Press Release from NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) — Consumers Targeted by Vishing Scam Should Call Agency’s Hotline
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Jan. 21, 2014) – The National Credit Union Administration today warned consumers to beware of a new telephone fraud known as a “vishing” scheme, that is using the agency’s name in an attempt to obtain personal financial information.
Several credit union members have been contacted by an automated phone call claiming to be from NCUA and notifying consumers their debit cards have been compromised. The call then asks the receiver to follow prompts, which request personal information, including sensitive financial data and personal identification information.
Anyone contacted by this so-called “vishing” scheme should immediately contact NCUA’s Consumer Assistance Center Hotline at: 800-755-1030, or by email at: [email protected] to report the scam. Operators answer calls Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, Eastern time.
NCUA neither seeks personal information from consumers over the telephone nor handles day-to-day maintenance of member account information. NCUA works with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to protect consumers from frauds of this nature.
NCUA urges consumers to never verify or release person financial information to unknown callers.