Scam Alert: Beware of Text Messages or Calls Appearing to Come from Midwest Community
The Scam
As in the past around the holidays, there has been an uptick in the number of “spoofing” attempts being made against our members. Fraudsters are using falsified caller ID numbers – or what appear to be legitimate text messages – to trick Midwest Community members into providing sensitive information. The phone calls and text messages appear to come from 419-783-6500, Midwest Community’s normal phone number.
These scammers are either acting as Midwest Community representatives or generating texts, asking members to confirm purchases or other information in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to their personal details and accounts.
Be Alert
These callers or text messages are not from Midwest Community, so please do not share your personal information with them.
No financial institution will ever call you, email you, or text you unprompted, requesting sensitive information.
Sensitive information may include full Social Security number, Card PIN number, One-time passcodes, Online Banking user ID, Online Banking password, or Online banking security questions.
Scammers use this information to reset credentials and take over online banking accounts. If you receive an email or text message confirming a change on your account that you did not make, please contact us immediately.
Never release sensitive information over the phone when receiving an unsolicited call. If you are suspicious, request the representative’s name and how to reach them when calling the organization, then call the organization directly using a valid phone number.
We do call to verify some debit card purchases. During the call we will ask to verify recent activity on your Visa debit card, however, we will not ask you to provide any sensitive information. Those calls will be similar to the following:
“Hello! This is ____ and I am calling on behalf of Midwest Community Federal Credit Union. May I speak with _____?
Thank you, Mr. /Mrs./Ms. ______, I am calling today to verify recent activity on your Visa Debit card.
For quality and security purposes, this call may be monitored or recorded. I would like to verify the following activity with you. I am showing a transaction on _____on your account from _____, is that correct?
Were you forced or pressured to make these transactions against your will?
On behalf of Midwest Community Federal Credit Union, thank you for helping us protect your account. We appreciate your time.”
If You’re a Victim
If you have further questions or concerns or think that you might be a victim of spoofing, please call Midwest Community directly at 419-783-6500. DO NOT use the number on the caller ID screen and hit redial.
