Fraud at ATMs & Checkout:

Card "Skimming" & "Shimming" Scams

Skimming and shimming are the unauthorized capture of your card and PIN information. Skimming devices capture the information in the magnetic strip when a card is swiped at checkout or inserted into an ATM. Shimmers are thin pieces of metal inserted into an ATM, or a card reader at checkout, to capture the information in your microchip. Both are difficult to spot, but shimmers are small and almost impossible to detect when looking at a machine from the outside.

HOW TO PREVENT FALLING VICTIM TO SKIMMING & SHIMMING SCAMS:

Add your West Community Cards to your Digital Wallet. When you pay in stores or use an ATM with the cards stored in your digital wallet. You can also use Tap to Pay whenever it's available at ATMs and checkout.

Both options allow you to avoid possible contact with shimming and skimming devices. Basically, any time you can avoid inserting your card to pay at checkout or access your funds at an ATM, do so.

 

imposter scams:

Verification Code Theft

Your account password and one-time verification codes work together to allow you to gain access to your digital banking accounts. That's why scammers try hard to trick you into sharing a verification code.

Scammers pretend to be someone you can trust, and say they've discovered a problem with one of your accounts - or that someone's using your identity. They may even know some things about you, sound very sympathetic and convincing, and then ask for a verification code to "help" you with your account. 

HOW TO PREVENT FALLING VICTIM TO IMPOSTER SCAMS:

Quite simply, NEVER share a dual authentication verification code. The codes you receive via text or email can allow unrestricted access to your account. Anyone who asks you for a verification code is a scammer. If you're asked to share a verification code, don't engage. Hang up. Block their number. Stop texting or speaking with them and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.

 
 

Text Messages:

Convincing Looking "Smishing" Scams

There has been an increase in realistic looking text message scams (smishing). Fraudsters are sending text message alerts asking for verification of a Debit Card purchase by clicking "YES" or "NO". This ultimately results in a phone call from the fraudsters, posing as a credit union employee, telling you your Debit Card PIN (Personal Identification Number) has been compromised, and asking you to verify your PIN. Do not provide this, or any other information.

HOW TO PREVENT FALLING VICTIM TO SMISHING:

Tigers Community will NEVER text or call and ask you to verify your PIN. If this happens to you, hang up immediately. It is NOT a Credit Union employee you are speaking to—it's a criminal fraudster. Never share your PIN with us or ANYONE!

Phone Calls:

Tricky "Phishing" Scams

There has been an increase in “Phishing” scams with fraudsters using creative techniques to trick you into providing personal or account information. These scammers often call using spoof phone numbers so the call or text message appear to be coming from West Community Credit Union's phone numbers. Their intent is to obtain your personal identification and account information to steal your identity and/or gain access to your accounts.

HOW TO PREVENT FALLING VICTIM TO PHISHING:

Tigers Community will only ask for personal or account information if you call us. Be highly suspicious if you receive an unexpected call, claiming to be a Credit Union employee, asking for your personal or account information.

 

If you receive a phone call, text message or email asking you for any personal identification, online banking information, or account information DO NOT RESPOND. Simply hang up and contact us directly at 573.443.8462.

Do not reply to an email, phone call or text that:

  • Requires you to give your personal or account information, including those that send you to a different link.  
  • Threatens to close or suspend your account if you don't take immediate action
  • Tells you your account has been compromised, then asks you to verify information
  • Informs you of unauthorized charges on your account, then asks you to verify
  • Asks you to confirm, verify or update your account information

>> Learn about our free fraud prevention tools

 

As a general guideline, be highly suspicious anytime you are asked to provide personal information over the phone, text, or email.

 

If you have given out your personal information on an unsolicited phone call or text message, please call Member Services at 573.443.8462.

 

 

Beware Suspicious Phone and Email Scams

The security of your personal information is a primary goal of the credit union. That is why we will NEVER ask you for confidential information, like full social security number, full bank account number, debit or credit card numbers, or PIN in an email or an unsolicited phone call. 

You can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent phone calls and text messages by following these steps:

  • Be aware - legitimate businesses do not make unsolicited calls for personal, sensitive information. If you receive an unsolicited call asking this, it is probably a scam.

  • Don't give in to pressure - many times the caller will pressure or try and scare you into giving your personal information. If so, simply hang up.

  • Be skeptical - caller ID can be faked. Hanging up, and calling us directly is your best defense.

  • Don't respond to unverified text messages asking you to call your financial institution or click any links.

  • When in doubt, hang up. Please notify the credit union if you suspect that someone has impersonated a credit union representative.