Scam Alert

Fraud is on the Rise: Beware of these scams hitting members in Sand Springs, Tulsa and Coweta.

We’re seeing an increase in fraud attempts to our members. Please be aware of a few scams circulating right now.

Scenario One: A member receives a phone call, the caller ID says Green Country. They caller says he’s from the fraud department, calling about a debit card – he knows the last four digits of the card – and asks if the member has been traveling. Reports that 2 suspicious charges happened at out-of-state stores (Lowe’s and Walmart). Member says, no it wasn’t them. Caller says he’ll send a new card – he already has the correct address and phone number and sends a verification code to the cell phone. The caller then asks for the PIN so he can deactivate the old debit card.

**THIS IS A SCAM**
If this happens to you – someone calls with all this information and asks for more personal information, hang up and call or text your bank or credit union using a number you look up – NOT a number they give you to call. You could also login to online banking to check recent transactions.

  • Green Country FCU Member Services (during business hours) (918) 245-1301
  • Suspect fraud on your debit card (855) 961-1602

Banks and Credit Unions will NEVER ask for your PIN as a verification. If we suspect fraud, you will get a text or an email, not a phone call.

Scenario Two: A member receives  a call, email or social media exchange alerting them to a security breach to their account. They will represent the government (state or federal) or a financial institution employee. The scammer asks the member to move money or withdraw money out of their credit union account and into a Bitcoin machine (cryptocurrency), gift card, cash or gold and then send that information to the scammer.

**THIS IS A SCAM**
Never send money to someone you don’t know in response to an unexpected call or message. Often these scammers will say that a bank or credit union employee is the scammer and tell you to keep secrets from anyone at your financial institution. This is a HUGE red flag.

If you suspect this is happening to you or a loved one, please reach out to the credit union.

 

If you answer yes to any of these questions – YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED.

  • Have you received unusual communication requesting you to initiate transactions? For example: email, text, pop-up, online messaging, or letter.
  • Did you approve an unknown 3rd party to access your electronic device(s)?
  • Have you shared your Internet Banking User ID or Password with anyone?
  • Have you been in communication with someone claiming to work for the Credit Union and were instructed to withdraw money?
  • Are you being threatened/coerced, coached or do you feel unsafe?
  • Are you being directed to send a wire transfer?
  • Are you being directed to deposit funds into a cryptocurrency terminal or wire funds to a crypto entity?
  • Are you being directed to purchase gift cards or transfer money through a cash app?

If someone tells you to do any of these things – IT’S A SCAM.

  • “Put your money in a secure account to protect it.” That’s a scam.
  • “Transfer your money to a cryptocurrency account to protect it.” That’s a scam.
  • “Get cash and I’ll send a driver to pick it up.” That’s a scam.
  • “Deposit cash at a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money.” That’s a scam.
  • “Buy gold and a driver will come get it.” That’s a scam.

No one from the government or your financial institution will tell you to do these things. Only a scammer will.

How to Respond?

If someone calls you and tells you your debit card is being used somewhere else, or they need you to transfer money, etc.

  • HANG UP! “I’m going to check on this and I’ll call you later.”
  • DON’T: Do not give them any personal information
  • DO: Call or text Green Country at (918) 245-1301 and let us know what just happened
  • DO: Login to online banking and check for any transactions you don’t recognize.
  • DO: Call the Anytime Banker line and listen to your most recent transactions to check for any you don’t recognize.

Read more about Scammers: https://ftc.gov/imposters.