Phishing Scam Examples
Over the past few months, Sooper Credit Union has experienced an increase in phishing schemes, text messaging and telephone scams aimed at members and non-members. So far, many different attempts using the Sooper Credit Union name have been identified. For examples of these specific scams, please click here.
What is phishing?
Phishing is an attempt, via e-mail, text or phone, to steal personal identity data and financial account information for the purpose of committing fraud. The e-mail may ask the receiver to “update”, “validate” or “confirm” account information, including passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs). Some may threaten that an account will be closed or a card will be disabled. More recently, text messages claiming that the victim's card has been blocked or deactivated have been sent and they ask the victim to call a phone number. The e-mail addresses and phone numbers of the victims are not obtained from Sooper Credit Union itself but from external sources, or just randomly created.
Sooper Credit Union works diligently to close down each of the sources of these phishing e-mails and text messages as they are identified. Unfortunately, it may take from several hours to several days to identify the source and shut down the originator, who may then quickly move to another internet site and continue to operate.
How can I protect myself?
You can protect yourself by not responding to unsolicited e-mails, clicking on a link included in an e-mail, or calling the phone number(s) listed. Also, the latest version of the more common web browsers (such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox), have settings to warn users when a potential phishing site is visited.
Please be aware that Sooper Credit Union will never send an email, call you, or text you requesting your account number, PIN or credit card information. Never respond to a request for this information.
If you would like more information or to report that you have been a victim of a phishing scam, please call
303-427-5005 during our normal business hours, or you can send an e-mail to phishing@soopercu.org. We would also appreciate it if you forward any suspicious e-mails or text messages to phishing@soopercu.org.
New Telephone Scams (Updated June 2010)
We’ve received several reports from members and non-members that have received automated phone calls indicating that their ATM or Debit card has been closed due to fraudulent activity and to put in their account number.
*Please Note: Sooper Credit Union will never send an e-mail, text message or make calls requesting account number, PIN or debit/credit card information. Never respond to a request for this information. If you would like more information or wish to report that you have been a victim of a scam, please call 303-427-5005 during normal working hours or e-mail phishing@soopercu.org.
Text Message Scams (Updated February 2010)
Below are examples of some of the recent scams that have been sent to members and non-members via text message:
- SooperCUHasDeactivatedYourDebitCard. PleaseCall:949954XXXX
- Your_Sooper_C_U_DebitCard_has_been_Deactivated. To_Reactivate_Call 818456XXXX.
- Sooper Credit Union Alert: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 303-482-XXXX to REACTIVATE your CARD.
- 03/24/09 Alert: Your Sooper Credit Union has been Deactivated. Contact us immediately at 866587XXXX
- ALERT: Your Sooper Credit Union DebitCard has been Deactivated. Contact us immediately at 866654XXXX.
- SooperCU locked your account/card. Please contact us immediately at: 303389XXXX
- Call us at 866-815-XXXX to find out why your debit/ATM card was blocked.
- Subject: SooperCU SooperCU temporarily lock your account/card. Please contact us immediately at: 303552XXXX
- SOOPER C.U. Call 1-877-268-XXXX To find out why your debit/ATM card (41957000XXXXXXXX) was blocked.
- Sooper C.U. please call us immediately at 1-877-320-XXXX regarding restrictions placed on your account. Thank you.
*Please Note: Sooper Credit Union will never send an e-mail, text message or make calls requesting account number, PIN or debit/credit card information. Never respond to a request for this information. If you would like more information or wish to report that you have been a victim of a scam, please call 303-427-5005 during normal working hours or e-mail phishing@soopercu.org.
*New* Email Scam (Updated January 2010)
Below is an example of the recent scam that has been sent to members and non-members via email:
*Please Note: Sooper Credit Union will never send an e-mail, text message or make calls requesting account number, PIN or debit/credit card information. Never respond to a request for this information. If you would like more information or wish to report that you have been a victim of a scam, please call 303-427-5005 during normal working hours or e-mail phishing@soopercu.org.