Don't Fall for the Fake
Don't Fall for the Fake
At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority, and we want to ensure you stay protected from scams and other fraud attempts.
Don’t fall for the fraudulent calls and messages claiming to be BrightStar Credit Union Your financial safety remains our priority.
- BSCU will NEVER call, text, or email asking you for your Secure Access Code, Debit or Credit Card number, expiration date, CVV, username, or password. Imposters claiming to be from BrightStar Credit Union’s Fraud Department are contacting members via calls and text messages, requesting banking information to “secure” an account. They use a spoofed caller ID that shows BrightStar’s name. Once they obtain necessary information, they access member accounts and move funds fraudulently.
- If you receive a request for any of this information, it is FRAUD, do not provide the information! If you receive a call you believe to be suspicious, hang up and contact the Credit Union directly. If you receive a link which then requests a response to an “alert”, this is also FRAUD.
Remember, BrightStar Credit Union is here to help safeguard your financial well-being. You can set alerts in our online banking by navigating to the Alerts Settings to better protect your account.
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
‘Tis the season for giving, but unfortunately, scammers are also in the spirit of taking. At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. As you embark on your holiday shopping adventures, we want to ensure you stay protected from Scams and other fraudulent activities.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Skeptical of Unsolicited Links: If you receive unsolicited messages or emails with questionable links, resist the temptation to click. When in doubt, contact the party directly, even if it’s your Credit Union.
- Protect Your Credentials: BrightStar Credit Union will NEVER ask you for your username, password, debit/credit card PIN, or Secure Access Code. If you ever receive a suspicious message, report it promptly here.
- Gift Cards are NOT Payment: Be cautious if someone requests payment in the form of gift cards. Legitimate entities, including BrightStar Credit Union, Amazon, Apple, PayPal, or government agencies, will NEVER ask for gift cards as payment.
- Be Wary of Unexpected Wins: If you didn’t enter a sweepstakes and suddenly win, it’s likely a SCAM. Legitimate sweepstakes will not ask for money or personal information to claim your prize.
- Question Urgent Requests: If you receive urgent requests with specific instructions on sending funds, pause and verify the legitimacy of the communication.
- Additional Resources: Whether you’re in the giving spirit, pursuing a new job, or searching for love during the holidays, stay informed about potential scams. Explore additional resources on scams at FTC Consumer Information.
Home Warranty Letters Scam
Home Warranty Letters Scam
BrightStar Credit Union members have received letters from “Lender Services Home Warranty Division” in the mail urging them to renew their home warranty, stating their current coverage is nearing expiration. It is important to note that BrightStar Credit Union is not associated with these companies. The Credit Union keeps all member information confidential. We strongly advise exercising caution if you receive such communications.
Mail Theft on The Rise
Mail Theft on The Rise
Mail theft is a criminal offense that involves the unauthorized act of stealing mail. Mail is wrongfully accessed, intercepted or removed from their intended recipients.
To combat mail theft, you can take several precautions:
1. Use a Locking Mailbox: Install a mailbox with a lock to prevent easy access to your mail by unauthorized individuals.
2. Collect Mail Promptly: Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered to minimize the time it spends unattended.
3. Opt-in for Informed Delivery: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive notifications and images of your incoming mail, helping you track what should arrive. Click here to learn how.
4. Hold Mail: If you’re away, request your mail to be held at the post office until your return.
5. Redirect Mail: If you move, make sure to update your address with the postal service to guarantee your mail is forwarded to your new address.
6. Shred Sensitive Mail: Shred documents with personal or financial information before disposing them.
7. Use Secure Drop Boxes: When sending important mail, use secure drop boxes at the post office rather than leaving it in your home mailbox.
8. Consider a P.O. Box: If possible, rent a P.O. Box for your mail to ensure its security.
9. Track Deliveries: Utilize tracking services to monitor the progress of packages and ensure their safe arrival.
10. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect mail theft, report it to your local post office and law enforcement.
Taking these steps can help minimize the risk of mail theft and protect your sensitive information. For more information, click here for tips and prevention from the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Notice Of Jury Duty Scam
Notice Of Jury Duty Scam
Sheriff Scott Israel, Chief Judge Jack Tuter and Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman renew their warnings of an ongoing jury duty scam that has been reported in South Florida. The scam involves threats of fines and even jail time.
The U.S. Marshals also warned of a nationwide scam, saying that citizens in South Florida are among those who are being targeted.
Victims reportedly receive phone calls or emails threatening that they have missed jury service, Federal or State, and if they don’t comply with the caller’s requests, they could be fined or face jail time. In the calls or emails, the bogus caller may demand that you provide your personal or confidential information which could lead to identity theft or fraud.
The Miami U.S. Marshals Office said that they are “already aware of numerous individuals in the South Florida area who have been targeted by these jury scammers.””In one case,” the U.S. Marshals said, “the fraudster posed as a U.S. Marshal and stated a federal judge had issued an order to arrest the recipient of the phone call stating they had missed their date for jury duty. Luckily, the victim realized it was a scam and did not provide any personal information to the bogus caller.
“Anyone contacting you to demand a fine or threaten jail time is not connected to the Federal or State Court System nor a member of law enforcement. Federal and State courts normally conduct prospective juror business through the U.S. Postal Service, and any contact by real court officials will not include requests for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or any other personally identifiable information.
Members of the public are never contacted initially by email or phone for jury service. Prospective jurors first receive an official court mailing which may direct them to an official website or direct them to call an official juror call in phone number.
If you have received a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from any law enforcement agency and this person demands that you pay a fine, threatens you with jail time or requests your personal information or credit card number, try to get the caller’s number off the caller ID on your phone and write down any details the bogus caller might provide.
Report any calls you receive about this scam as follows:
For State jury duty contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at (954) 831-8901.
For Federal jury duty, contact the U.S. Marshall’s office call (954) 356-7256
Stay Alert: Protecting Your Financial Information from Phone Scams
Stay Alert: Protecting Your Financial Information from Phone Scams
In the age of evolving scams, safeguarding your financial information is crucial. We want to raise awareness about a phone scam targeting individuals and provide essential tips to keep you safe.
Beware of Spoof Calls:
Fraudulent phone calls from scammers pretending to represent financial institutions are rising. They manipulate caller ID and trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive information like Secure Access Codes, Card Numbers, or PIN Numbers.
Take Action to Protect Yourself:
Follow these steps to stay safe:
1) Be skeptical: Never share personal or financial information in unsolicited calls. Legitimate institutions won’t ask for such details over the phone.
2) Verify the caller: Hang up if you suspect a fraudulent call. Use the official contact information to confirm their identity independently.
3) Contact your institution: If you encounter a suspicious call, contact them directly using verified contact details. Call us at 954.486.2728 to report incidents and seek guidance.
Spread awareness: Stay informed about phone scams and share knowledge with others to combat fraudulent activities.
We prioritize your financial safety. Stay cautious and vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information. Remember, we will never ask for your Secure Access Code, Card Number, or PIN Number over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, contact us immediately at 954.486.2728. We can protect ourselves and others from phone scams and preserve our financial well-being.
Spoof Calls Alert
Spoof Alert
Please beware of spoof calls asking for your Secure Access Code, Card Number or PIN Number over the phone. If you receive a call from anyone asking for this information, please call us at 954.486.2728. Your financial safety remains our priority.
Business Email Compromise during COVID-19
Business Email Compromise during COVID-19
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is warning small businesses that received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of a dramatic increase in reports of business email-compromise schemes related to the program. Scammers are using information about PPP recipients posted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to impersonate PPP lenders requesting additional information about PPP loan applications or loan forgiveness.
Beware of individuals pretending to be BrightStar Credit Union's Fraud Department
Beware of individuals pretending to be BrightStar Credit Union's Fraud Department
BSCU has become aware of members receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the Credit Union’s Fraud Department. BSCU will never call or text asking for your CARD #, PIN # or online banking username and password. Your financial safety is our priority.