Beware of Tech Support Scams

Northwest has received reports from members who have been victimized by a tech support impersonation scam. Here’s how this type of fraudulent scheme typically occurs:

• The scam begins with a pop-up message on the victim’s computer, making it appear that their computer has been compromised.
• The fraudster then contacts the member or the member is asked to contact them.
• Once contacted, the fraudster claims to be from Northwest’s security/fraud/tech support department and that the member’s account is at risk.
• The member is then told that they must move money out of their account by wiring funds or withdrawing cash.
• Often times, the member is instructed not to tell anyone, including Northwest.

How to avoid a tech support scam

• Northwest (and other legitimate companies) won’t contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there’s a problem with your computer. A caller who creates a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics is likely a scam artist.
• If you receive a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company directly at their valid phone number.

For more tips on how to avoid and report tech support scams,read this consumer information article by the Federal Trade Commission.

If you believe you have fallen for a scam, contact us at 703-709-8900 as soon as possible. Our Fraud Mitigation team will assist you in attempting to recover available funds and taking the next step to further protect your accounts.

Watch for Credit & Debit Card Related Scams

Don’t fall prey to these common fraudulent tactics:

• Skimming scams happen when fraudsters get your card information by skimming it (through use of a card skimmer) when you conduct transactions at point of sale, ATMs, and the gas pump. Once your card information is captured, it’s then used by fraudsters to make fake cards. To avoid such scams, cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Also, when possible, it’s safer to use credit cards over debit cards to cut down on your losses. Credit cards with chips, rather than magnetic stripes, use better technology that thwarts criminals’ skimming attempts.
• Phishing scams have been around for a long time and remain a significant problem. While phishing can take on several different forms, it usually occurs when a fraudster contacts the victim by phone or online via social engineering schemes to get card, account or banking credentials. The original contact may look like an email from a familiar company or a phone call that sounds legitimate. However, the personal information or credit card details obtained by the scammer are then used to commit fraudulent purchases or to gain access to victim’s online banking accounts.

Use these tips to protect yourself from card scams:

• Sign up for credit-monitoring services to monitor and alert you of any activity on your credit report. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to check your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus at no charge – a good way to stop fraud early on.
• Freeze your credit. When you freeze your credit report with each of the credit bureaus, no one can open new accounts in your name – not even yourself. You can unfreeze your credit when needed.
• Set up alerts on your credit card accounts so you’ll be notified when a purchase is made. If you didn’t make the purchase, you can take steps to cancel it and secure your account quickly.

If you believe you have fallen for a scam, contact us at 703-709-8900 as soon as possible. Our Fraud Mitigation team will assist you in attempting to recover available funds and taking the next step to further protect your accounts.

Red Flags that Signal a Scam

Scammers use these similar tactics to lure their victims:

• Pressure to cooperate – including threats of missing deadlines, taking legal action, and involving law enforcement
• Immediate need to send funds – requesting you to wire money or purchase gift cards
• Urgent request for online banking user credentials – provoking you to provide user name and password in order to gain access to your online banking account or your computer.

To protect yourself from being scammed, remember:

• Slow down. Take time to check out the information, search our Fraud Prevention & Safety tabs below, consult an expert or tell a friend.
• Don’t send money or give out personal information. Beware of unexpected requests that you receive as a text, phone call, online, or via email.
• If you don’t recognize the caller, don’t answer. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.