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Fraud Alerts

Windows Defender Pop-ups

There have been a number of tech support scams regarding Microsoft Windows.  The latest scam consists of criminals sending a fake error message on a website, saying there is a virus on your computer.  These fake error messages aim to scare you into calling their “technical support hotline,” and they will likely ask you to install applications that give them remote access to your device.

Please follow the tips below for recognizing these types of tech support scams:

  • Microsoft error and warning messages never include phone numbers.  If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, do not call the number.
  • If you didnt ask for support, Microsoft will not call you to offer support. “Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer.” 
  • Microsoft will never ask you to pay for support using cryptocurrency or gift cards.
    Source

If you’ve been scammed and paid by credit or debit card, contact ViaCU or credit card company to report the fraudulent transaction. If you paid with a gift card, immediately contact the company that issued the card , and tell them you paid a scammer.

You should also report any tech support scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov .

For more information on fraud and scams, download the CFPB and FDIC’s Money Smart for Older Adults resource guide.

Call Spoofing: members receiving fake calls using a local number

Several members recently reported receiving phone calls from either a live person or an automated call from ViaCU. The calls were not made by ViaCU employees, the scammer spoofed the number (765.674.6631).  The scammers are attempting to obtain member's card number and then texting/emailing a verification code.  Please do not respond to these types of calls/text/emails!  ViaCU will NEVER call/text/email you to ask for personal information, validation codes or card numbers.  If you are contacted requesting this information, hang up and contact ViaCU directly by calling 765.674.6631.

Be mindful of incoming text messages or voice calls and follow these precautions:

  • Do not respond to SMS text messages, voice calls, or messages that appear to be about your accounts.
  • Instead, call ViaCU directly at 765.674.6631 (the number listed on your monthly statement) to question any SMS text messages or voice calls allegedly from ViaCU or about your accounts. 
  • Never provide personal information, credit/debit card, account details, validation codes or online banking credentials in response to incoming text messages, emails or phone calls. 
  • Avoid clicking on links or calling a telephone number contained within text messages received.
  • Never fall victim to selecting a number to stop getting calls, instead just hang up.  Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.

Learn More

 

Fraud Blocks

For your protection, there are lists of 'high risk' countries where ViaCU credit and debit cards are not accepted. 

In addition, when ViaCU is notified of card disputes, we have the ability to completely "shut down" countries or states where fraudulent activity is happening. We also have the option to modify dollar amounts and/or restrict signature based transactions so only PIN (personal identification number) based transactions are accepted. 

Before traveling, please contact ViaCU with your travel dates and if possible provide a mobile number that you will have with you. Without notification of travel, your card may be blocked when transactions outside your normal spending habits are identified. 

 

What to do if you're part of a data breach:

Any time there is a data breach for a company there is a call for concern. Therefore, ViaCU would like to remind you of steps to take to protect yourself if you've been affected by a breach.

  • Accept credit monitoring services often offered by the company that has been breached immediately.
  • Call one of the credit bureaus and put a "Fraud/Security Alert" on your SSN. You only need to call one, by law they are required to contact the other two to ensure they also set up a fraud watch on your behalf. It is free, but only lasts for 90 days, so set a reminder to have it refreshed.

Equifax: 1.800.349.9960
Experian: 1.888.397.3742
TransUnion: 1.888.909.8872
Innovis: 1.800.540.2505

  • Get a free credit report every 4 months. Each credit bureau is required to provide a free credit report once a year. So stagger each of the three so you can spot any fraud. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get started.
  • Watch for phishing scams; emails designed to look like they are from the breached company that attempt to get you to click on a link, download a file or enter login credentials. The criminals will attempt to deliver malware that can have a number of different effects.
  • Watch for a noticeable increase in credit card offers. If someone attempts to get a credit card in your name, that information is picked up by all the credit card companies and they will send you offer.

What ViaCU is doing to protect our members: 

Replacement Cards 

Once ViaCU is notified of fraud on your account, you will be contacted and a replacement card is ordered. We want to ensure you receive your replacement card as soon as possible, however our plastic supplier is also the provider of cards for other financial institutions that are also affected by fraud. 

We thank you for your patience as your card is being replaced. We sincerely apologize for an inconvenience this may cause you. Please be assured that your financial security is our priority! 

 

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam, including a scam related to the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Don't click on suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails, text messages, social media feeds and instant messaging services.
  • Don't answer a phone call if you don't recognize the phone number — let it go to voicemail and check later to verify the caller.
  • If you are unsure the message is legit, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is correct.  Never use contact information from suspicious message.
  • Never download email attachments unless you can verify that the sender is legitimate.
  • Keep device and security software up-to-date.
  • Maintain strong passwords and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Never share personal or financial information via email, text message, or over the phone.
  • Do not give into pressure that caller may be pushing to take immediate action.

If you receive a fraudulent email, text or phone call, report it to the appropriate government agency such as the Federal Trade Commission or Internal Revenue Service and your local police department.