Cyber Security & Fraud

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that consumers reported losing $667 million in 2019 due to scams. At AOD we value our members and want to help you protect your money!

Scams are on the rise again because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the most recent scams that are circulating in our area:

• Unemployment Insurance Benefit scam – scammers apply for unemployment benefits, typically in other states, using stolen identities. Once you provide your account information, they instruct you to send a portion of the funds back to them.
• Romance Scams – scammers attempt to develop a relationship with the victim and normally have a sob story stating they are stuck in their country and need funds to come be with you. Once you send money, they claim some disaster or emergency prevented them from boarding the flight and they need more money. This will continue until you end it.
• Small Business Administration Scam – scammers apply for, or convince you to apply for, a loan with the SBA. Again, they instruct you to send a portion of the funds back to them.
• Stimulus Check Scam – scammers apply for stimulus checks using stolen identities and use your account to receive the funds.
• Phishing and Supply scams – scammers impersonate health organizations and businesses to gather personal and financial information or sell fake test kits, supplies, vaccines, or cures for COVID-19
• Charity/Investment Scams – fraudsters seek donations for illegitimate or non-existent organizations
• Provider Scams – scammers impersonate doctors and hospital staff and contact victim claiming to have treated a relative or friend and demand payment for treatment
• Credit Union Scams – scammers impersonate Credit Union/Bank employees and falsely claim that we are limiting access to deposits or that there are issues with your debit card