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❌ Life CU will NEVER send texts that require you to click on a link to action or that request a code
❌ AND we will NEVER send text or emails that request a code
❌ We will NEVER text or email you claiming that your account has been hacked or blocked
❌ Treat any message or email that you receive which has a sense of urgency with suspicion
When in doubt, ALWAYS call us on 045 879 622 to verify the validity of any communication you receive from us.
STOP (S)
Ask yourself why you are being contacted in the first place. Be suspicious of any message urging you to take action to avoid some negative outcome. For example, a text which claims that your account will be put on hold if you do not click on a link. Criminals often create a sense of urgency to cause panic so that you act hastily to their benefit. Such as if you pay a ‘Fine’ to avoid account closure
.
Always STOP and THINK and contact the company directly to ask about such request.
ASSESS (A)
Scammers quite often pose as a legitimate company by cloning a genuine business website. They may use this to access your personal and bank details. They might ask you to pay a fine through the website, or to fill out a form. Again, double check the company is legitimate by searching their contact details online. DO NOT USE the number provided in the communication you received.
FACT CHECK (F)
Do some research on the company. You can look up reviews on sites like TrustPilot. The Central Bank of Ireland have a list of reputable financial institutions which you can access here.
EXPOSE AND REPORT (E)
If you have any doubts about a financial institution or communication that you have received, REPORT it to the Central Bank of Ireland here.
SHRED (S)
Fraudsters are always on the look out for their next victim. Make sure to shred documents with your bank account details such as account statements. old credit or bank cards, offers of credit along with ROS documents. Make sure to destroy old photo IDs such as your out of date passport or driving license. Thieves can use the information obtained for identity theft so anything listing your personally identifiable information should be shredded or carefully stored in a locked cabinet or safe.
ACCESS (A)
Make sure to keep your mail under locks! In apartment buildings with mailboxes, it is very easy for thieves to access your mail to obtain your personal information. Use online paperless billing when possible to reduce this threat and check your mailbox regularly to reduce the opportunities for theft of your mail.
FINANCIAL INFO (F)
NEVER give out your personal info such as your date of birth, address or PPS unless you have verified this information is needed for a legitimate purpose like confirming your online account with a provider that you have called directly. If a provider/bank or credit union call you, be careful about the information you share.
EXPECT OVERSIGHTS (E)
We’re only human so it’s easy to make a mistake which can put you at risk of offline scams. Don’t carry important documents (or copies of these) if you don’t absolutely need to. Items such as your passport and birth certificate are easy to loose or leave out for someone to see in a public place, leaving you very vulnerable to fraud.
SMISHING OR TEXT SCAM
A scammer sends a text identifying as a reputable organisation such as your credit union, bank or other provider. The purpose of these is to trick you into sharing your online banking or credit card details.
PHISHING OR EMAIL SCAM
You will receive an email claiming to be from an organisation your trust such as your credit union or energy provider asking you to click on a link or urging you to download an attachment. These emails may seem genuine and the fraudster may even set up a fake clone of the oganisation’s website. However, they are designed to trick you into sharing your personal information such as your account details, PIN, username, or credit card number.
VISHING OR PHONE SCAM
The scammer will call you on the phone claiming to be from your credit union, bank or other trusted organisation. They may even claim to be the Garda! They will try to convince you that it is important that you give them personal details or a one time passcode used to set up apps such as Google Pay or WhatsApp.
Counterfeit cheque fraud
Counterfeit cheques are manufactured or printed on non-bank paper to look exactly like genuine cheques and are drawn by a fraudster on genuine accounts held by the bank.
Forged cheque fraud
A forged cheque is a genuine cheque that has been stolen from an innocent customer and used by the fraudster with a forged signature.
Funds not available
This is a genuine cheque; however there are no funds in the account to honour it.
BE ALERT
Always double check random or unexpected text messages or emails requesting personal or financial information. Let your parents/ parent/guardian know if you receive emails querying your account or asking you to take action. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about any correspondence you receive.
BE INFORMED
learn about common scams targeting teens! Fraudsters may have basic information about you from social media or your other online profiles. For example, don’t assume a caller is genuine because they have your date of birth.
BE SECURE
Never share your person details or security details such as full banking password, codes/login details or pin with anyone! Many fraudsters send text messages and emails to get hold of your security and personal information. You may even be served online ads which look genuine.
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Life Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
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