Current Scams

Below is a listing of recent scams and fraudulent activity. Visit our Fraud and Scams page for important fraud-related information and helpful tips. Don't forget to review the "Important Security Reminders" below.

Credit Card Scam (1/13/11) - We have been made aware that members are receiving calls claiming their credit card has been cancelled and then requesting credit card numbers and other personal information. If you were called but did not reveal any of your personal information there is no need to take further action. If you did reveal any personal information, please call the toll free number on the back of your card as soon as possible so a block can be placed on your card and a new one can be reissued.

Phishing Scam - We have been made aware that some Credit Union members are receiving automated phone calls stating that their Debit/ATM cards have been deactivated, locked, or closed. Members are then asked to follow a series of prompts to reactivate the card as well as enter personal information including card numbers and personal identification numbers. This is a scam. If you were called but did not reveal any of your personal information there is no need to take further action. If you did reveal any personal information, please call the toll free number on the back of your card as soon as possible so a block can be placed on your card and a new one can be reissued.

Customer Compensation Bonanza Scam - We have been made aware of letters circulating claiming to award cash to winners who shop at J.C. Penny, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Sears, Home Depot, Kohl's, Kmart, Macys, Circuit City, Home Depot, Best Buy etc. The letter claims to award a lump sum of money if you call your claim agent. The letter is accompanied by a fraudulent check.

Text Message Scam - We have been made aware that there are text messages being sent to members and non-members claiming that their cards from various institutions need to be reactivated by calling a toll free number. Please be cautious when you receive messages like this one. Del Norte Credit Union will never communicate to you via text message or ask you to reveal your private information. If you receive suspicious communications, be sure to call a verified phone number for the business in question to ask about the validity of the claim.

Craigslist Rental Scam - We have been made aware of a scam which is beginning to affect New Mexico and may impact our members. There have been reports of fraudulent offers for homes for rent listed on Craigslist. When someone inquires about the fraudulent home for rent, they receive a message instructing them to send rent money in exchange for the keys to the home which will be mailed because the supposed landlord is on a mission trip for the next few years. Please be aware that this is a scam. Some red flags to consider with sites like Craigslist and Ebay include: the item you want to rent or buy is way under priced, words are misspelled, English is broken, any mention of Canada, England, United Kingdom or Africa, and talk of a missionary trip or God.

Tax Scam - We have been made aware that there are fraudulent letters and checks being sent to individuals which claim that you are a winner of the "UK North America Consumer Promotion Draw" for consumers of Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, Safeway, ASDA, etc. The letters contain a check for $3,950.00 but instruct the consumer to send a check for $2,950.00 to cover a "non British resident tax payment." Please be aware that the check is a fake and the letter is a scam.

Blocked Debit Card Scam - We have been made aware of a scam which is affecting our members. There have been reports of voice messages, text messages, and emails to our members stating, "Hello, this is Del Norte Credit Union. We regret to inform you that there is some technical failure and user billing error with your debit card. We've introduced a temporary blockage. In order to reactivate your debit card call 1-800-245-9655 or press 1 for our security department." If you receive this message in any form, disregard it. DNCU is aware of the problem and taking preventative measures. If you revealed any of your private information please call (877) 818-DNCU immediately.

Paid Survey Scam - We have been made aware of a scam that involves an offer to get paid to do mystery shops. The offer comes in the form of a letter (mailed to the member's home) and claims that members can make up to $600 a week performing mystery shops at various locations. A fake Del Norte check was included with the offer letter with a misspelling "Del Notre". If you receive a similar letter, disregard it and call (877) 818-DNCU to let a Del Norte representative know.

If you have concerns or questions please call our Member Service Center (877) 818-DNCU.

Important Security Reminders

Here are effective ways to continue protecting your financial data:

• Closely monitor your financial accounts at least once a month. You can monitor your Credit Union accounts by using Online Banking, the financial management tool at our Web site, www.dncu.org.
• Contact us immediately with any change in your address or phone number.
• Del Norte Credit Union will NEVER ask you in a phone call, e-mail or letter for account numbers, credit card numbers, CCV numbers, PIN numbers, or any other private information.
• Don't be tricked - even clicking on a link in an email can install unwanted programs in your computer that can steal your private information. If you receive any suspicious emails, delete them immediately.
• Periodically check your credit reports distributed by the three major credit bureaus, and you have the right to receive one free copy of your credit report, once every twelve months. To request this report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

Additional Resources

Federal Trade Commission
Free Annual Credit Report
Identity Theft Resource Center
International Updates on Phishing Scams
United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Credit Union National Association