Fraud

Like all consumers, you want to avoid being a victim of some "scam." That’s why we have a whole team working hard to uncover the latest frauds and scams before members like you become victims. If at any time you have questions or know of a scam that should be added to this site, please contact our Account Management Department at 503.672.3878.

11.12.09 Fraudulent NACHA email
We recently learned of a fraudulent email with a “Rejected ACH Transaction” subject line. The email appears to be from NACHA, the Electronic Payments Association, and tells the recipient that there’s a problem with an ACH transaction they originated.

If you happen to receive an email with “Rejected ACH Transaction” or something similar in the subject line, avoid the temptation to click on the link. Clicking on the link may download a virus to your computer.

Please give us a call at 800.637.0852 if you have a question about one of your First Tech transactions.

Here’s a sample email:

08.21.09 SMiShing scams on the rise
A growing number of fraudsters are using text messages in their scams and they typically target credit unions or small regional banks. There are no scams currently targeting First Tech, but we thought we’d share some information so you can be prepared if one occurs.

Here’s how the SMiShing scams typically work. The criminals pick a financial institution, then bombard every phone in their area code with a text message. The message asks the recipient to call a fake 800 number that looks like it’s from a local credit union. They target a particular region, so it’s likely they’ll reach real members.

We don’t currently send our members text messages. If you receive a text message claiming to be from First Tech, avoid the temptation to respond to the text message. It might look authentic, but the message is a trick. It’s called SmiShing because scammers send text messages through Short Message Service (SMS) and go fishing for information about you or your financial account that may be used for identity theft.

As a reminder, we won’t ask for confidential account information via email, voicemail or text messages such as:

Account numbers
Expiration dates
PIN numbers and/or passwords

Find out how to protect yourself at onguardonline.gov, a website managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

07.30.09 Protect yourself against counterfeit checks
A growing number of fraudsters use counterfeit checks as a part of their schemes. Here are some common red flags that might indicate a check is part of a scam:

You’ve never met the person who provided you the check.
You’ve only had conversations with the check issuer by email.
Someone instructs you to send money as a favor.
Someone asks you to pay money for a prize you’ve won.
Someone asks you to participate in a “secret shopper” assignment and deposit money as part of the assignment.
The check issuer sends you a check for more money than you agreed to for a sale or service.

Keep in mind, you’re responsible for all checks you deposit in your account. If a check “bounces,” you’ll need to pay the money back. If you suspect you have a counterfeit check, please feel free to stop by one of our branches. We’re happy to help you verify its authenticity before you cash it.

If you believe you may have already cashed a fraudulent check, please contact our Fraud Department at 503.350.4665 or email them at frauddepartment@firsttechcu.com.

05.26.09Alert: Vishing scam mentions First Tech
We’ve learned of a vishing scam where an automated caller claims to be from First Tech Credit Union and asks for card information. Similar to phishing that is done via email, individuals use vishing to gain private information, by imitating a legitimate financial institution. The caller does not actually have your information; they’re hoping you’ll provide it during the call. If you receive one of these calls, please contact our Fraud Department at frauddepartment@firsttechcu.com.

05.05.09 Spyware scam
First Tech has recently learned of an email spyware scam. A fraudulent email from “WebHosting” claims the recipient will be billed $4.99 a month for Web hosting and $14.95 annually for domain name registration.

The email has a link to log in. However, avoid the temptation to click on the link. If you do, you’ll end up with spyware installed on your computer. In addition to collecting information about your browsing habits, malicious spyware can install additional, unwanted software, redirect Web browser activities and change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and a loss of Internet functioning. Here’s a sample email:

Learn how to avoid spyware or remove it from your computer at OnGuardOnline.gov/spyware.

02.24.09 SMiShing scam affects local credit unions
First Tech recently learned that three credit unions reported an identical SMiShing scam in which their members and non-members receive text messages. The message looks like it’s from the credit union and states it’s urgent they call 888.767.7682. Please note that scammers have not sent these text messages to First Tech members.

Here’s some language from the 888 number’s voice message:

“Welcome to the general protection department. We will be asking you to provide three pieces of information. You will use your phone key pad for the entire process. Enter your 16 digit number followed by the pound key. Include your credit card number and three additional digits.”

Avoid the temptation to respond to the text message. It might look authentic, but the message is a trick. It’s called SmiShing because scammers send text messages through Short Message Service (SMS) and go fishing for information about you or your financial account that may be used for identity theft.

As a reminder, First Tech won’t ask for confidential account information via email, voicemail or text messages such as:

Account numbers
Expiration dates
PIN numbers and/or passwords

Find out how to protect yourself at onguardonline.gov, a website managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).