Be Aware of Fraudulent Checks

We have been made aware of fraudulent letters being sent to individuals from “Global Financials” and “World Lottery Association” claiming that people have won a large sum of money. These letters include a fake check that appears to be from our Credit Union.

Please be advised:

• These checks are fraudulent and not issued by Ocean State Credit Union
• These letters request a payment in “processing fees” – this is a scam
• If you deposit this check, it might bounce, and you could be liable for the funds.

If you receive this letter or check, do not deposit it. Instead, contact us directly at 877-397-1900 to report the incident. Always verify with us before taking action on unexpected financial claims. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from scams with the information below!

What is a paper check scam?

There are several variations of paper check scams. Here are the most common forms:

• Forged checks. Fraudsters forge the signature of the account holder to write checks in their name.
• Counterfeit checks. Fake checks are created to mimic real ones, complete with fabricated account and routing numbers. Scammers then use these bogus checks to pay for their purchases.
• Altered checks. A legitimate check is stolen and altered to change the payee and/or amount. The scammer then deposits the check and pockets the funds.
• Check washing. Criminals use special chemicals to erase ink on a check, allowing them to rewrite it fraudulently.
• Overpayment scams. Scammers send a fraudulent check for an amount that’s higher than what’s owed, asking the recipient to refund the difference.

How to spot a fraudulent check

Identifying a fake or altered check can be challenging, but there are warning signs to watch for.

1. Unusual payer information. Look for spelling errors, mismatched fonts or incomplete payer details on the check.
2. Inconsistent bank details. Verify that the bank’s name and address are accurate. Call the bank to confirm the account exists if you’re suspicious.
3. Check number discrepancies. Legitimate checks have sequential numbering. A check with a low or no number, or one that doesn’t align with the issuer’s checkbook, can be a red flag.
4. Poor print quality. Genuine checks are printed with high-quality materials and techniques. If the check feels flimsy, has blurry text or looks off in any way, it could be fake.
5. Too good to be true. If you receive an unexpected check, especially for a large amount, be skeptical. Scammers often use this tactic to lure victims.
6. Suspicious sender. A check from an unknown source, especially when it’s accompanied by vague instructions or additional requests, should raise suspicion.

Protect yourself from paper check fraud

Here’s how to stay safe from check scams:

• Verify your check’s authenticity. If you receive a check, especially from an unknown sender, call the issuing credit union or bank to confirm its legitimacy. Use the financial institution’s official contact information instead of relying on what’s printed on the check.
• Secure your mailbox. Use a locking mailbox for incoming mail to prevent theft.
• Never wire money or send gift cards. Scammers frequently ask for these forms of payment because they’re hard to trace. If someone insists, it’s likely a scam.
• Use check safeguards. Use pens containing permanent ink when writing checks. This makes it harder for fraudsters to alter them. It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving blank spaces in payee or amount fields.
• Be wary of overpayments. If someone sends a check for more than the agreed-upon amount, refuse the deal until it’s fully verified.
• Switch to digital payments when possible. While checks are sometimes necessary, online payments through trustworthy services and entities are often safer and faster.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been victimized by a check scam, report the fraudulent activity to your credit union or bank as soon as possible. They can guide you on your next steps and help protect your account. If the fraud involves a forged or altered check from your account, inform the original payee or issuer as well. Next, file a police report, especially if significant financial harm has occurred. This report may be necessary for insurance claims or legal action. You’ll also want to file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Finally, if your personal information was stolen, monitor your credit for any unusual activity.

Don’t get caught in a paper check scam! Use these tips to stay safe.

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Beware Third-Party App Scams

Scammers are experts at hijacking our favorite conveniences for their schemes, and third-party app scams are no exception. These scams can be difficult to spot and have already conned millions of unsuspecting victims. In fact, according to a report published by ACI Worldwide, third-party app scams, also known as Authorized Push Payment (APP) scams, are the number one fraud threat around the world. And with their popularity rising, the scam risk for every consumer is very real. 

There are several variations of the third-party app scam. Let’s start by taking a look at scams that con the victim into downloading a bogus payment app. Here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to protect yourself. 

How these scams play out

Victims of third-party app scams can be swindled into downloading a bogus app through one of these schemes:

1. The bogus withdrawal notice. Here, a target receives an email allegedly from a third-party app, like Venmo or Zelle, claiming that a large withdrawal will soon be made from the target’s account. The email helpfully includes a number for the victim to call to contest the withdrawal. Unfortunately, when the victim calls the number, a scammer impersonating a bank or credit union rep instructs them to download an app to give the “rep” access to their phone. When the victim does so, the scammer proceeds to empty the victim’s account into their own. 
2. The look-alike app. Here, a victim unknowingly downloads an app owned by a scammer, believing it’s a popular mobile payment app, like Cash App or Zelle. Unfortunately, by downloading the app, the victim is giving the scammer direct access to their funds and sensitive information.

Protect yourself

Keep yourself safe from third-party app scams with these precautionary measures:

• Only download apps from trusted sources. Use official app stores, like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, to find the apps you need. These platforms have security measures in place to detect and remove malicious apps from being offered.
• Carefully check the URL of the app you’re downloading to ensure it’s the authentic site. 
• Before downloading an app, check its reviews and ratings. Look for any suspicious patterns, such as a large number of recent positive reviews that seem fake. Genuine apps will usually have a consistent track record of positive reviews over time.
• Research the app and its developer or the company behind it. If there is limited or no information available, you may be looking at a scammer’s app.
• Pay attention to the permissions the app requests during installation. If an app asks for unnecessary access to sensitive data or features, it might be malicious.
• Regularly update your operating system and app versions. Developers often release security patches to fix vulnerabilities that scammers may exploit.
• Install reputable mobile security apps that can help detect and block suspicious activity on your device.
• Be cautious of phishing attempts. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive data unless you are certain of the website’s legitimacy.
• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers. If an app promises unbelievable rewards or benefits, it’s likely a scam. 
• Review your billing statements. Regularly check your app store purchase history and credit card/bank statements for any unauthorized charges.
• Report suspicious apps to the app store and relevant authorities.
• Educate yourself. Stay informed about the latest scams and security threats related to third-party apps. Awareness is your best defense against potential risks.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you have fallen for a third-party app scam, and you’ve sent money to a scammer, reach out to the app as soon as possible. Cash App recommends chatting through their app for the quickest service, or calling 800-969-1940 to speak to a representative. For Venmo, open a chat through their app for the quickest response or give them a call at 855-812-4430. If your scam was employed through PayPal, you can report it online through their Resolution Center or call the company at 888-221-1161. Finally, if you’ve used Zelle to send the money, you can chat with them on their site or give them a call at 844-428-8542.

Third-party app scams can cost victims their money and their security. Use the tips outlined here to stay safe. 

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How to Protect Yourself from Google Voice Verification Scams

Scams are constantly becoming increasingly sophisticated – and the Google Voice verification 

scam is a perfect example. This scam can lead to significant inconvenience and potential identity theft. Here’s all you need to know about Google Voice verification scams and how to keep yourself safe. 

What is the Google Voice verification scam?

The Google Voice verification scam typically starts with a scammer contacting a target under the guise of responding to an online ad or inquiry the target has posted. The scammer may express interest in buying an item the target is selling or pose as someone who is in need of help. To verify the victim’s legitimacy, they’ll claim they need to send a Google Voice verification code. They’ll ask the victim to share this code with them. Unfortunately, what they are doing during this step is using the victim’s actions to set up a bogus Google Voice account in the victim’s name. Once they have control of this account, they’ll use it to carry out additional scams or fraudulent activities, often masking their identity behind this phone number. 

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Google Voice verification scam:

1. Understand how the scam works

Knowledge is always your first line of defense. Be aware that no legitimate transaction or interaction requires you to share a verification code sent to your phone by Google. If someone asks for this code, it’s a huge red flag. Understanding this basic principle can help you avoid many scams.

2. Do not share verification codes

Never share verification codes with anyone. Verification codes sent to your phone are intended to secure your account; giving these codes to someone else can grant them access to your personal accounts or allow them to set up new accounts in your name.

3. Enable two-factor authentication

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and other sensitive online accounts when possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This way, even if a scammer gets their hands on your password, they’ll still need the second form of verification to access your account.

4. Verify identities carefully

When dealing with online transactions or interactions, take steps to verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. If someone contacts you about an ad or offer, do some research to ensure they are legitimate. Use trusted platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

5. Monitor your accounts

Regularly monitor your online accounts for any suspicious activity. Check for unauthorized logins, changes to account settings or any other unusual behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, take action immediately by changing your passwords and contacting the platform’s support team.

If you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you have fallen victim to a Google Voice verification scam, take these steps to mitigate the damage:

• Reclaim your Google Voice number. If a scammer has hijacked your Google Voice account, you can reclaim it by following Google’s support instructions. This usually involves proving your identity and verifying your phone number.
• Report the scam. Report the scam to Google and the platform where the scam originated (such as Craigslist or Facebook). This will enable them to take action to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
• Change your passwords. Change your Google account password and any other passwords that may have been compromised. For maximum security, use strong, unique passwords for each account. Enable additional security measures. Consider adding more security measures to your accounts, such as security questions or biometric verification. This adds extra layers of protection against unauthorized access.
• Stay vigilant. Staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself from scams. Always be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information or verification codes, and educate yourself about the latest scam tactics. By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.

The Google Voice verification scam is a growing threat, but by understanding how it works and taking proactive steps to keep yourself safe, you can protect your personal information and avoid becoming a victim. 

Stay safe!