will then request you give them the Security Code on the back of your card to verify that you actually have the card in your possession. This is the ONLY piece of information these con artists need in order to be able to use your card online.

In order to avoid any of these possible frauds, NEVER give any of the information embossed or printed on your credit / debit card. Legitimate individuals calling from card companies already have this information. If your not sure who you are talking to, call either the 800 number on the back of the card, or call Nothwest United and we will work with VISA to determine if there is an actual problem. In the event that you have already given your information to these people, please call us immediately to have your card blocked and a new card issued.

The "Preapproved card" Scam

Here is a common scam targeting people with imperfect credit histories we thought you should know about...

This scam also begins with a phone call. The caller tells you that you've been pre-approved for a credit card. The credit limit varies from call to call, but the caller usually quotes a credit limit of around $5,000. The caller says that this is a perfect way to begin rebuilding your credit and since you have less-than-ideal credit, this is the perfect opportunity. To sweeten the deal, sometimes the caller says that in addition to receiving your pre-approved credit card, you'll also receive a free computer.

Here's the reality: The scammer simply wants to get some information from you -- the routing number for your bank and your checking or savings account number. Why do they want this information? They say it's to process the one-time fee (which ranges anywhere from $250 to $400).

Unfortunately, many people are falling victim to this scam. They give the caller their bank account information. The money gets withdrawn from their bank account and that's where the nightmare begins. Some callers aren't receiving anything at all for the money that's been taken out of their bank accounts. Others are receiving a package via UPS. What's in the package? An application for a pre-paid credit card and a service agreement for a computer that will cost them about $800!

So where's the credit card with the $5,000 credit limit and the free computer? It doesn't exist. To make matters worse, the victims suddenly start seeing unauthorized transactions being posted to their account and some have even had problems with identity theft.

Actions: First and foremost, don't ever give your personal information (such as bank account numbers and birth dates) over the phone to someone who calls you asking for it.

Second, never, ever apply for a credit card that you have to pay for up front. While it's not uncommon to have to pay an annual fee for a credit card , the annual fee should be charged to the credit account AFTER you receive the credit card. It shouldn't be paid for up front with your bank account.

Avoiding Scams

So, how can you, the cardholder avoid being scammed?

1. First of all, never give personal information such as address or SSN, or any card information to someone who calls you. If in doubt, call NUFCU and verify that the person who called is authorized to do so.

2. You can easily keep up with current scams by periodically checking this page, or go to www.scopes.com , or www.scambusters.org.

3. Probably most important, if you feel you might have given information to a scammer, call us at the credit union to have your card blocked as soon as possible.