This recent scam tactic combines spoofed text messages with live phone calls to trick consumers into loading credit/debit card details directly to a fraudster’s mobile device.

The attack begins with the fraudster sending a text message that closely resembles a legitimate verification alert. The text message is soon followed by a live phone call, where the fraudster falsely claims the consumer’s card has been added to an unauthorized iPhone. They explain that to deactivate the device, a verification code must be sent to the cardholder. This triggers a real verification code, which the unassuming cardholder then shares, allowing the fraudster to provision the card to their own device.

The fraudster further manipulates the cardholder by instructing them to respond “N” to subsequent alerts, framing them as “fake” messages. This interferes with legitimate fraud controls and can inadvertently approve suspicious activity.

Red flags:

Best practices:

SIM Swapping – also known as SIM hijacking, is a type of identity theft that generally occurs when victims receive a call from someone impersonating their mobile carrier. During the interaction, the bad actor collects several pieces of personal information, including the PIN needed to access their mobile carrier’s account. Once these details are obtained, the bad actor contacts your mobile carrier, impersonating you, to request a SIM card replacement or transfer to a new device they control. When the swap occurs, scammers can intercept calls and texts, including two-factor authentication codes used to access your accounts on your phone.

Red flags:

• Sudden loss of cell service
• Cannot send/receive texts or calls
• Locked out of your accounts despite entering correct credentials 

Best way to protect yourself:

• Add a PIN or password to your mobile account and do not share with anyone
• Utilize SIM Protection with mobile carrier

If you are uncertain about who’s contacting you, the best way to protect your accounts and information is to hang up and contact your mobile carrier immediately. If you feel you have fallen victim to this type of scam, please contact us.

Pig Butchering Scams occur when scammers build trust and a relationship with their victims over weeks or months. Scammers may initiate contact in different ways including "wrong number" text messages or phone calls, emails, or messages on social media platforms. These scammers may pose as a potential friend, business partner, or romantic interest. The scammers ultimate goal is to convince you to invest in legitimate-looking cryptocurrency platforms. These types of platforms are fake and controlled by the scammers who can manipulate the screen to make it appear as if the investments are legitimate and growing. Once the victim has "invested" as much money as the scammer believes they're good for, the scammer steals all of the money. 

The term stems from the scammers fattening up their victims and convincing them to invest more and more as their earnings appear to double, but this is never the case.

If an online friend begins discussing investments and crypto-related conversations, this is often a scam. If they mention "quick returns" or promise your investments will double, or they recommend a specific app or platform for investing, this is a scam. If they aren't a certified crypto broker, please stay wary.

If you feel you have fallen victim to this type of scam, please contact your local law enforcement officials and report the scam to the FTC.

We've received reports that some members are getting email messages asking them to click a link to approve or deny a pending transaction. These are scams and were not sent by GreenState.

If you are uncertain about who's contacting you, the best way to protect your accounts and information is to get in touch with us through our site or by calling the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

You should only use wire transfers to send money to individuals you trust. Financial institutions have seen an increase of wire transfer fraud in recent months. 

The best way to prevent wire transfer fraud is by knowing the red flags: 

• Sender places a rush request
• Only communicates via email
• You don’t know the individual
• An online dating partner requests funds
• You receive a request to send funds saying your device is compromised

We have received reports of phone calls where scammers claim to work for GreenState and say they’re calling to help resolve fraudulent charges on a debit or credit card. The scammers then provide instructions for resolving the issue by sending funds out via Zelle^®.

This is a scam. GreenState will never ask you to resolve any matter by sending funds via Zelle^®.

Zelle^® transfers are for sending money to friends, family, or individuals who you personally know.

If you’re unsure about a phone call you received the best way to protect your accounts and information is to hang up and contact GreenState online or by calling the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

You should use Zelle^® to send money only to people you trust, such as friends or family members. Payments cannot be canceled once sent, if the recipient is already enrolled in Zelle^®. Money moves directly into the enrolled recipient’s bank account within minutes.

Beware of payment scams. Offers that sound too good to be true probably are. As an example, if a stranger is selling you concert tickets at a steep discount and insisting that you pay with Zelle^®, it may be a scam. There is no purchase protection when using Zelle^®.

We've received reports that some members are getting email messages asking them to click a link to verify their account or to verify a "recent request." These are scams and were not sent by GreenState.

If you are uncertain about who's contacting you, the best way to protect your accounts and information is get in touch with us online or by calling the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

We have received reports of phone calls to our members coming from an individual claiming to work for GreenState who says they’re calling about foreclosing on a mortgage and to please return their call.

If you’re unsure about a phone call you received the best way to protect your accounts and information is to hang up and contact GreenState online or by calling the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

We've received reports that some members are getting text messages asking them to click a link to access their account. This is a scam and was not sent by GreenState.

If you are uncertain about who's contacting you, the best way to protect your accounts and information is get in touch with GreenState online or by calling the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

We have received reports of phone calls to our members coming from “GreenState CU” with the caller stating there were pending charges and fraud was suspected. The caller then asks for a few of the numbers of your credit card to “verify your identity.” Never give out your personal information like member numbers and credit card numbers to any caller.

In the event of potentially fraudulent charges, GreenState may reach out to confirm charges, but we will never ask you for your card, account, or personal information. If you do receive a suspicious call or text, please contact us immediately.

If you receive a message from someone on social media encouraging you to send funds for an investment purchase, be aware that this is a common scam tactic. Members have also reported receiving messages from people who appear to be family members or friends. Always keep in mind that someone's social media profile might have been hacked and check with that person through another means of communication if something seems suspicious.