Fraud & Security Awareness

Tips and Resources to Help Keep You Safe

Tech Support/Fraud Department Scams

In this scam, you are contacted by someone via email, phone, pop-ups, etc., claiming to be from:

A tech support company, utility company, or a government affiliate like the IRS, or
A “fraud department”

These scammers will ask you to wire money OR download an app/visit a website so that they can help you. Ignore these requests. They are scams.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

A fraudster may tell you that they work for your bank or credit union’s “fraud department”, and you must wire funds to them. This is a fraud! Hang up the phone and call your financial institution directly or go to a branch in person.
Any communication from a software or anti-virus company (such as Microsoft) must be initiated by you. They will not call you and ask for money or gift cards, or ask you to send money.
Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or provide technical support.
A legitimate company will never ask that you pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a wire transfer.
A fraudster, pretending to be someone who will “help” you, may ask you to download an app or visit a website that is used to remotely access your device (i.e., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, RemotePC, LogMeIn, GoToAssist, etc.). DO NOT allow anyone to remotely access your home computer or phone.

Phishing and Smishing

Before the Purchase:

Retailers will encourage shopping via email and text, offering discount codes and sale prices.

Fraudsters will use phishing (email) and smishing (SMS/text) tactics to pose as legitimate retailers. Clicking on these links will put your information and money at risk.

After the Purchase:

Consumers will start returning purchases, many relying on technology to initiate and track those returns.

Fraudsters will continue to pose as legitimate retailers by sending links to expedite your return, print labels, etc.

Here’s What to Do:

Never click an email from senders you don't recognize

Never click a link or open an email from senders you don’t recognize.

Read each email and text carefully. Is everything spelled correctly? Is it logical? Were you expecting it?

Companies won't send links to take a survey for money

Remember companies won’t text you links to take a survey for money.

Phone Scams

MHV will never ask you for personal information such as your Online Banking login or password.
Callers may “spoof” MHV’s phone number so that it will appear on your Caller ID. If you receive a call from MHV’s “Fraud Department” claiming your accounts have been locked, hang up and call us directly at (845) 336-4444 or visit your local branch.
Fraudsters may identify themselves as your utility company, claiming services will be disconnected unless you pay immediately. Hang up and contact the company directly.

IRS Tax Scams

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone or text messages.
Victims are told they owe money to the IRS, and it must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfer. Victims may be threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. This is a fraud. The IRS will never ask for gift cards.

Questions or concerns about fraud? Call us at 845.336.4444 and a Member Service Representative will be happy to help.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Information and Money

1

Be Alert

Many phone and email scams try to get you to share personal information. If you did not initiate the call or the email is from an unknown source or seems suspicious do not provide any information.

2

Safeguard Your Information

Never share account information or passwords. Be sure to log out after each use. Create strong passwords and change them periodically.

3

Monitor Your Accounts

Review your bank and credit card statements regularly and request and review your free credit report annually. Set up alerts to notify you of irregular activity.

4

Protect Your Electronic Device

Make sure your computer, tablet and phone have up-to-date software and antivirus and malware protection.

5

Take Action

If you notice any suspicious activity, notify us and any other applicable parties as soon as possible.

KEEP YOUR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS SECURE!

Here's some tips and best practices from leading experts and government resources:

Phishing Scams
Learn how you can protect yourself from scammers using email or text messages to try and trick you.

Online Security
Learn steps you can take to protect your computer and your information.

Your Privacy
Learn how you can protect your privacy online and in mobile apps.

Identity Theft
Discover things you can do to reduce your risk of identity theft.

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Scam Alert

Fraud & Security Awareness

Tips and Resources to Help Keep You Safe

Tech Support/Fraud Department Scams