Current Scams - Tri Cities Credit Union

Tri-Cities Credit Union has the latest information on gig economy scams!

Tri-Cities Credit Union, with a deep appreciation of those in the gig economy, has become aware of a scam focused on those participating in this unique work structure. A gig economy relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees. (Jobs like performing artists, caterers, photographers, and people who occasionally work on specific events or situations but not consistently.)

The scam is as follows: A potential client approaches a vendor via email or phone. The client provides very specific details about a date and venue, such as a wedding on September 5th at Acme Country Club, and requires the vendor’s services. The scammer then says the client wants to pay the whole service cost upfront to hold the date using a “digital check.”

The vendor is then told a picture of a check will be emailed to them. They are to take a picture of the check and deposit it using their institution’s mobile app. The victim is then told they need to inform the scammer of where they will be depositing the check so they can see if they accept digital checks. This is a manipulation tactic to make the victim feel in control, when in fact, they are being set up for the scam.

First, it’s important to note that while digital checks are real, they are also highly susceptible to fraud. This vulnerability should make you cautious and aware. Second, if someone asks for your financial information to pay you by check, this is a red flag. Rule of thumb, if you are being paid by check, someone else does not need to know where the check is being cashed.

To our gig economy members, if during your negotiations something just does not sound right, it probably isn’t. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Never be afraid to to contact us at Tri-Cities Credit Union if you have any questions about such matters. We’re here to support you.

At Tri-Cities Credit Union, we are committed to your financial safety. Stay vigilant and cautious when dealing with potential clients.

Tri-Cities Credit Union has learned of four scams in our area. We encourage the public to be aware of the activities and stay vigilant!

Lottery Scam- A victim receives a phone call informing them they have won a large cash prize. The caller then gives another phone number the victim needs to call to claim the prize. Upon calling the new number, another scammer will either ask for banking information or the purchasing and exchanging of gift cards to claim the prize. Rule of thumb: you will never be called and informed you have won a significant cash prize, especially if you never entered any contest in the first place. When winning any cash prize, in order for it to be legal, there are written guidelines to be followed (such as the back of a lottery ticket.) Also, you NEVER give a prize to get a prize in any legal contest. In regards to banking info, think of it in the same vein as your social security number, and guard it with the utmost security.
Jury Duty Scam- A victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a local law enforcement officer. The victim is informed they did not report for jury duty and must pay $200 immediately, or a bench warrant is to be issued for their arrest. Some victims are told if they do not pay, they will be arrested immediately. The faux officers sometimes say if the respondent purchases gift cards for charity and then meets the officer to hand them over, the warrant will not be issued. Rule of thumb: if the police are going to arrest someone, they just show up and do it. They do not give a “courtesy call” or give you an option of “buying” your way out of the penalty. Failure to appear for jury duty cases is handled through the mail, not by phone. If you receive a call of this kind, ask the “officer” for their badge number, and then contact the agency they claim to represent and give as much information as you can. Impersonating law enforcement is a felony.
California Fire Scam- Often, in times of national disaster, scammers use tragedy as an opportunity to make money. The terrible fires raging across Southern California are, unfortunately, no different. Numerous GoFundMe’s or links are circulating asking people to donate to help victims of the disaster. These links are a grey area; some might be legitimate, but many are not. In this case, or any natural disaster, the safest bet for donations is always The American Red Cross (redcross.org.) This trusted, national organization has a verified and established history of helping those in need.
Detroit Lions Playoff Ticket Scams-We are all excited about the success the Lions have had this NFL season and want them to go all the way to a championship! However, the upcoming playoff game with Washington is giving an opportunity for ill intentions. Due to the rise in second-hand (StubHub, etc.) and private sellers of tickets, one must be vigilant against bad actors. A popular scam involves people paying exorbitant prices for what they think is a ticket, only to receive a screenshot of an already sold ticket. “Spoof” websites, which look like legitimate vendors, are also popping up-not only taking money and not giving tickets but also logging bank information to enable further fraud. Tickets for everything (especially an NFL playoff game) are exorbitant nowadays. Your best bet for purchasing tickets to anything, although they will usually be the most expensive, is Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com.) While the prices may be high, their reputation, security standards, and longevity in this business make them the most reputable choice.

Don't Get Fooled By The "Tollway Scam!"

In recent weeks, many in our community have received texts from “The Toll Roads Team,” “The Toll Evasion Department,” or some variation of these titles incorporating the name of a state.

The text asks a person to click on a link and pay an unpaid toll to avoid late fees, being reported to the Secretary of State, or possibly losing their license.

This is a scam called “smishing.”

“Smishing” is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to hackers. The term is a combination of “SMS” or “short message service” and “phishing,” an umbrella term for social engineering attacks.

While there are few tollways in our immediate area, you encounter them if you travel to some of our neighboring states.

Most tollways across the country handle payments in the following ways.

Paying at a booth and then entering the highway.
Having a device attached to your vehicle read by a scanner which automatically deducts from your account, or you pay a monthly fee to use tollways.
Instead of a booth, some tollways use an APP to pay to allow access.

This scam mimics notifying drivers they have not paid toll fees if they somehow gain access to the roadways, which does happen, but not via text.

In many states, cameras near the access point will take a photo of a vehicle plate if a driver gains access to a tollway without paying a fee. These measures ensure your safety and the integrity of the toll system. Generally, they will also have a timestamped photograph and report of the car entering the tollway without paying. Through that plate, the vehicle owner’s identity is determined, and they are billed and notified by MAIL (with photographic evidence) via the state or municipality where the road is located.

If you receive a text of this nature, delete it! Please do not respond to it in any way or pay it, as it is a scam to gain financial information. Remember, vigilance is key in protecting yourself from such scams.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suspect a scam. Remember, your awareness and actions are crucial in preventing such scams from affecting our community.