MVFCU warns the public about new scam

If it’s too good to be true…

How many times have we heard that before? Well, there are still people falling victims to scams because the scammers are getting very good at what they do – fooling people.

Some of our members are receiving beautifully designed letters with the heading Certificate of Award, announcing that the addressee is the winner of the Irish Lottery, held in Dublin, Ireland. The recipient is advised to have won $95,000 but they are advancing the clearance fee of $3,462.25 from the winnings because it must be paid before releasing the rest. So, they enclose a check for that amount which should be deposited in their own account and then the person being scammed must send them a check for the same amount out of their own checking account. By the time the phony check bounces back, their money is gone.

“We cannot judge our tellers or anyone coming in contact with these checks because they look real,” said William Betton, VP Operations. “This is an issue of member beware. If you have not entered a contest, why would you be winning it?” he added.

Another thing worthy of notice is that Federal law prohibits US citizens from entering foreign lotteries. Any time you receive an email or correspondence dealing with one of them, rest assured that it is a scam. If in doubt, be on the safe side and don’t respond.

Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union serves anyone who lives, works or worships throughout the Merrimack Valley region. Branches located in Massachusetts are Methuen, North Andover, Haverhill and Plaistow, NH.

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