Latest Scams

 The Social Security Administration issued a warning about a new e-mail scam being circulated with the subject , "Cost-of-Living for 2007 Update." The message appears to be from the Social Security Administration and provides information about the benefit increase for 2007.  It contains the following, "NOTE:  We now need you to update your personal information.  If this is not completed by November 11, 2006, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely."  The reader is then directed to a Web site designed to look like Social Security's Internet Web site.  Once directed to the phone Web site, the individual is asked to register for a password and to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as the individual's Social Security number, bank account information, and credit card information.

You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information.

To report receipt of this e-mail message or other suspicious activity to Internet Fraud Complaint Center at http://www.ifccfbi.gov/cf1.asp or contact your local law enforcement, UP Postal Inspector or FBI. 

Fremont Federal Credit Union has received notification of a potential scam that is affecting many credit unions.  Fraudulent items from several travel and marketing companies in Florida are being drafted against legitimate accounts at many credit unions.  The amounts have been small such as $49.95, $59.95 and $149.00.  The share drafts are all unsigned, as they are supposedly being authorized over the telephone. 

The payees are located in Florida, with the checks being payable to accounts at Palm Beach of Florida or Wachovia Bank. 

It is very important that you review your monthly statement and report and fraudulent activity to us immediately so we may return the item and report the fraud.

Call us at 419-334-4434 or stop into your favorite branch if there are any questions.    

 ______________________________________________________

    The Better Business Bureau has warned against advance-fee loan scams that are stealing thousands of dollars from business owners and consumers desperate to obtian loans.  Many of these scams originate out of Canada and steal the names of legitimate financial planning firms in the United States.  They advertise over the internet and guarantee that everyone will be approved.  They ask for $1,000 up front for an insurance policy and then a legal loan agreement will be sent with the promise of a $10,000 to $100,000 loan.  The company promises the $1,000 will be refunded after one year of steady payments.  All monies must be sent via a Western Union or MoneyGram to Canada.  (This company implies membership in the Bureau by using a hijacked BBB Online Seal logo).
      The Federal Trade Commission reports that last year it compiled 13,000 complaints against advance-fee loan advertisers.  Nobody has received a dime of their "loan" yet but millions of dollars have been lost.
    According to Canadian authorities, most of these advanced loan schemes have their roots in Nigeria and funnel through Canada.  The lesson is obvious, if someone claims he can get you a big loan at a low interest rate, but you need to send money in advance . . . BEWARE!   
    Report this or any type of scams to your local authorities and our local BBB at 1-800-542-5539.  Check out the BBB web site for more information about the latest scams at www.toledobbb.org.

_______________________________________________________

The latest scam involves gift cards purchased "off the rack".  Crooks are jotting down the card numbers of gift cards on display racks in stores and then waiting a few days, then calling to find out how much of a balance THEY have on the card.  Once they find out the card is activated they go online and start shopping.  We recommend you purchase gift cards from a customer service person where they are not viewable by the public.  In fact, our Visa Gift Cards are never displayed and always securely handled by our Member Service staff.