3 Things to Know About Social Media Scams

[Wendy Poling USAA]

 

If you are on social media sites like Instagram® or Twitter® chances are you’ve seen or been approached by a scammer offering a way to get $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or even more money in exchange for your personal USAA information. These are not legitimate offers, but part of a rising scam targeting young active duty military members. Sadly, many are participating in this scam. After providing personal information, they soon find the scammer has withdrawn a large amount out of their USAA (and/or other financial institution) account, leaving them responsible for thousands of dollars.

According to the USAA Enterprise Security Group, the majority of USAA members that have participated in this type of fraud are young active duty junior enlisted military personnel. Fraudsters approach USAA members and offer easy money in exchange for their personal USAA information. Fraudulent funds are deposited into USAA accounts and fraudsters take their fees as payment before the fraud is detected.

If you are approached or tempted by this scam, it is important to know the possible consequences of taking the bait, which can be harsh.

Here are 3 things to know about social media scams:

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely IS.

2. USAA will never ask for your personal information related to your credit or debit card number or PIN number.

3. If you choose to provide your personal USAA information, you will be held liable for all money lost.

The consequences for participating in this fraud could be quite severe to a service member’s career:

• You risk ruining your credit which could mean loss of your security clearance and potentially losing your job

• You could face prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice which could potentially lead to punishment up to and including Courts Martial and even end in separation from the service

If you are approached or receive a message from a potential scammer, report the scammer by sending an email to abuse@usaa.com.

For more details on how to report a scammer visit:
How to report card cracking

We encourage you to share this information with your friends, colleagues or other members you may know; it will take an all hands effort to fight this type of social media scam.

In the coming months, you will see a USAA full-scale campaign to educate and help protect our members and identify and stop the fraudsters.

Have ideas on how to get the word out to those most affected? Share your thoughts below:

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