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These are examples of common fraud schemes
(not necessarily experienced by NEFCU members).
In the wake of a natural disaster, most people’s primary concern is making sure that everyone is safe and sound.
Generally done by phone, the fraudster takes advantage of your desire to be helpful.
You see a pop-up message on your computer that tells you your computer has a virus.
Generally initiated via email or postal mail, a letter is sent by the scammer stating that you have won a lottery.
Scammers will contact their victims through fake profiles on dating sites and apps, or through popular social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, or Google Hangouts.
A scammer will contact their victim via an online sales ad, such as an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, asking to purchase the item.
Scammers advertise jobs the same way legitimate employers do — online (in ads, on job sites, and social media).
The scammer will contact their victims via phone call, email, or text and pose as someone from an often-well-known business such as Amazon or Norton Anti-Virus.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Each year, millions of Americans discover that criminals have fraudulently assumed their identities. A fraudster using a stolen Social Security number or other personal information can quickly run up thousands of dollars in purchases before the victim becomes aware that their identity has been stolen.
Identity theft has become the fastest-growing crime in America, a crime which usually leaves victims with the responsibility of cleaning up a web of phony purchases, bogus accounts, and damaged credit ratings.
Take Action to Avoid Identity Theft
If you are concerned about potential identity theft for your child or children under 18 years of age, you can use this form to send a letter to the three primary credit bureaus. You will need to enter your information three times, since the form creates letters to all three bureaus.
If you are concerned that your child under the age of 18 is a victim of identity theft, you should contact the three credit bureaus and ask them to search for your child’s information. Visit the following FTC’s website for further information: How To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information
If you think you are a victim, visit any branch or call us at 802.879.8790 or 800.400.8790.
Visit the sites below for further information on fraud prevention and what to do if you become a victim.
To help limit the amount of telemarketing calls you receive and your chances of a scammer contacting you, you can register your phone number(s) with the National Do Not Call Registry here: https://www.donotcall.gov/
To stay up to date on scams, visit the following summary page on the FTC website and subscribe to Consumer Alerts by clicking on “Get Email Updates”: Scam Alerts | FTC Consumer Information
ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal government's website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices.
Money Smart for Older Adults Guide
Visit consumer.ftc.gov to find tips and learn how to avoid scams.
Consider placing a security freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies. This can be done online or by phone. A security freeze prohibits, with certain specific exceptions, the credit reporting agency from releasing the consumer’s credit report or any information from it without the authorization of the consumer.
Equifax
Security Freeze | Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit | Equifax®
Experian
Security Freeze Center at Experian
Transunion
Credit Freeze | Freeze My Credit | TransUnion
The Attorney’s General Office is also another Consumer Protection resource that you can reach out to if you are a victim of fraud. Visit this direct link to the Vermont AGO’s website: Scams - Office of the Vermont Attorney General
If you think you have become a victim of identity theft, or if you have any questions, visit any of our branch, or call NEFCU Contact Center at 802.879.8790 or 800.400.8790.