Ypsilanti Area Federal Credit Union: Beware of phishing scam

A phishing scam is circulating around Washtenaw County, almost exactly a year after similar e-mail or text alerts made the rounds.

The e-mails and text messages are directed at credit union customers in an attempt to to gain access to the bank accounts of Ann Arbor area residents.

The Ypsilanti Area Federal Credit Union, which also warned customers about a similar scam last year, has heard from about 25 customers since Monday who received the e-mail or text, said Gregory Gurka, president and CEO of the credit union.

Gurka said the messages are generic and warn customers their accounts are frozen or closed. He said he suspects many area residents have received the e-mails and texts, and other credit unions also may be hearing from their customers.

In one case, a customer said he provided information after calling the number on the e-mail, so his account number has been changed, Gurka said. Anyone who calls the number in the e-mail is asked to verify his or her Social Security numbers and debit or account information.

Shannon Queirolo, an Ann Arbor area resident, said she received text messages alerting her that her account is on hold and a limit had been set on her bank card. The texts refer to the "Community Credit Union," and there is a Community Driven Credit Union in Pittsfield Township, althoughÂ Queirolo is not a customer.

Queirolo said the texts immediately raised red flags - one came from a "1234" number. She called the number listed in the message to see who would answer and was greeted by an automated message welcoming her to the "card activation center." She was directed to enter her card number, expiration date and PIN.

"This seemed more personal than the e-mails you usually get that are obviously scams, but it had triggers,"Â Queirolo said. "I hope people hear about it so they don't fall for it."

Phishers use what appears to be legitimate requests for sensitive identity or banking information by masquerading as representatives of companies to gain access to bank accounts and drain them of cash.

Gurka said the credit union would never send requests for such sensitive information. But the credit union did send an online survey this week soliciting feedback on customer service. Gurka fears customers may be leery of that e-mail, even though it does not ask for any sensitive information.

No information was available from local police agencies on how many people have reported or fallen victim to the scam.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group offers some advice on what to do if you've been scammed and how to report it.