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Local credit unions targets of ‘phishing’ scam
Updated: July 2, 2012 12:45PM
Three area credit unions were targets of a recent phishing scam that asked residents for personal account information.
Great Lakes Credit Union -- based in North Chicago, with branches in Antioch, Gurnee, Libertyville, Round Lake Beach, Waukegan and Zion -- was one of the targets of the Memorial Day weekend scam which continues to affect its members, as well as customers from other local financial institutions, credit union officials said Monday.
Also targeted by the scammers were Consumers Credit Union headquartered in Waukegan with branches in Gurnee, Mundelein and Round Lake Beach, and Community Trust Credit Union of Gurnee.
The calls were automated and made to customers with credit and debit cards, according to Consumers Credit officials, who said the callers claimed to be from the credit unions.
“Criminal activity is at an all-time high these days, especially since tracking down automated phishing scams are virtually impossible,” said Vikki Kaiser, president/CEO of GLCU. “GLCU has put warnings out to all of its members using the Web site, Facebook page, e-mail and even a voice message when members call our general number trying to ensure that none of our members are adversely affected by this most recent scam.”
All of the credit unions warned people about revealing personal information to anyone, especially regarding their financial institution, over the phone or via e-mail. Officials said financial institutions will never randomly ask for personal account information or Social Security numbers. They have that information on file and can reference it when they need to without asking.
If customers already provided any personal information after receiving such a call, they should contact the financial institutions.
