Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Calls & Texts
If you get a suspicious call or text claiming to be from MHVFCU - regardless of how legitimate the number appears - ignore it and contact us directly at 845-336-4444. We will never reach out to you via call or text to ask for your account information and we never send text messages with links. If you receive one claiming to be from us, do not click it!
Only access digital banking through our website our app. Be cautious of links that don't include "mhvfcu.com" - they may be unsafe.
To safeguard yourself from fraud, avoid clicking on suspicious links, never share your personal details, and only download apps from trusted sources. MHVFCU has only one official app, and this is the only one you should use.
BE AWARE: Recent Fraud Trend Targeting Our Seniors
Scammers are pretending to be from agencies like the FTC, IRS, FBI, Apple, or even MHVFCU, using calls, texts, pop-up messages, or letters to claim seniors' accounts are in danger. They use scare tactics, saying there are charges from 'adult' websites and federal investigators are involved. They pressure seniors to withdraw large amounts of cash and wait for a "courier" to pick it up at their homes.
The scammers will instruct seniors not to tell any credit union staff what the money is for, advising them to give a false reason such as ‘home improvement’ or a family member’s name.
They may ask seniors to stay on the phone while withdrawing cash at the branch, instructing them to keep the phone hidden.
After convincing them, the scammers direct seniors to withdraw large sums and wait for a ‘courier’ or ‘fraud agent’ to pick up the cash at their home for deposit into a new account.
If you receive a message of this nature, it is crucial that you DO NOT CALL OR CONTACT the scammers on the phone numbers or links that they have provided. Additionally, do not read back or text back a one-time code or download an app that gives someone else access. Instead, contact us directly at (845) 336-4444 or visit a branch location.
Scammers can easily manipulate Caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from your credit union. They may also call you repeatedly, attempting to intimidate you into believing them. Remember, do not engage with the scammers.
Remember: Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, or any financial institution, government agency, or reputable company, will NEVER ask you to withdraw large sums of cash, send a courier to your home, or not speak with our staff.
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.
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 fraud. The IRS will never ask for gift cards.
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 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?
- Remember companies won't text you links to take a survey for money.