We are once again receiving reports of fraudulent phone calls and text messages appearing to come from BECU requesting your personal card information. We encourage you to share this with your family and friends to ensure they do not become a victim.
Phone Call Scam
We ve received reports of fraudulent phone calls appearing to come from BECU stating that your BECU card has been blocked, or that there is a problem with your card. The recording asks members to press 1 to unblock their card; members are then prompted to enter card information. These phone calls are not from BECU. If you do receive a call like this, please hang up and do not provide any information.
Text Message Scam
We are also receiving reports from members receiving fraudulent text messages from several different numbers stating that there is a problem with their card. They are then asked to call a fraudulent number or click a fraudulent link that prompts them to enter their card information. If you receive this text, do not respond.
If you already received a call or text and did provide your personal card information, please contact us immediately. We will need to deactivate your card, re-issue you a new card and monitor your account for fraud. We want to assure you that BECU has not been compromised. The fraudulent phone and text messages that many members are receiving are the result of a technique known as robocalls. Fraudsters use a computer program to randomly dial or text phone numbers until they get a response. You can learn more about robocalls from the Federal Trade Commission at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls1
Why can t BECU stop the phishing?
As we identify phone numbers the phishing attacks are coming from, we take steps to shut it down; however, criminals are able to quickly establish a new number. It s important to note that BECU members and non-members are getting these calls and text messages.
Setting traps to catch the criminals is not realistic as they are counterfeiting the cards and using them in numerous areas. We cannot identify where they will strike next.
The best way to stop the phishing is for all of us to recognize this is a scam and not give out our card numbers and specifically our PIN number. Your PIN number should never be shared with anyone.
Here s how to reach us:
Lost, stolen or fraudulent charges on Visa card
Business hours: M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Pacific Time)
800-233-2328
After hours: M-F 7pm-7am, Sat 1pm and all day Sun (Pacific Time)
800-449-7728
Lost, stolen or fraudulent charges on Debit card
Business hours: M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Pacific Time)
800-233-2328
After hours: M-F 7pm-7am, Sat 1pm and all day Sun (Pacific Time)
888-241-2510 (inside US)
909-941-1398 (collect outside US)
Report suspicious email, text and phone calls
Email our security team (monitored only during business hours).
Personal and confidential information should not be included in your email.
Learn More
For more information on text and phone scams, what to do and how to report fraud, read this article from BECU s security team: TEXT SMS PHISHING AND SPAM3
References
- ^ http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls (www.consumer.ftc.gov)
- ^