Fraud Alert: Recent Scam Attempts

Watch out, Ripco Family…the scammers and the fraudsters are working overtime!  

Recently we’ve received an unusually high number of phone calls and visits from members who’ve been targeted by some very smooth, very BAD actors. These criminals are trying to intimidate and trick unsuspecting people into parting with their money in countless creative ways. It’s possible that we’re seeing this spike right now because many people are receiving tax refunds and stimulus payments, and the crooks want to take every advantage of this opportunity to do their evil deeds.

If you’ve been contacted by anyone who demands payment for anything you don’t have 100% knowledge of or anyone who tells you that your computer/personal information has been compromised, it’s very probable that you are being targeted by a scammer. We’ve had multiple reports of callers claiming to represent Microsoft, Norton or other computer security related businesses…. these calls are also bogus scams…. Microsoft and Norton will not initiate a phone call to you.

If you are ever threatened by someone who claims to be in law enforcement or the government or the IRS, it is 99.99% sure to be an attempt to steal your money. If you are threatened that the police (or the “cops” as they are most-often called by the scammers) will be coming to get you if you don’t cooperate with their demands, don’t believe them for even a minute. That will not happen, and we encourage you to contact local authorities to report any threatening incident.  

Please be careful – don’t be victimized by these criminals. End the threatening call immediately. Make a note of the phone number if you have caller ID, and if they call back, don’t answer the phone. We encourage you to call us and talk it through before you ever consider accepting/depositing a check you weren’t expecting, and never ever pay anyone you don’t know - for a bill, a fine, ”past due taxes” or for the purchase of an item you haven’t inspected and taken into your physical custody.

Know that as your trusted Credit Union family, all of us at Ripco are concerned with your financial and overall welfare. Let us know if you’ve been a target of a fraud/scam, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options for additional security on your Ripco accounts.

If you request a cash or wire transfer transaction that is out of your normal behavior pattern, please do not be offended when we ask you for additional information as to your intended use of the money. Also – please do not see our scrutiny of deposited checks or other items as nosiness or mistrust of you…our staff is trained to watch for any indication that something may not be quite right.

We care…and we’re here to help.