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LLCU is actively working to reduce the risk of fraud on the Zelle^® Network, however, consumers are turning to more and more digital payment options, enabling fraudsters to hide among the larger volume. These fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic, using fear and uncertainty to victimize consumers.

Social Engineering Scam 

In one scenario, the consumer receives a text from a fraudster to alert about a suspicious transaction. Upon receiving a response text declining the transaction from the consumer, the fraudster calls the consumer, pretending to be the fraud department of the financial institution. The fraudster gains access to the consumer’s online banking account by requesting the username and one-time password, which is then used to reset the password. Upon gaining access to the online account, the fraudster registers for Zelle® and attempts to send payments. 

In a majority of these cases, LLCU risk models detect the fraud activity and the transactions as high risk. The user then receives a stepped-up authentication request via SMS (text) to authorize the payment. Through social engineering and direct calls, some users are still falling victim to these fraud scams. In these cases, the fraudster calls to convince the consumer to authorize the stepped-up authentication request, so that the consumer can receive a refund from the previously fraudulent transaction. In reality, the consumer is not getting a refund, but is sending the payment to the fraudster.

LLCU members should understand the following: 

• LLCU will never call you to request information you received via text (SMS) or pressure you to reset your online banking log in password.
• Don’t trust caller ID; Caller ID may be modified to show LLCU as the caller.
• Don’t provide your online banking log in credentials, one-time password, account number or personal information by email or text or phone call. Reach out to a representative at LLCU to confirm that the request is legitimate by calling 844-222-7788.
• Don’t give information over the phone if you receive a call stating that a transaction is canceled, even if the caller claims to be from LLCU. Once again, contact us at 844-222-7788 to inquire about the transaction.
• Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
• Don’t give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.

We remain vigilant in our daily fraud monitoring practices and operations in order to protect our members. Please regularly check back to our website to stay educated and informed about potential scams that are circulating.

Questions?

If you have any questions, contact the LLCU Member Solutions Center at 1-844-222-7788 during regular business hours. Thank you for your continued trust in LLCU.