Fraud Warnings
Recent "Phishing" "SMiShing" "Vishing" and other fraudulent attempts ...
Vantage West Credit Union (like many financial institutions) has been the target of various Fraudulent “Phishing (email) , "SMiShing" (text messaging) and "Vishing" (automated voice message) scams. We we will continue our ongoing efforts to shut down websites, and other technological sources behind these fraudulent attempts. It is extremely important that you do not ever respond to any email, phone call, text or other communication requesting personal information. If you ever suspect the legitimacy of any communication you receive from Vantage West, please contact us immediately. You can check to verify if an email message you received from us is legitimate on our Email Promos, Surveys and Msgs web page.
Below are samples of "phishing," "smishing" and "vishing" attempts. Please be assured that these emails/texts/phone calls did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union nor was our security or your information compromised by these fraudulent attempts, unless you respond to them.
If you ever respond to any communications resembling these , you will need to take all precautions to secure your accounts. You should start by contacting us as soon as possible.
Work-At-Home Scam Added October 29, 2010
Information on work-from-home scams that trick unsuspecting individuals into involuntarily assisting with illegal activities is available here.
Fraud Advisory for Businesses Added October 29, 2010
Information for cyber criminals targeting financial accounts of business owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses, resulting in losses and disruption is available here.
"Vishing Scam" September 12, 2010
We have been made aware that on Sunday, September 12, many of our members and non-members received an automated phone call (supposedly) from Vantage West Credit Union. The message states that your “debit card has been blocked.” The message then asks you to input your card number and expiration date to “unfreeze” your account. This phone call went to people that have Verizon, AT & T and Cricket cell phone carriers.
Please be assured that Vantage West Credit Union does not notify its members about blocked cards in this manner. This type of “phishing” expedition is looking to obtain card information to commit fraud.
If you or anyone you know has input their card information please take the necessary steps to protect their information.
"Vishing Scam" February 19 - 21, 2010
We have been made aware that Vantage West Credit Union is the target of another "Vishing Scam." VISHING is the voice counterpart to "phishing." The intention of Vishing is to gain access to private personal and financial information from the public for the purpose of financial reward. The term is a combination of “voice” and "phising." Vishing scams are phone-based; consumers receive an automated call or text message alerting them to a “security problem” and urging them to call their financial institution to reactivate their debit or credit card. When the consumer calls as instructed, he/she is asked to input their debit or credit card number in order to resolve the security problem.
These fraudulent telephone calls were received the weekend of Feb. 19 - 21, by members as well as non-members. The calls were received on cell phones that have service thru Verizon. Please be assured that these calls did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union.
"SMiShing" Attempt December 7, 2009
We received notification that a fraudulent "SMiShing" attempt (text message scam), claiming to have come from Credit Union West, is being circulated. The fraudulent text message is as follows:
From 9099: Customer issue Credit Union West, Service frozen call 201-484-8652.
If you receive this message, do not respond to it. You might want to inform your cell phone carrier.
"Phishing Attempt" January 7, 2009
A fraudulent email was sent early Wednesday, January 7, 2009 to members as well as nonmembers. This email requested that individuals provide their personal information. As a reminder, Vantage West Credit Union would never request personal information in this manner. Below is a copy of this "phishing" email.
NCUA Phishing Alert:
Here's a snapshot of a "phishing" fraudulent email attempt. Please be assured that these emails did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union nor was our security or your information compromised by this fraud attempt.
NCUA Express
A fraudulent e-mail seeking credit card information (known as a "phishing fraud") has been circulating nationwide in mid January 2009. This fraudulent phishing email appears to be from NCUA and contains a link purportedly to obtain a subscription for the NCUA Express Subscription service. When that link is used, the recipient is directed to a "clone" of the NCUA Express Service site that seeks credit card information from those to whom the phish was sent. If you receive such an email, please ignore it, as it is fraudulent. The NCUA does NOT charge for the Express Subscription service and does NOT solicit credit card information over the Internet. If you have questions or comments, please contact the NCUA Fraud Hotline at 800-827-9650 or, during off duty hours, at 703-728-0700.
Anyone who responds to this SCAM by providing personal information should take take the necessary steps to protect their financial information.
"Vishing" Scam Alert
Vantage West Credit Union is the target of a “Vishing” scam. "Vishing" is the voice counterpart to "phishing." The intention of Vishing is to gain access to private personal and financial information from the public for the purpose of financial reward. The term is a combination of "voice" and phishing. Vishing scams are phone-based; consumers receive an automated call or text message alerting them to a "security problem" and urging them to call their bank to reactivate their debit or credit card. When the consumer calls as instructed, he/she is asked to input her debit or credit card number in order to resolve the security problem.
These fraudulent telephone calls were received by Vantage West members as well as nonmembers. Please be aware that these calls did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union nor was our security or their information compromised by this fraud attempt.
Anyone who responds to a SCAM resembling this, by providing their personal information should take take the necessary steps to protect their financial information.You should start by contacting us as soon as possible.
"Smishing" Attempt
Vantage West Credit Union was the target of a “Smishing” scam. Smishing is the TEXT MESSAGE counterpart to phishing and vishing. The intention of Smishing is to gain access to private personal and financial information from the public for the purpose of financial reward. Smishing scams are cellular phone-based; consumers receive a text message alerting them to a "security problem" and urging them to a fraudulent website to reactivate their debit or credit card.
February 3, 2009
In the most recent scam, the fraudulent web address provided in the text closely resembles our actual web address.These fraudulent text messages were received on February 3, 2009, by members as well as non- members. Please be assured that these text messages did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union nor was our security or member information compromised by this fraud attempt.
September 18, 2009 (Credit Union West)
A fraudulent text message (SMiShing attempt) was sent claiming to be from Credit Union West requesting the person who receives this message call 1-888-379-8451. Credit Union West is currently aware of this scam and wanted other credit unions to be aware of the scam.
Sunday, September 27 (Vantage West)
A fraudulent test message (SMiShing scam), with a message claiming to have been sent from Vantage West Credit Union was sent out to random cellular phone numbers. the message stated that there was a "security problem" and urged the recipient to call a fraudulent phone number (877-362-2803 or another number provided) in order to reactivate a debit or credit card. THIS message was not sent out from Vantage West Credit Union. Vantage West will never request personal information, such as name verification, account information, social security number, etc. in a phone or email, or orher solicitation. If you receive any messages such as this one, please disregard.Please be assured that these text messages did not originate from Vantage West Credit Union nor was our security or member information compromised by this fraud attempt.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (Sun West F.C.U.)
A fraudulent text message (SMiShing attempt) is being sent out claiming to be from Sun West F.C.U. requesting the person who receives this message call 866-386-0497. Sun West F.C. U. is aware of this scam. If by chance one of you or anyone you know called the number and provided your Vantage West or any other credit union information, please take the necessary steps to protect sensitive information. Below is the fraudulent text message that was received:
"t 5@t-momail.net / / Account temporarily frozen call at 866-386-0497!Your Sun WestF.C.U
If you or someone you know happened to respond to a "Phishing" or "SMiShing" SCAM by providing personal information, it is very important that you take the necessary steps to protect your financial information.You should start by contacting us or other financial institution involved, as soon as possible.
For additional helpful information about the crime of identity theft and other fraud, visit this educational website powered by Identity Theft 911.®
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