Members Info

Victims of this scam state they received an email from Revenue advising of a precautionary measure. The mail claims the Government have developed a new tax refund programme for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. The mail advises the individual they are entitled to a tax refund, and to click on a link to complete their details.

Action: Tax scams are common via email, however, Revenue would never contact anyone in this manner regarding a potential refund. DO NOT CLICK on any such links, and delete the mail from your inbox. If you have clicked on the link, or completed any details - please report it immediately to Altura Credit Union on 053 94 88700 9am- 5pm or Credit Union Card Services 24/7 on 01 693 33 33.

There have been numerous advertisements via social media & email that are offering these 'Donation' sites for individuals to donate using their debit card or PayPal to authorise transactions.

Action: Make sure you have researched the charity/organisation thoroughly, ensuring they are a legitimate organisation before processing payment to them. Be mindful of 'fake' comments underneath the advertisement where fictional people have been used to state they have donated. If you have clicked the link or completed any details - please report it immediately to Altura Credit Union on 053 94 88700 9am- 5pm or Credit Union Card Services 24/7 on 01 693 33 33.

Reports from cyber security firms of thousands of emails claiming to have a cure for the Coronavirus, or other ailments, are being sent now (and all the time). These emails contain a link or an attachment which can request your financial details for the cure, or request you open the attachment containing malware. This malware can then track your keystrokes on your device and monitor your use of the device for potentially fraudulent activity.

Action: Never open emails, attachments or click on links from an unknown source. Delete them immediately and ensure you have the latest updates applied to your device and apps / software. Ensure you have up to date anti-virus on your devices and run regular scans. If you have clicked the link, opened attachments or completed any details - please report it immediately to Altura Credit Union on 053 94 88700 9am- 5pm or Credit Union Card Services 24/7 on 01 693 33 33.

With so much online shopping taking place at the moment, you need to make sure you are using reputable online shops and exercise caution at all times. Unfortunately, there are many fraudulent websites fake advertisements, forgeries and special offers that seem too good to be true!

Action: Look for the 'https' at the beginning of the website address and the padlock icon in the browser frame. Make sure you receive email confirmation of your purchase - contact the retailer if you have not received this soon after your purchase. Use strong passwords & PINS - don't use the same passwords & PINS for all your site logins - never reveal these to a third-party. Always check your statements and report unusual activity to Altura Credit Union on 053 94 88700 9am- 5pm or Credit Union Card Services 24/7 on 01 693 33 33.

Your Debit Card details can be used fraudulently even when the card itself is safely in your care, so it is vital to check your transactions & statements regularly. If you identify purchases that you didn’t make, you must report them immediately to us In Altura Credit Union 053 94 88700 9am-5pm or Credit Union Card Services team on 01 693 3333 available 24/7.

Always:

1. Keep your card in a safe place
2. Do not leave it lying around. Report it to your Credit Union or Credit Union Card Services immediately if it is lost or stolen
3. Protect your PIN do not write it down, keep it anywhere with your Debit Card or give it to anyone
4. Change your PIN If you believe someone knows your PIN you can change it immediately at an ATM machine or phone Credit Union Card Services on +353 (1) 693 3333 available 24/7
5. Cover your PIN when using an ATM or PIN pad in a store. Ensure you are not being overlooked or distracted entering your PIN in a public place
6. Sign New Cards immediately ensuring the old card is destroyed by cutting the magnetic strip as soon as the new one becomes valid
7. Keep financial information secure (e.g. account numbers, statements, ATM and sales receipts) in a secure place before disposing of them carefully

Never:

1. Reveal your secure credentials to anyone over the phone or online such as your Card PIN or User ID
2. Divulge details to Cold Callers - Don’t give your card number over the telephone to “cold” callers under any circumstances. Only make telephone
3. transactions when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company
4. Open suspicious emails or attachments, limiting what you share on social media

Download Our Current Account Fraud Protection Booklet here.

An Garda Síochána have asked us to remind you to be careful of COVID-19 related fraud and scams. There are those out there who will attempt to take advantage of people’s fear at this time and the Gardaí are urging that people be cautious in the following circumstances:

• Beware of anyone calling to your house offering services in relation to COVID-19, this includes services for COVID-19 tests. Health Service Executive staff (Ambulance, Nurses, Paramedics, Doctors) will not call to your house unless you have been in touch with them first.
• Beware of bogus charity collectors. There should not be anyone carrying out street or door to door collections at this time. If you are approached, please report it to An Garda Síochána.
• Also, beware of emails, online requests and online advertisements offering COVID-19 related tests, products.
• Do not click on unsolicited links.
• Always double check before transferring any money or buying any product. This includes Businesses making online payments.
• Always report any activity you think might be unusual or fraudulent. It is never too late to report a fraud but timely reporting makes it more likely that there is an opportunity to try and step in and save you your money.

Credit Union account holders may also be used by criminals to act as "money mules" in return for a fee (Usually €200-400). Persons, predominantly in the 15-17-year age group or vulnerable persons who may owe drug debts, etc. are targeted on WhatsApp and other social media platforms and offered monies to allow their accounts to be used to launder proceeds of financial crimes.

The account holders normally hand over their debit cards and online logins to criminals. Proceeds of financial crimes are then credited (electronically) to the accounts and the funds laundered by way of electronic transfers out of the accounts, maximum daily cash withdrawals at ATM machines and use of the bank cards to purchase jewellery or foreign currency in Bureau de Change. While the account holders may not be actively laundering the funds for the criminals, they are "reckless" as to the use of their accounts in giving criminals access to them and this is money laundering.

Make sure your child doesn't give their account details to anyone unless they know and trust them.

Tell them to be cautious of unsolicited offers of easy money, because if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Look out for your child suddenly having extra cash, buying expensive new clothes or electronics with very little explanation as to how they got the money.

A young person involved in money mulling may become more secretive, withdrawn or appear stressed.

The above advice should be adhered to; however, fraudsters are always coming up with ways to con us all. We can't list all fraud options - but will update this as we learn of new methods. If you are ever unsure or worried Contact us on 053 94 88700 9am- 5pm or Credit Union Card Services 24/7 on 01 693 33 33.