5.6.16

Avoid scams and fraud. Here are 8 questions to ask yourself!

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Don’t forget, as a Consumers member you qualify for Mastercard®‘s free ID Theft Protection™ program that can help monitor card activity for potential fraud.

Learn more and enroll

While some attempts at fraud are blatantly obvious, others are sneakier—and can prove extremely devastating.

When you’re searching online for a great deal or evaluating an offer you’ve received in the mail or electronically, here are eight questions to ask yourself when you’re unsure of its legitimacy.

  1. Does the reward (or payment) make sense for the task involved?
  2. Is this offer out of the ordinary?
  3. Does this offer require sending money to someone (or a business) that I was previously unfamiliar with?
  4. Is the ad soliciting for a “secret shopper” (a frequent scam tactic)?
  5. Do the funds originate from an offer on Craigslist?
  6. Am I being asked to return money via wire transfer, Western Union, or other methods?
  7. Does the offer specify that I’m not to tell my credit union or bank about the origins of the money?
  8. Does the offer sound too good to be true? (If so, it probably is.)

Common sense is your first line of defense when identifying a scam. If you ever need help determining whether an offer is legitimate or fraudulent, we’re here to help protect your money and your personal information. Call us at 800.991.2221 or stop by any of our convenient locations to speak with an experienced Member Service Representative.

Enroll in free ID theft protection

Don’t forget, as a Consumers member you qualify for Mastercard®‘s free ID Theft Protection™ program that can help monitor card activity for potential fraud.

Learn more and enroll

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  1. Jasmine says:

    Hi! So unfortunately I fell victim to a scam. The man was going to sell me a PS4, and had me use Zelle to pay him. However after I paid him, he blocked me on everything and I think possibly changed his number. I just don’t know from this website if Consumers could help me.

    • ConsumersCU says:

      Hi Jasmine,

      You will want to file a police report. Give us a call at 800.991.2221 tomorrow (we have special hours 7am-7pm) if you’d to talk it thru with a member service rep.

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