Be wary of scams - financial and other

From Redwood Credit Union (hopefully your bank or credit union has been proactive on this issue as well):

Dear Valued Member,

As you’ve seen in the news, fraud and scams are on the rise. RCU’s Fraud Prevention Team is passionately committed to safeguarding your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Keeping your accounts and information secure is critically important to us, and we are actively monitoring the latest fraudulent schemes. However, you’re an indispensable partner in achieving and sustaining this important goal. Here are some resources and reminders to keep you and all that you love safe, especially in these unprecedented times.

Reminders on how to protect yourself:

Don’t click unrecognized links.

Don’t click on links, open attachments, or respond to unexpected emails or text messages from suspicious or unknown senders.

Say no to fraudulent investment opportunities.

Always be wary of any investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true. Thoroughly research businesses and be especially skeptical of miracle cures or treatments.

Beware of unsolicited calls and texts.

Financial institutions and government agencies should never call, text or email you to ask for personal information, passwords, or logins. Hang up and do some research before calling back or responding.
Criminals use text and voice calls impersonating your financial institution, and try to get you to share your information by claiming you have fraud on your card or need to update your account.
RCU will never call or text you asking for your private information. If you are suspicious of a call, hang up and call us directly at 1 (800) 479-7928.

Be social media smart.

Beware of financial requests or offers on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social or dating sites. Do not click or access your financial accounts from within a social media site, and never share your login information.
Be wary of anyone asking you for your statement or a copy of your statement for any purpose.

Don’t fall for loan scams.

Fraudsters are posing as financial institutions offering instant access to money. Never give out your personal or login information, and work with a financial institution you trust. 

Walk away from deceptive employment offers.

If you are seeking employment, walk away from job offers that require you to purchase gift cards, merchandise, or pay out of pocket for supplies or services to be reimbursed later.

RCU resources to help you protect yourself:

Learn about how RCU is working to protect you at redwoodcu.org/security.

Want to receive RCU security alerts?

Use RCU’s online banking to sign up for free instant emails about your account activity. Learn more here: redwoodcu.org/alerts

Have you received a suspicious email or text?

Or have you received communication that seems to be from us, but you’re suspicious of the origin? 

Please forward a copy of the email, text, or URL of the phishing website to fraud@redwoodcu.org.

If you have other questions, please call us at 1 (800) 479-7928 or (707) 545-4000.

Rest assured, we work diligently to help protect your accounts. But the most effective way to avoid fraud is by recognizing and avoiding schemes beforehand. With vigilance, we can keep your accounts safe, together.

Tony Hildesheim
Chief Information Officer

Also, see attached information flyer about Medicare fraud (March 30, 2020)