Financial Fraud

A Message on Behalf of LASD and POPA FCU…

It is the goal of POPA FCU and LASD personnel to provide our members (and their families) an information resource center specifically related to financial crimes. Articles below relating to financial fraud trends are updated periodically for your convenience.

CLICK HERE for a list of typical financial fraud schemes affecting our society today.

CLICK HERE for ways to protect your online identity.

Updated Fraud Prevention Service For Your VISA® Credit Cards

1. When potential fraud is detected, you will receive an automatic email notification with the option to reply with “fraud” or “no fraud.”

2. One minute after the email, you will receive a text alert, which also has the “fraud” or “no fraud” option.

3. If there is no response received, you will then receive automatic phone calls to confirm or deny fraud. The call will also give the option of speaking to a fraud analyst.

Remember – our messages will never ask for your PIN or account number.

In our continuing efforts to keep your accounts secure, we’ve improved our alert system for potential fraud. Here’s how it works:

Recent Fraud Related Articles

Beware of Coronavirus COVID-19 Scams!

Scammers and fraudsters are taking advantage of people’s fears by trying to capitalize off the Coronavirus (aka COVID-19) outbreak through various channels. Below are some of the latest scams to watch out for and avoid. Remember, POPA Federal Credit Union will never ask for any sensitive personal information over text or text or email. When in doubt, call your financial institution directly. For more tips on avoiding Coronavirus scams, visit http://ftc.gov/coronavirus.

Caution: Seniors are especially vulnerable to these schemes and are often specifically targeted by criminals. Be sure to speak with your parents and elderly family members about these scams and how to avoid them.

  • Facebook Posts. One particular scam targets seniors through a Facebook post informing them that they can get a special grant to help pay medical bills. The link within the post takes them to a fake website claiming to be a government agency called the “U.S. Emergency Grants Federation” where they are asked to provide their Social Security Number under the guise of needing to verify their identity. In other versions, fraudsters claim individuals can get additional money, but the victims have to pay a “processing fee” first to receive the grant. What to Do: Don’t click on any links and/or input any sensitive personal information. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is a scam so don’t fall for it.
  • Robocalls. Scammers will try to get your bank account number or other sensitive personal information using the current pandemic to test your vulnerabilities. Some will claim they are calling from the Social Security Administration, Medicare testing facility, etc. What to Do: Just hang up. Don’t press any buttons, don’t give any information, don’t even speak.
  • Fake Cures and Treatments. The FTC (The Federal Trade Commission) and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) are warning the public to be on alert for any company claiming to have a cure or treatment for Coronavirus. What to Do: Don’t fall for it. Don’t buy or promote anything with claims to treat or prevent Coronavirus. According to the FDA, there are no approved vaccines, drugs, or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent the virus.
  • Fake Emails, Texts, and Phishing. Scammers have always used fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information (e.g. account numbers, SSN, login IDs and/or passwords) in order to steal your identity, money, or both. What to Do: Don’t click on any links sent to you by a person or company that you don’t know. If you click on one of these links, they can install viruses onto your computer or device.
  • Fake Charities. During times of need, like natural disasters or pandemic, many fake charities will try to profit off the public’s generosity by creating sophisticated websites, emails, phone calls, etc. that often use names that sound similar to real charities. What to Do: Do some research when it comes to donations. There are sites where you can verify the charity, such as: Charity Navigator and Charity Watch. Real charities won’t rush you into donating. If any “charity” wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it. Real charities will take credit cards or checks – both which are safer ways to pay.

Scam Alert

It has come to our attention that an email has be impersonating our collections department and attempting to solicit a response from membership.

We recommend members to disregard this email. If you have any questions please contact us at 562.229.9181.

Sample of suspicious email:

From: Collection Department → Fraudster
To: Member
Subject: Import Notices

Dear Member,
Bank Name: POPA Federal Credit Union
Bank Account Number: XXXXX
_Tomorrow is your last chance to resolve this matter outside the court house.
In event if we do not receive your payment tomorrow then apart from getting laid off by your current employer after we send them the legal notice you will be blacklisted from getting any job.

Through an IRS (Internal Revenue Service) your social security number will be put on hold causing severe damage to your credit history or credit report and your income paychecks will be put on hold.

Any child support, disability, unemployment or retirement benefits will be either place on hold or will be stopped until the outcome of the case…_

Recent Data Breach at Chipotle Mexican Grill

Please be aware that the recent unauthorized access to payment processing data at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants may impact you. If you have used your POPA MasterCard Debit Card and/or POPA VISA Credit Card at Chipotle between March 24th through April 18th 2017, we recommend that you closely monitor your accounts for any suspicious or unusual activity. We also encourage you to set up “Alerts” on Online Banking to immediately notify you via text or email on account transactions. If you suspect fraud, please contact us immediately, at which point we would block and replace your debit or VISA card. POPA has taken precautionary measures to keep all its members’ information safe and confidential. For details regarding the data breach, please see Chipotle’s press release below.

Chipotle Breach Information

Complete list of Fraud Articles

CLICK HERE