Animas Credit Union is always concerned about the protection of its members' information. We are committed to giving you information to help protect yourself against fraud and identity theft by utilizing many resources. One of these resources is the Federal Trade Commission.

The Federal Trade Commission is the nation's consumer protection agency. The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection works for the consumer to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace. To learn more about who they are and what they do for consumers, click here.

Scammers Contacting Credit Union Members

There has been a significant increase in complaints involving unsolicited e-mails directing consumers to phony "member service" or "customer service" websites or directly asking for member information. Animas Credit Union will never request confidential information through e-mail. Please report any such request to Animas Credit Union at questions@animascu.com or call (505) 326-7701 and ask for the Electronic Services Director.

Credit unions have reported that a telephone scam has occurred in the Los Alamos and Santa Fe areas. Local credit unions report their members were contacted by an automated caller claiming their plastic cards were compromised. Members were then referred to a "security department" and asked for their card number and PIN. Unfortunately members have provided that personal information despite best efforts to inform them to never do that.

The attorney general's office was made aware of this situation and contacted the local media. Credit Union Association of New Mexico (CUANM) president and CEO Sylvia Lyon taped an interview with KOB-TV recently stressing the importance of never divulging personal financial information to any unsolicited phone caller.

Animas Credit Union wanted to make you aware of these recent events and encourages you to contact us at (505) 326-7701 and ask for the Electronic Services Director or email us at questions@animascu.com. if you have a similar experience.

More Secure Internet Shopping Tips

Learn more by clicking here.

Learn more about identity theft

The Federal Trade Commission's website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. Read on to find out more about identity theft and what you can do to prevent identity theft.

Counterfeit Checks and Fake Check Scams

Consumers are being taken advantage of by scam artists who prey on their vulnerabilities and lack of knowledge about checks. You may get a letter stating something like "It's your lucky day! You just won a foreign lottery!" There's also a cashier's check to cover the taxes and fees. All you have to do to get your winnings is deposit the check and wire the money to the sender to pay the taxes and fees. You're guaranteed that when they get your payment, you'll get your prize. Unfortunately, that's a scam.

Counterfeit or fake checks are being used in a growing number of fraudulent schemes, including foreign lottery scams, check overpayment scams, Internet auction scams, and secret shopper scams.

Check overpayment scams target consumers selling cars or other valuable items through classified ads or online auction sites. Unsuspecting sellers get stuck when scammers pass off bogus cashier's checks, corporate checks, or personal checks. Click here to read about how it happens.