Unity Credit Union - Fraud Awareness

Passwords aren't meant to be shared, either on purpose or through carelessness. Download a password manager app on your smartphone to keep your passwords safe. If you've written them down, lock them away. Even better, don't write them down at all.

A strong password provides essential protection from financial fraud and identity theft. One of the most common ways that hackers break into computers is by guessing passwords. Simple and commonly used passwords enable fraudsters to easily gain access and control of your computer or mobile phone.

Don't expect your recycling boxes or garbage bin to hide your personal information. Use a paper shredder or some other means to safely dispose of your personal data.

Wi-Fi is one way fraudsters can steal your identity. To protect yourself, disable Wi-Fi and bluetooth when you are not using it. When you leave your device open by default, your data is vulnerable to access by others without your knowledge or consent whenever you pass through cafes and other places offering open, public wireless networks.

You may already be aware of how fraudsters work, but new methods show up all the time. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is an excellent resource to help you stay updated on the latest frauds occuring in Canada. They also provide a helpful list on how to recognize a fraud attempt.

Many smartphones include options to secure its access, like 2-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and screen lock. Android users can also use phone encryption.

If you lose your phone, take immediate action.

When you're online, only download programs and applications from trusted sources that inspect your downloads for viruses and verify the sources of the files.

Set up free security and transaction alerts to receive email, text message, or app push notification security alerts when activity occurs in your Online Banking. Sign up in Online Banking, by navigating to the 'My Unity Credit Union' tab then 'Alerts', or by clicking the 'More' icon then 'Alert Settings' in the Mobile App.

Exercise Caution

Be wary of unexpected emails or messages, especially those urging immediate action or containing links.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Verify Communications

Verify the legitimacy of any communication, especially if it involves clicking on links or sharing sensitive information.
Cross-check email addresses and message content for signs of phishing attempts.

Spread Awareness

Inform your friends and family about the increased risk during holiday periods.
Emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant across all communication channels.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you receive any suspicious communication or notice unusual activity, call us promptly at 306.228.2688.

Phishing Scams
Romance Scams

Canadians are spending more time online and fraudsters are getting creative with scams in the digital era. Phishing is when you get an unsolicited email or text that claims to be from a legitimate organizations, such as a financial institution, business, or government agency. Scammers ask you to provide or verify, either via email or clicking on a web link, your personal and/or financial information. These messages often copy the tone and logo of reputable organizations you trust and usually include a call to action.

Red Flags:

Request for personal information - Reputable organizations will never ask for personal information through email or text.
Urgent requests - Look out for messages that include a call to action and are wanting you to respond immediately.
Real emergencies don't happen via email.
Unsolicited emails - Look out for receipts for items you didn't purchase, updates on deliveries for things you didn't order, etc.
Spelling/grammar errors that a legitimate organization would not miss.
Suspicious attachments that you were not expecting and didn't ask for, weird file names, and uncommon file types.
Anything too good to be true - Winning a lottery is unlikely. Winning a lottery you didn't enter is impossible!

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Do not click any links.
Do not open any attachments.
Do not reply or forward the message. Delete the email or text!
If unsure about legitimacy, contact the company through a different channel, such as the phone. Research online for the contact information; never contact them using the information received in the message!

A scammer convinces you to enter a virtual or online relationship so they can gain your trust and affection. They can get in touch with you through email messages or fake profile on social media and dating sites. Eventually the scammer may ask you for money for travel, a medical emergency, or family assistance, making it seem urgent. They might ask you to receive money for them and by doing so, you might unknowingly be committing a crime. Joining a business venture with them or investing in cryptocurrency may also be requested of you.

Scammers will try to use any means necessary to convince you that their requests are legitimate. The majority of fraud is not committed by amateurs, and they will use technology to their advantage.

Red Flags:

Someone you haven't met in person professes their love to you.
The person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication (email, text, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, etc.).
They always have an excuse to not meet in person.
You receive poorly/oddly written messages, sometimes even addressing you by the wrong name.
The individual claims to live close to you, but is working overseas.
They act distressed or angry to guilt you into sending money.
The individual discourages you from discussing them or their situation with your friends and family (attempting to isolate you from those who may be suspicious of the relationship).

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Be careful what you post and make public online.
Trust your instincts and ask questions.
Don't be afraid to say "NO".
Never send money or give financial details on a dating site.
Remember that it's very unlikely that someone will declare their undying love to anyone after only a few letters, emails, phone calls, or pictures.
Always avoid sending money or personal information to someone you haven't met in person.
Remember, if it's too good to be true, it is!

Interac e-Transfer® interception can occur when money is being sent from one bank account to another using an email address or text message. Fraudsters will intercept the online transaction and divert the money to a different bank account. Everyone is responsible for playing their part in fraud, whether you're the sender or recipient of an Interac e-Transfer®.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Register for Autodeposit so funds can be automatically deposited into your account to remove the risk of criminals intercepting the notification text or email.
Ensure the answers to your security questions cannot be easily guessed or found on social media. If the notification is intercepted, it will be harder for a fraudster to answer and steal the funds.
Do not include the answer to your security question in the message box. Only share the answer via a secure and different channel, such as over the phone.
Never click on links to accept an Interac e-Transfer® that you were not expecting.
Keep your email secure by being cautious of phishing emails.
Don't stay logged in when you're away from your computer.
Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess.
Register for banking alerts so you receive an alert when a new Interac e-Transfer® recipient has been added in order to verify this action.
Be cautious of the information you share online, including personal identifiable information that hackers can use to access your accounts.

A typical cheque fraud scam starts where a fraudster emails you an electronic cheque. They tell you to take a picture of the electronic cheque or print the item and then take a picture to deposit the funds into your account using your Mobile App. Next they tell you to send the majority of the funds back via Interac e-Transfer® or purchase gift cards or Bitcoin.

An example of where this type of fraud can occur is an overpayment for something you're selling on an online site or a new online job that you have just been hired for.

Red Flags:

If it seems odd, it's probably fraud.
If someone you don't know emails you a picture of a cheque, it's a scam. Contact your financial institution to verify.
There is an immediate request to send funds back through Interac e-Transfer®, gift cards, or Bitcoin.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Do not accept cheques sent to you via email.
Do your research.
Know who you are dealing with.
NEVER accept a cheque when someone asks you to send money back for any reason.

Employment scams often appear on job boards or social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Targets of such scams may receive unsolicited emails from supposed employers. The scammer often assumes the identity of a legitimate company, recruiter, or hiring agency and will quickly offer the victim a job that pays well, but requires little or no effort. The jobs offered are typically 'work from home' or 'mystery shopper' jobs. The victim will often get the job without needing to send in an application, have an interview, or even discuss the role at all with their supposed employer.

Scammers will take advantage of job seekers by collecting confidential information that they will use for identity theft, or they will have the victim cash fraudulent cheques, wire money, or transfer funds for services or supplies.

Red Flags:

Scammer will ask the victim to submit personal information, like a social insurance number or driver's license number.
Scammer will ask the victim to provide bank account information to process their pay.
Scammer will ask the victim to send their credit card information to pay for training or training materials that are needed as part of the job.
Scammer will ask the victim to cash a cheque to complete the application process or as payment for their new job. The victim will be asked to send the money to a third-party or wire any excess funds back to the employer. The victim will soon find out they are involved in an overpayment scam.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Don't give out personal information.
Protect your online accounts.
Don't be afraid to say "NO".
Never agree to deposit a cheque and wire money back to anyone or forward funds to a third-party.
Be cautious when dealing with people you have only met online.
Do not send prepaid debit cards or gift cards.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! A lottery scam is a type of advance-fee fraud which begins with an unexpected notification that "You Have Won!" a large sum of money. These scams require you to pay a fee or taxes to collect the winnings. If you haven't entered a lottery or contest, it's impossible to win!

Grandchild in jail? Don't act too quickly! Emergency frauds usually target loving grandparents, taking advantage of their emotions to rob them of their money. Typically, the scam starts with a grandparent receiving a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The 'grandchild' will say they are in trouble or have been in a car accident, and they need money immediately. Take time to verify the story, call the grandchild, or the child's parents. Scammers are wanting you to react quickly! Never send money to anyone you don't know or trust!

Threats and intimidation to pay your tax bill? The calls, emails, and texts can look and sound authentic - and threatening. The fraudsters pressure the victims to either pay an outstanding balance or provide personal information to receive a tax refund. Do not rush into making a payment, especially if you are being threatened. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly to verify the situation.

Some scammers may be pretending to raise funds on behalf of a charity, but are actually stealing your money! Donations are a vital source of funding for worthy causes or charities. As a donor, it's important to be well-informed so you can feel confident about where your money is going. Gather as much information as possible on the organization, visit their website for annual reports, contact information, etc. Check the List of Charities on the Canada Revenue Agency website to find out if they are a registered charity.

General Safety Reminders!

Always follow these tips to keep your personal and financial information secure!

Do not click on strange links within emails.
If you are not expecting an Interac e-Transfer® from someone, do not accept it and do not click on any links to log into online banking.
Do not use public Wi-Fi to log into online banking.
Do not share your debit card and never disclose your PIN to anyone.
Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to learn about current scams affecting Canadians.

Need a hand?

If you still can't find what you are looking for or need some assistance, please contact us at 306.228.2688. We are available and ready to serve you Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

FRAUD AWARENESS

The fight against fraud begins with you.

Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Fraud