Another wave of scams hits several states

From CUNA . . .

MADISON, Wis. (5/28/09)--Phone scams are targeting credit unions in Wisconsin, Vermont and Maryland, and credit unions are reminding members that the credit union would never contact them for account or credit card information.

Forward Financial CU, Niagara, Wis., would never call members asking for personal information because the credit union already has it, said Tammy Young, vice president of operations (UpperMichiganSource.com May 26). Forward Financial was one of two institutions recently targeted by scammers who were calling consumers and asking for personal financial information.
Members who have provided their information to scammers should contact the credit union immediately. Forward Financial can block members' debit or credit card from being used, Young said.

Cumberland, Md., police have received hundreds of reports about a phone scam in which individuals identifying themselves as Chessie FCU employees asked for account information (WCBC Wire May 26). The scammers have called homes, businesses and cell phones in the area.
Williston, Vt., residents have received calls from individuals claiming to represent New England FCU and Heritage Family CU. The callers ask recipients to supply personal account information to reactivate a credit card.

Matt Levandowski, Heritage Family CU executive vice president, said some of his credit union's members had given scammers their account information but their accounts had not been compromised.