Fraud

Here are some helpful tips for slamming the door on scammers.  

Fighting fraud is a team effort and we're here to help in every way to protect your Integra First accounts and your personal information. There's never a shortage of scams or criminals committing fraud, and the growth of artificial intelligence creates additional threats every day. But we're here for you. Check out some of these helpful tips about what to look for to avoid fraud and popular scams. 
 

Do's and Don'ts on Fighting Identity Theft

 
  • Never provide personal financial information, including your social security number, account number or passwords, over the phone or on the internet if you did not initiate the contact.
  • Never click on a link provided in an email that you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.
  • Do not be intimidated by an email or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
  • If you believe that the contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously bookmarked, instead of a link in an email.
  • If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.

Six Ways to Guard Against Check Fraud

  • Check fraud often involves criminals stealing checks from the mail, altering them, and draining victims' bank accounts. Protect yourself by taking these steps.
  • Place checks in the mail inside the post office instead of in outside postal service mailboxes.
  • If you do use outside mailboxes, place your check in them before the last pickup of the day. Don’t ever let them sit overnight.
  • Don’t leave the red flag up on your home mailbox up for an extended period of time. If you know the time when the mail carrier visits your home, wait for them personally and hand them your outgoing mail.
  • Going for a vacation? Ask the post office to hold your mail.
  • Write all checks with black indelible gel ink, which won’t wash off.
  • Use a plain security envelope when sending checks in the mail. Do not use envelopes with a clear window.

Facebook Scams

  • Facebook Marketplace scams are increasingly common because the platform continues to grow in popularity. Here are some red flags to look for when using Marketplace.
  • The scammer uses the social medial site to advertise a house-cleaning featuring appliances, four-wheelers and other high-ticket items for very attractive prices.
  • The buyer is asked to make a digital payment and the item is either never sent or is not what was advertised. Or sometimes the item sent turns out to have been stolen.
  • To spot if it’s a scam or not, check the Facebook profile. Often, bogus listings will not have many photos or will request payments through apps while refusing cash.
  • It’s not that you can’t trust anything being sold on Facebook, it's just that you have to do your research and be careful.

Beware of These, Too

  • Contractor Scams: There's been an increase in contractor scams locally, where families hire contractors who accept payments but fail to complete the job. This scam is particularly damaging to elderly homeowners.
  • Blackmail Scams Targeting Youth: With this scam, younger individuals are targeted through blackmail on dating sites. After exchanging photos, scammers threaten to release the images unless they are paid.
  • Romance Scams: Romance scams have become more prevalent, with scammers often cultivating long-term online relationships before exploiting victims financially. Always be cautious when engaging in online relationships.

Taking Action

If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to local law enforcement and contact us at (833) 694-6834. Acting quickly gives law enforcement personnel the best chance to prevent fraudulent activity or successfully track down scammers. 










Integra First Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving select counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northeast Wisconsin.