Fraud & Security Tips

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. 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.

Fraud call


5 Tips to Stay Safe From Fraud

In the present world, we must always stay alert against the efforts of malicious individuals who try to acquire our personal and account information. Scammers use persuasive tactics to excite or frighten you over the phone and put you in a vulnerable emotional state where you may unwittingly reveal information you wouldn't usually share. As we work together to combat fraud, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

  1. 1

    Don't Disclose Passcodes

    Never disclose any passcode over the phone; financial institution employees will not ask for it.
  2. 2

    Observe Caller ID

    Bad actors can easily manipulate Caller ID, so beware of calls appearing to be from "MHV" or "The Fraud Department."
  3. 3

    Never Share Your Card Number

    We will never request your entire card number, CVV, or expiration date, so never share this information with anyone.
  4. 4

    Don't Share Online Banking Credentials

    Do not provide your online banking credentials to anyone. MHV will never ask you for your home banking username and password.
  5. 5

    Don't Accept Charges

    Scammers often deceive victims by telling them to "accept" a charge to reverse or cancel it, which is false and should be considered a red flag.

If ever in doubt, terminate the call immediately and contact MHVFCU directly for assistance.