Some scams are as innocent as trusting the wrong person. Boyfriend. Girlfriend. A slick stranger at a party who claims it’s easy to pocket some Benjamins ($100s) from the credit union.
“Slick” says that if you give him your debit card (STCU CheckCard) and personal identification number (PIN), he’ll give you $200 or $300. All he asks is that you wait two or three days, then report your card stolen. Slick claims the credit union will refund any money lost in your account when you report your card stolen.
It’s a tempting offer. But Slick and his buddies will begin to use your debit card and PIN to deposit several thousand dollars worth of checks into your account—and then withdraw the cash.
Slick knows his checks are counterfeit. And he wants someone else to take the rap. By the time the credit union discovers the fraud, your account will be thousands of dollars in the hole. And sadly, you’ll be held responsible.
When your account is used in this way, claims of a stolen card raise suspicion. The claim will be closely investigated by STCU security officers and law enforcement.
Now you know why Slick drives a nice car and flashes a lot of cash. He claims it’s easy to cheat the credit union, but the one he’s really cheating is you!
Your PIN is the best security for protecting your debit card. Never, ever give your PIN to anyone for any reason. Stay away from anyone inviting you to defraud your bank or credit union. It’s a federal crime with jail time, and Slick won’t be there to bail you out.
