Social Media Scams Targeting East Bay Youth1st United Credit Union warns residents to use caution on social media.
"Social media is becoming a staple in kids' lives," said Greg Pulliam, 1st United Credit Union's Chief Administrative Officer. "Although kids are tech savvy, they may not have the common sense to spot scams." At the core of the scam, kids are contacted through Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat and are offered money to hand over personal information such as a social security number or bank account information. In one case, a 16 year old was paid $500 to send a copy of his Social Security Card to a criminal who attempted to impersonate the victim at the Credit Union. If the account activity is fraudulent, the victim is left owing the money to the financial institution and is held responsible for the fraud. Fraudsters are reaching out to kids in varying ways including phony contests and giveaways, make-money-quick schemes, and by impersonating a celebrity or a person in need of help, often living abroad. "1st United wants parents to be aware of this threat and talk with their kids about it," says Greg. "Unfortunately, if a child gives their personal and/or banking information accidentally or purposefully to someone who uses that information to commit a fraudulent act, the family could be held responsible." 1st United Credit Union urges parents to take precautions, including:
Media Contact 1st United Credit Union Lisha Fabris, Communications Manager lfabris@1stunitedcu.org Photo: https://www.prlog.org/ End
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