Member Alert

 

Member Alert: 

Members are being targeted by a company selling home warranties. Please be alert if you have a mortgage loan. These documents are not being sent by RVCU.

This document contains the name and address of members which may lead you to believe it is a legitimate document. In the top right corner it claims, "immediate response to this notice requested.”  It also states the lender information as, RIVER VALLEY CU however, it is not from us.  Do not call the number on the form as it is not affiliated with River Valley Credit Union.

Please note, on the bottom of the first page it states, "We are not affiliated with your current mortgage holder." If you have received this document, please disregard it. In addition, if you receive unexpected documents or are questioning a document’s legitimacy, please contact River Valley Credit Union with any questions.

We encourage members to submit a complaint to the Iowa Attorney General, to help us prevent this misleading advertising in the future.  A complaint may be submitted at the following link: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint

 

When trying to avoid scams it is important to be able to identify them in the first place. The following are a few common scams:

• Imposter Scam

  • Scammers will claim to be an organization such as your financial institution or the Federal Trade Commission.

• Family Emergency Scam

  • This scam includes phone calls or texts from scammers claiming to be a family member in trouble demanding money as a form of help.

• Prize Scam

  • Scammers will claim you won a prize but must pay a fee to receive said prize.

• Pressure Scam

  • This scam includes phone calls from scammers claiming you will be arrested or sued if you do not send them money right away.

 

Here are some tips on how to avoid scams:

• Do not give out personal and financial information to unexpected calls, texts, and documents you do not recognize.

• Don't act immediately. Legitimate institutions will be patient when explaining what a payment is for. Our goal at RVCU is to inform and educate about our services to ensure the best experience for you.

• Do not pay if they are solely insisting on a wire transfer, gift card, or crypto currency. These are the most common payments requested by scammers.

• Always analyze and question! Do not act with haste if you are unsure of a situation. Talk with trusted individuals if you are questioning if it is a scam.

 

If you are a victim of scam, it is important to report it to the authorities:

• Submit an online formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• Depending on the situation, contact your financial institution, local police, or sheriff's office.

• Report it to the state attorney general.

  • Iowa State Attorney General Office phone: 888-777-4590

 

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Isabel Kinzie

Marketing Specialist