Have you been contacted to perform a large transaction? Fraudsters are skilled at avoiding suspicion. If you’re being asked to send large amounts of money as cash, gift cards, or a wire transfer, consider these red flags before putting your money at risk:

Red Flags of Fraud:

• There is urgency for the recipient to receive the funds quickly
• You’re told not to tell your bank/credit union the true purpose of the transaction
• A friend or family member is in trouble and needs you to send money to help
• You won a prize, or inherited money, but you have to pay fees first
• You won the lottery, but you have to pay some taxes first
• You need to pay for something you just bought online before they send it
• You got a check for too much money and need to send back the extra
• You’re asked to send cash or gift cards in the mail

What to do:

• Use caution when wiring money to someone you do not know.
• Attempt to verify the identity and legitimacy of the individual/organization
• Use caution when wiring money to someone who contacted you:
• Even if you feel like you know the person
• Even if the person says they are your friend or related to you
• Attempt to verify their identity
• When in doubt, consult Capitol View Credit Union — we’re here to protect you and your money!

If you sent money to someone who contacted you, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

• Call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357
• Go online: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• The FTC uses complaints to build cases against scammers. Any information you can give helps investigators