January 25, 2010 - With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft . The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.
As we approach the peak of the holiday season, it is important to take steps to protect your financial information during shopping and online transactions. Follow these suggestions from CUNA Mutual Group to protect yourself from becoming a holiday fraud victim.
Ensure that receipts reflect the correct transaction amount
When performing a PIN transactions, ensure others are not capturing your PIN number
When using a debit card, you may select “credit”, which requires a signature and extends the $0 member liability under the Visa / MasterCard association rules
Review all accounts (checking, savings, credit card) activity daily
Lower your credit line limit during the holidays
When paper checks are converted at a merchant to an ACH, store voided checks safely to prevent counterfeit checks or unauthorized ACH transactions
Be suspicious of emails from unknown parties; don’t open the email or click any links within them
Access your credit union’s authorized website by typing the website into the address bar of web browser to avoid “spoofed” websites attempting to steal your information
Shop online with trustworthy merchants who require security information such as address verification and the CVV2/CVC2 number on the back of your card
When shopping in person or using an ATM, be aware of your surroundings and report any unusual activities to your credit union
Never leave your purse, wallet, or cards unattended
And finally, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is, so be cautious
The News-Gazette reports that consumers are being targeted for identity theft through fraudulent contact from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Emails purporting to send consumers to the IRS website enables the fraudsters to collect personal and financial information, such as credit card numbers and passwords, bank account information, Social Security numbers and more. The IRS reports that they do not send unsolicited emails to taxpayers about tax account matters and the only genuine IRS website is www.irs.gov, all authentic web addresses begin with this site. Click here to read the full article.
It has been reported that consumers are receiving fraudulent text messages requesting personal information. This scam is known as SMISHING. This scam uses an automated system that is requesting/harvesting card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). The fraudulent phone number that has been reported is (1-323-908-4680).
This text message is NOT from the credit union or any other financial institution.
If you receive an email or text asking for any personal information or action on your part, please disregard and delete it immediately. Please contact UIECU immediately at 217-278-7700 or toll free at 877-678-4328 if you feel that your personal financial information has been compromised in any way.
Useful Links and Phone Numbers
UIECU is concerned about the safety and security of your credit and debit card. We partner with the following organizations to monitor activity that occurs on your account, and want you to be aware that they may contact you on rare occasions if there is any suspicion of fraudulent activity on your account.
They are:
Fidelity - 800-437-9392 for your UIECU VISA Credit Card
FiServ - 800-262-2024 for your UIECU Cash & Check Card
We would encourage you to contact the number above or the credit union if you receive a call regarding a potential compromise on your account.
These numbers may also be used to report a lost or stolen card.
Cash & Check Card Disputed Item Form:
Please fill out and return the Cash & Check Card Disputed Item Form if you suspect fraud for an individual purchase or group of purchases using one of your credit union accounts. If you have any questions about filling out this form, please call the credit union at 217-278-7700 to speak with a Members Service Representative.
