Recognizing Today's Top Scams
Recognizing Today's Top Scams: Learn to identify and protect yourself from the most prevalent scams in today's digital age.
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Fraud Center
Learn about the latest scams, how to keep your accounts safe, how to protect yourself and get help from MMFCU.
Keep Yourself Safe From Scammers
When it comes to protecting yourself from all the scammers in the world, it might seem overwhelming, but we are here to help you.
Use the Fraud Warning Checklist below to stay up-to-date on common scams, what scammers do to make you act, and how you can keep yourself safe.
Protect Yourself
Is it a scam?
Are you being asked for personal information, account information or for money? Call us. We’ll help you figure out if it is legitimate or a scam.
Check out recent scams.
Scammers are coming up with new ways to make you believe them. Protect yourself by knowing about the latest scams and ways to avoid them.
Did MMFCU contact you?
If you receive a text, email or call you were not expecting hang up and call us directly at (218) 829-0371.
Learn More About Fraud and Scams
Fraud and scams are becoming more common. In this session we discussed identifying and protecting yourself from scams, staying informed on and what you should do if you suspect you have already been scammed.
Families in Crisis Scam
Scammers are watching local “in custody” lists published on county sheriff websites. Then within hours of an individual being arrested, family members are being contacted and directed to transfer large sums of money ($5,000) to pay bail for their loved one. However, these are scammers providing directions on the money transfer not the actual authorities. They are using actual information and preying on families in crisis to drive them to act quickly. If you receive a call regarding a loved one who needs your help. Stop, talk to someone you trust, and verify with the authorities if the action you are being asked to take is legitimate.
Mortgage Scam
To the left is another mailing with a “waiver” that a member received stating that it is a final notice and that there was more information that the member needed call about. Unfortunately, when a mortgage is filed with the county it is public information and there are people and companies that will then solicit you to fall for their scam.
Many times you may see that they are offering to get you a copy of your deed, but your title company that you work with typically supplies you with a copy at closing and the recorded deed is then sent to the owners after it is recorded.
These members recognized that the mailing seemed like a scam by noticing that at the bottom it says that they are not affiliated with Mid Minnesota Fcu.
Remember, if you ever have questions about a letter, call, email or text from MMFCU you were not expecting, please reach out to us at (218) 829-0371.
Recent Home Insurance Scam
This is an example of a mailing that appears to be from the credit union but is NOT. Instead, it is from a company using public information to try to scam you into insurance coverage. A reminder to pause when you get mail, phone calls, or text messages and look for clues that it may be fraud:
- Asks for “Immediate action”
- References a company, government or other organization you trust
Then call the organization, in this case the credit union or your local insurance company, from a trusted phone number (NOT the number on the postcard) to get more information.
You can help prevent fraud from happening by not responding to the bad guys or sharing personal information.
Protect Yourself From a Recent Scam
Be aware, if you get a letter like the one to the right, it is a scam.
It has MMFCU’s logo on it, so it looks official. But, here are a few things that aren’t correct:
- the phone number listed is from California,
- the representative name is not an employee of ours and
- we always reference you as “members” or “member owners” not “customers.”
Finally, we won’t ever ask you to withdraw money and purchase bitcoin, gift cards or sent it via a wire.
Thank you to the diligent member who shared this letter with us that they received and found suspicious. All of us working together can fight against these criminals.
If you question a letter, email, phone call, or text from Mid Minnesota please stop into your local office or give us a call at (218) 829-0371.
Monitor Your Credit Score In Online Banking or the Mobile App
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union has your financial well-being as our number one priority, so we are making it easy for you as we partner with SavvyMoney® so that you can monitor your credit score while using online banking and the mobile app.
- Start by logging into online banking or the mobile app.
- Then click “Check Your Score” where you see an image similar to the one shown here.
- Annually, download your full credit report from annualcreditreport.com and read through them carefully using the Credit Report Checklist as a guide of what errors to look for. Make three copies of the checklist, one for each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- If you find any mistakes on your credit reports, you should dispute them and we can help. Mid Minnesota has a Disputing errors on your credit reports resource that walks you through how to do this.
- Continue to monitor your score to ensure you have not been a victim of identity theft.
Alerts and Controls
Alerts and Controls for MMFCU Credit and Debit Cards are available in Online Banking and Mobile App. Using these tools help you stay informed of your card activity and protect against fraud, so please take a few minutes to set-up your preferred Alerts and Controls for each debit and credit card.
Account Alerts within Online Banking and Mobile App
Customize alerts for your accounts in Online Banking or the Mobile App, and be notified for things you want.
- Log into Online Banking or the Mobile App.
- Go to “Account Security” menu.
- Select “Alert Settings.”
- Then choose “Accounts.”
You will be able to set alerts for each account based on withdrawals, transactions and balance. Once you select an alert, you will be asked if you want to be notified via SMS/Text, Email or Push notification for each alert.
In addition to alerts for “Accounts,” you can set alerts for “Transfers,” “Mobile Deposit” and more.
Fraud Monitoring for Debit and Credit Cards
MMFCU automatically provides fraud monitoring on debit and credit card activity with real time alerts.
Texting is the quickest and least disruptive way to let you know what is happening with your money. If a debit or credit card purchase doesn’t seem quite right and we want to verify if you are making the purchase being attempted. A text will be sent from “49447.”
If you receive a message about something you weren’t expecting, call us at (218) 829-0371 to verify that it is legitimate.
Call Filtering
Call filtering is a broad term that refers to any system or method used to manage and control incoming phone calls, preventing unwanted calls (like spam, telemarketing, or scams) from reaching you while allowing important calls through. STIR/SHAKEN method is used by the most popular cell phone carriers to verify caller ID information. It helps to combat "spoofing," where scammers intentionally display a fake caller ID to trick people into answering. If a call's ID can't be verified, it might be flagged as "Spam Risk" or blocked entirely. Below are some options for the major cell phone carriers. If you don't see your carrier, reach out or look on their website to see if they have have an option for you.
Digital Wallet Offers Convenience and Added Protection
Paying with your MMFCU debit or credit card is more convenient than cash or checks, especially when it is part of your digital wallet on your phone. You can skip the hassles of making trips to the ATM or writing checks. Just pay for everything from a cup of coffee to gas and groceries- even online purchases -easier. Digital wallets securely store your credit and debit cards as digital versions on your mobile device, often providing enhanced security through information encryption, making them a safer form of payment.
Tips for Staying Safe Online
1
Recognize and report potential phishing scams.
MMFCU will never ask for your personal information or ask for a one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone on a call that is not initiated by you. If a call, email or text feels suspicious, call us at (218) 829-0371.
2
Keep your software up to date.
Software updates usually include fixes for bugs and improved security features. If you haven’t enabled automatic updates for your devices, you might be missing out on the most current software version.
3
Use strong and unique passwords.
Make a unique password for every account that you have, and do not repeat them. The longer the password the better, but aim for a minimum of 12 characters with a combination of upper and lower case letters, as well as numbers and special characters. Invest in a password manager to help create and store your passwords.
4
Enable two-factor authentication.
When available, enable two-factor (2FA) or multi-factor (MFA) authentication for logging into your accounts. This might include voice, text, email or even facial recognition and adds extra protection to your accounts.
5
Monitor your accounts
Regular monitoring of your accounts will help you catch any transactions that seem suspicious or that you didn’t make. If you notice a charge on your account you can dispute it. For debit card disputes you can use this tool located in MMFCU’s Online Banking and Mobile App, for credit cards you can call 1-866-820-8776 24/7.
6
Be careful online.
Log into important accounts only when you are connected to a trusted wi-fi network. When visiting websites check the URL to see if it starts with “https,” which means you have a secure connection. When you log into MMFCU’s Online Banking make sure you see mmfcu.org before going forward. And always log out of accounts when you are done.
The Guide to Identity Security: From Awareness to Action
This Identity Theft Awareness Week, we equip you with the right tools to protect yourself against identity theft.
Stay Cyber Smart and Financially Secure
November is Fraud Awareness Month: The Scams Are Evolving—Are You? The holiday season and shopping events like Cyber Monday are prime time for scammers. They hope to catch you in a hurry or when you're distracted. The best defense for your hard-earned money is a little awareness. Here’s how to spot and stop fraud.
Preventing Fraud Just Like Preventing Forest Fires
Just as a small spark can ignite a devastating forest fire, a seemingly minor lapse in caution can open the door to significant financial fraud.
Frequently asked questions
We're here to help, wherever you are on your financial journey.
- Can I lock or unlock my debit or credit card in case my card is lost, stolen or I suspect fraud?
If your debit or credit card is lost, you can protect yourself by locking and unlocking your card in Online Banking or the Mobile App under “Accounts” and then “Credit and Debit Card.” By doing so you can temporarily block new transactions from going through. You can also order a replacement card, post a travel notice, manage other alerts and controls, and do a balance transfer.
Download MMFCU Mobile App from iTunes or Google Play.
You can also use the MMFCU Cards App to lock and unlock your card. Download the MMFCU Cards App today from iTunes or Google Play.
- How do I update my contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, etc.) for fraud alerts?
You can update your contact information by updating your account profile in MMFCU’s Online Banking or Mobile App, by calling the number on the back of your card, or by visiting a branch.
- I accidentally opted out of receiving fraud alerts. How do I opt back in?
If you accidentally opted out of text alerts from a mobile phone, when the digital system calls to verify activity, the system will provide the opportunity to opt back into text alerts for the mobile phone. For all fraud alert types, please call the number on the back of your card to re-enable fraud alerts to an email address, a mobile phone or landline phone number. you can also visit a branch for assistance.
- I accidentally responded to an alert that a fraudulent transaction was valid. What do I do now?
Please report the unauthorized transaction immediately by calling the phone number provided in the alerts or the number on the back of your card. The agent will then take care of marking the transaction as fraud and close the card.
- Is the fraud alert service safe and secure?
Yes. Our priority is to protect your personal information. When you return a fraud alert message, we will ask for the unique case # (number) to your specific fraud alert.
- What are fraud alerts?
Fraud alerts are automated phone calls, text messages and emails that are sent when potentially fraudulent purchase activity has been detected on a credit/debit card account. Messages are triggered by the Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) fraud detection system.
Text messages will be sent to cardholders in the 50 United States at no charge.
Customers with international telephone numbers will only receive emails. They will not receive text messages or phone calls.
- How do I report fraud on my debit or credit card?
There are a few ways to report fraud or fraudulent charges on your debit or credit card.
If you notice fraudulent charges on your debit card you can:
Submit a dispute for the charge(s) that are fraudulent in Online Banking or the Mobile App. Instructions on how do this can be found here.
- Contact us at (218) 829-0371 during business hours.
- Stop into your local office.
- Call 1-866-820-8776, after hours or on weekends.
To report fraud on your credit card please:
- Contact us at (218) 829-0371 during business hours.
- Call 1-866-820-8776, after hours or on weekends.
- I received a suspicious email from MMFCU, what should I do?
Mid Minnesota will never send you an email asking you to confirm your account number and/or password. If you receive an email asking you to confirm this information, do not reply. If you replied to the email and provided personal information, contact us immediately by calling (218) 829-0371.
- I received a suspicious text from MMFCU, what should I do?
MMFCU will never send you a text asking you to confirm your account number and/or password. If you receive a text asking you to confirm this information, do not reply. If you replied and provided personal information, contact us immediately by calling (218) 829-0371.
- What if I need help after hours?
When our staff is not available, you can still manage your money through online banking or mobile app services.
To report a debit or credit card lost or stolen, or that there has been fraudulent activity after hours, please call 1-866-820-8776, 24/7 and they will be able to help you.
Why Choose MMFCU?
It's time to do banking differently. At MMFCU, we believe that true financial growth can only happen when we all grow together. Credit union banking is rooted in locals serving locals, for the good of our community. We care about this community because it's our home too. When you progress, so do we and in turn, we help others do the same. Owned by members (that's you!) and led by members-that's the credit union difference.
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