A local credit union received information from their member, who had been solicited over the phone by "Progressive Lending," asking the if he would like to take out a loan to consolidate his debt and have one payment. The member thought it sounded like a good deal and provided his verification of employment, a copy of his social security card and driver's license.

The member soon received the loan forms in the mail. Before signing, he reviewed the documents carefully. The first red flag was in the agreement, under number 14 of the terms and conditions it stated, "...the guarantee shall be governed in accordance with the laws of Chicago," the member thought he was working with a local company. The second red flag was the required payment of an insurance premium for the loan before the funds could be disbursed.

At this point the member attempted to contact the company with the phone number provided. The number was not legitimate, and neither was the company "Progressive Lending." It has been determined that the phone call most likely came from a foreign country. The member must now watch his accounts and credit reports more than ever, because of the personal information he provided this fake company.

An advertisement for "Progressive Lending" has been found in a local newspaper and reads as follows:

Need a loan? We can help.

Banks say no, we say yes.

Low rate on all loans.

Good or Bad credit, it's ok.

Progressive Lending (logo with circle and arrow)

Personal Loans, Mortgages, and Auto loans

We do it all

Apply now by phone quick approval

[1-800 number provided]

Idahy can not stress enough, the importance for members to know who they are talking to before releasing personal information over the phone or online. If you do not initiate the conversation, use extra caution.

They rushed down to the bank, only to discover that their money had already been withdrawn. The thief had used the stolen cell phone to text "hubby" from the contact list and obtained the PIN. Within 20 minutes, the thief had withdrawn all of the money in their bank account.

Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc. More importantly, when sensitive information is being requested through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet "family and friends" who text you.

A member received a different version of a phishing email claiming to be from NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). This latest email referred to transactions and the possibility of the account being frozen. The NCUA does not have anything to do with the monitoring of transactions on accounts. As stated below, the NCUA does not, and will not contact credit union members or staff to request personal information. If you receive a similar email, delete it immediately without selecting any of the links provided. View a sample of the phishing email.

Reported 07/31/07 - A member received a phishing email claiming to be from NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). The NCUA does not, and will not contact credit union members or staff to request personal information. If you receive an email of this nature, delete it without selecting any of the links provided. View a sample of the phishing email.

The Idaho Credit Union League received an official looking email about IRS Rebates asking the recipient to log onto a site to get their advance rebate. Please be aware that the IRS is NOT emailing information about rebates to ANYONE. View information on this from the IRS web site.

A local credit union had their web site phished on Monday. Members and non-members received an official looking email asking for their account information (including their PIN). Some members input their information into the fraudulent web site and had their accounts accessed by thieves via ATM’s in California. The emails appear to have been sent out of Canada and may have phished customers at several different institutions.

The Idaho Department of Finance helped the credit union in their effort to close down the phishing web site The credit union indicated the web site has been reported and that, from the Internet response, has been restricted by the registrar or other entity.

Members should always be on their guard when receiving emails or phone calls requesting personal information. If you receive such a request, and are not sure if it is legitimate - hang up the phone, or delete the email and contact the credit union at a known phone number or email.

View a copy of a recent phishing attempt that was reported to CUNA Mutual regarding a "Teacher of the Year" award.

The following article appeared in The Idaho Statesman newspaper on Sunday, December 9, 2007:

"Calls asking you to renew your license plates over the phone are a scam, the Idaho Transportation Department said in a warning issued Friday [December 7, 2007]. Anyone giving out that information could become a victim of identity theft, officials said.

The Department of Motor Vehicle offices does not solicit vehicle registration renewals by telephone. You can renew your license in person, by mail, or online at www.itd.idaho.gov.

Anyone who receives such a call should get as much information as possible then call police, Smith said.

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Idaho Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division at 334-2424 or toll free at (800) 432-3545."

Do all that you can to protect your personal information in person, over the phone, through the mail, and online.

An email scam is circulating, professing to be from the IRS. The email tells taxpayers that that IRS has calculated their "fiscal activity" and they are eligible to receive a tax refund.

The email either comes in the form of a web page titled, "Get Your Tax Refund!", or provides a link to this false page. The web page has the appearance of the genuine interactive "Where's My Refund?" page that resides on the official IRS site.

On this false web page, taxpayers are asked to enter their social security number and filing status - as well as their credit card account numbers. The IRS does not send emails to taxpayers to advise them of refunds or to request financial information.

If you receive an email such as this, delete it immediately without selecting any links, or providing any personal information of any kind. If you have questions, contact the IRS office directly using a known phone number - not one provided by the email.