COVID-19 Scam Alert

Unfortunately, during times of crisis, some people with bad intentions see an opportunity to use our fear against us. It is important to remain vigilant in the protection of your identity. We have compiled a list of known scams, as well as steps you can take to protect your identity and your finances. While we cannot guarantee that these steps will be 100% effective, they will go a long way towards preventing fraudulent activity.

To Prevent Fraud:

  1. Contact Northern Colorado Credit Union at 970-330-3900 to confirm or establish a code word for your account. This code word will make it easier for you to access your account information when talking to our member service representatives and will make it very difficult for anyone else to access your account. This word should be unique, not one of your passwords or a family member’s name or anything that could be easily guessed.
  2. Utilize mobile app card controls. This is a feature that allows you to turn your credit or debit card on or off and set up alerts for when the card is used.
    • NCCU Visa Rewards Credit Card: Download the SecurLock app to set up controls for your NCCU Credit Card. You can turn your card on or off and set up limits and controls for how and when your credit card is allowed to be used.
    • NCCU Debit Card: Download the NCCU mobile app and sign in with your online banking credentials. Tap on “More” at the bottom of the screen, then tap “Manage My Cards.”  From here you can set up alerts and permissions, as well as turn your debit card on or off.
  3. Make sure you do not share personal or sensitive information.

Known Scams:

  1. Imposter Scams – Bad actors attempt to solicit donations, steal personal information, or distribute malware by impersonating government agencies (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), international organizations (e.g., World Health Organization (WHO)), or healthcare organizations. We are aware of a message being forwarded around social media with a fake Census link stating that you have to click on the link to fill out the 2020 Census in order to receive a COVID-19 stimulus check. The claim is untrue and the link is malicious.
  2. Investment Scams – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urged investors to be wary of COVID-19-related investment scams, such as promotions that falsely claim that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure coronavirus.
  3. Product Scams – The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued public statements and warning letters to companies selling unapproved or misbranded products that make false health claims pertaining to COVID-19.  Additionally, FinCEN has received reports regarding fraudulent marketing of COVID-19-related supplies, such as certain facemasks.
  4. Insider Trading – FinCEN has received reports regarding suspected COVID-19-related insider trading. 

If you believe you have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact us.