FRAUD ALERT CENTER

Welcome to AltaOne Federal Credit Union's Fraud Alert Center! Your financial security is our top priority, and we're here to provide you with the essential information and tools to safeguard your accounts and personal information. In this dedicated hub, you'll find valuable resources to help you stay informed about the latest fraud trends, preventive measures, and steps to take in case you suspect any unauthorized activity.

When in doubt, don’t give it out!

If you receive questionable phone calls, texts, or emails from someone saying they’re from AltaOne, hang up and don’t reply. Call us at (800) 433-9727 to confirm if it was legitimate or not.

NCUA Fraud Prevention Center

Each year, scammers and identity thieves steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. These criminals use various communication methods to steal information or trick consumers into handing over their money. Visit MyCreditUnion.gov to learn how to recognize, report, and prevent fraud, common scams, identity theft, and cybercrimes.

03/04/2024

Fraud Alert: Spoofing/Fraudster Calls

We’ve become aware of calls being made to members asking for personal information and requesting them to download an app called ‘mydesk’. If you receive a call saying it’s from AltaOne and they are asking for personal information or asking you to download apps, do not give out any information and do not download anything. Hang up and call us at (800) 433-9727.

AltaOne will never call you asking for personal information we already have or ask you to download any apps, except our own.

The only apps AltaOne uses are our AltaOne Mobile Banking app and the Zogo Financial Literacy app. These are both available in the Apple App and Google Play stores.

01/19/2024

Blog Post: New Year, New Scams

As the calendar flips to another year, we often find ourselves making resolutions, seeking new beginnings, and embracing fresh starts. Unfortunately, this time of renewal is also a golden opportunity for scammers to unleash new tactics and traps. In this digital era, financial scams have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals to stay alert and informed. Let’s dive into the evolving landscape of financial scams in the new year and explore ways to protect ourselves.

12/31/2023

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft & Fraud

Monitor your financial statements carefully.
If you see any unauthorized or suspicious activity, promptly contact your bank, credit union, or credit card company.

Monitor your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity.
Under U.S. law, you are entitledto one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report.

Place a fraud alert on your credit file.
You have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on your file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a one-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Contact the three major credit bureaus directly to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

Place a credit freeze on your credit file.
A credit freeze will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. Contact the three major credit bureaus directly to place a credit freeze on your credit file.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission and your state attorney general.
You may contact the Federal Trade Commission and your state attorney general for the state where you reside to learn more about identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and other steps you can take to protect yourself. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.identitytheft.gov, 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338);
TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

Report incidents of suspected or actual identity theft or fraud.
If you were, or believe you may have been, a victim of theft or fraud, you are encouraged to report that activity to law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, and your state attorney general.

12/1/2023

Blog Post: ‘Tis the Season to Stay Safe: Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

As we gear up for the holiday season, we want to spread some warmth and share some crucial tips on staying safe from scams during this festive time. While the holidays are all about love, joy, and spending time with loved ones, it's also a time when scammers become more active. Let's take a look at some common scams you should be aware of and how to protect yourself and your family.

11/1/2023

Blog Post: Protecting Your Loved Ones from Elder Fraud

In a post-pandemic world, it’s easy to lose touch, but maintaining communication is key. Remind your loved ones to avoid disclosing personal financial details via email, phone, or text.

8/16/2023

Blog Post: Stay Savvy Online: How to Beat Phishing & Smishing Scams

In today’s digital age you must be diligent in keeping your financial world safe, secure, and worry-free. If you surf the internet or have a smart phone, you’ll eventually be a potential victim of phishing and smishing. But don’t worry, we've got your back with some advice on how to outsmart those pesky cyber tricksters!

7/5/2023

Fraud Alert: Scammers Posing as AltaOne Employees via Text, Email and Phone Calls

There has been a recent increase in scammers posing as AltaOne and AltaOne employees in fraudulent text messages, emails and phone calls. These fraudsters spoof our name, email addresses and phone number to appear legitimate.

Please remember, we will never call, email or text you asking for one-time passcodes, passwords, User IDs, or card/account details. If you receive a message asking for info, do not respond. Call us at (800) 433-9727 for assistance.

Email Scam Information

AltaOne DOES NOT ask for account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers through e-mail. If you receive any e-mails asking for your personal information, please delete them immediately.

If you've become a victim of a phishing scam or identity theft (meaning your personal account information has been compromised), please call us right away at 1 (800) 433-9727 so that we can advise you as to what steps to take next.

Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams

View any e-mail or phone request for financial information or other personal data with suspicion. Do not reply to the e-mail, and do not respond by clicking on a link within the e-mail message.

Contact the actual business that allegedly sent the e-mail to verify if it is genuine.

Do not send personal information (credit or debit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or PINs) in response to an e-mail request from anyone.

Use anti-virus software and ensure that it's updated regularly.

Be cautious. Check your monthly statements to verify all transactions.

If you receive an email that claims to be from AltaOne and you suspect it is suspicious, please forward the email to: abuse@altaone.net.

Right to Opt-Out

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance. The FCRA also provides you the right to “Opt-Out,” which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you.

You can visit www.OptOutPrescreen.com to opt out of many unsolicited offers. Through the website, you may request to:

• Opt-Out from receiving firm offers for 5 years

• Opt-Out from receiving firm offers permanently

• Opt-In and begin receiving firm offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed a request to Opt-Out.

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies. If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

The Dos and Don’ts

DON’T:

NEVER give out, post, or share the following with ANYONE:

• Username

• Any passwords, passcodes, or PINs

• Any personally identifiable information

• Any financial information, including account number, credit card, or debit card information

Don’t fall victim to phishing attacks:

• If an email comes in and you are not expecting it, or it appears suspicious, don’t click on it. Delete it.

• If you receive a phone call from someone who asks you to provide personal or financial information, don’t provide it. Hang up.

• If you see a text message that appears suspicious, don’t open it. Delete it.

Don’t fall victim to lottery and contest scams:

• If you receive a letter or email telling you you’ve won a lottery or contest that you do not recall entering, it’s probably a scam.

• If you’re notified that you’ve won a lottery or contest and you are asked to provide account information so they can process your winnings, don’t provide it. It’s a scam.

Don’t become a “money mule”:

• If you are asked to engage in any transaction where you are sent money (usually through wire transfers, direct deposit, or Western Union) and are subsequently instructed to send a portion of the funds to another person/account, it is likely a money laundering scam. Money laundering is illegal; don’t participate in the transaction.

• If you are asked to engage in any transaction where you are sent money (possibly through wire transfers, direct deposit, or Western Union) and are subsequently instructed to send a cashier’s check, gift card(s), or other monetary instruments to another person, it is likely a money laundering scam. Money laundering is illegal; don’t participate in the transaction.

• If you are asked to exchange monetary instruments (such as money orders and traveler’s checks) for another type of monetary instrument (cash or check) through your account for another person, don’t do it. This is also another tactic for money laundering and is illegal.

Don’t carry card PINs or other personally identifiable information (Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, etc.) in your wallet or purse.

Don’t fall for bogus secret shopper opportunities or other offers that promise you financial gain for little or no effort. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

DO:

• Place a security credit freeze on your credit report with all of the credit bureaus

• Sign up for free fraud alerts from the credit bureaus

• Secure home computers, tablets, and mobile devices with a firewall and antivirus software before performing an online or mobile transaction

• Avoid free downloadable applications for mobile devices since they may contain viruses and/or malware

• When shopping online, always research the seller before purchasing items or providing your payment information

• Use secure websites (i.e.“https” is in the URL) anytime you are providing personal or financial information online

• When you are done shopping online, always exit the site and close your browser

• Cover your hand when entering your PIN at a store or at an ATM

• Watch merchants perform your sales and look for any suspicious activity while they are in possession of your credit or debit card

• Always take your receipt

ALWAYS:

• Review your account and credit/debit card activity to identify any unauthorized transactions

• Notify your credit union immediately of any unauthorized activity related to your account or credit/debit card

• Discuss with your credit union representative any concerns or suspicions you have regarding any checks or communication that you have received or any transaction you have been asked to conduct that involves any third party before you participate in any questionable transaction