Credit Questions? Just Ask Nicole

A New US One Dollar Bill?

Could this be the face of a new US $1 bill? I sure hope not!

Beware of Fraudulent Calls That May SEEM Legit: My Latest Experience With "Vishing"

Just a few minutes ago, on this nice, relaxing Sunday afternoon, I received a phone call on my home phone from 415-223-4900.

The caller ID said "San Rafael, CA." I was immediately curious because I don't know anyone in San Rafael.

I answered the call only to hear a pre-recorded message saying "This is Cooperative Credit Union Services. Your account has been suspended. Press 1 to be immediately connected to our security department."

Because I NEVER respond to any such type of message, regardless of what it says, I didn't press anything and just listened intently to see what would happen next. The pre-recorded message just played a second time and then the call automatically disconnected.

I was so hoping the call would transfer to a live person so I could unload a hefty mixed-bag of un-pleasantries on them because right away I suspected some fraudulent activity.

You see, I know I don't have a relationship with a "Cooperative Credit Union Services."

I do, however, have 3 different personal credit union accounts at 3 different institutions, and that is definitely not the very distinguishable name of any of my credit unions.

Now for the sake of convenience, I've used a credit union service center on many occasions because my credit unions are not very close to where I live and work.

I know this wasn't just a coincidence that the credit union service center I've repeatedly used in the past is called "Co-op (Cooperative) Services Credit Union," a name very similar to that mentioned in the pre-recorded message.

Nah, it was no coincidence at all. There was definitely something fishy going on.

The fraudsters were hoping that name variation would be "familiar enough" to cause me to panic and respond, and take some action.

I know that if there really were a problem with any of my credit union accounts, a representative from MY credit union would be calling me, not someone from the credit union service center.

And in the past when there's been questionable activity on one of my accounts (personal or business, credit union or bank), a live person always called, not a recording.

And further, I totally stalk my bank accounts. I check my account activity online nearly everyday to make sure everything is everything. And when I checked my accounts this morning, all was well.

But needless to say, I checked them again after this strange phone call. And thankfully, everything was still OK.

So next, you know I googled the phone number...

Turns out the number actually belongs to Toucan Global, who offers the "Snap Communicator," a USB device that works with your PC and Internet service to keep you constantly connected to up to 8 people that you talk to a lot. The system works more like an intercom as opposed to a traditional phone line or computer soft-phone.

Now you know this communications company, based in San Francisco, CA, has nothing to do with my bank accounts!

I bet the fraudsters just spoofed their phone number for caller ID purposes.

There's really no telling what kind of scheme was waiting for me on the other end of that phone call. And who knows where my call would've been transferred to if I had actually pressed 1...

A $50 per minute psychic hotline?

A stranger on the other side of the world waiting to "verify" my bank account info so they could "look into" the account suspension, when all they really want to do is get the necessary information to rip me off?

I don't think so!

This type of fraudulent nonsense is called "vishing," a scheme that involves delivering messages of a suspended, deactivated, or terminated account via phone, in an effort to gain access to your personal information.

If you ever receive a call concerning any of your personal financial information or accounts, please remember this:

1. Do not panic.
2. Be on guard and keep in mind the call could be a scam.
3. Pay very close attention to what the person or recording is saying.
4. Do not press anything to have your call re-routed.
5. Do not give out any personal or financial or "extra" information.
6. Get off the phone as quickly as possible.
7. Call the company back directly to find out if there really is a problem.
8. Only call company phone numbers you know are legit, like the ones on your bills or statements, not one given to you by the caller.
9. If discovered the call is fraudulent, give the real company as many details as possible so they can investigate the incident (i.e., time of call, what was said, caller ID info, etc.).
10. Report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which investigates vishing complaints. This is a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center & the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
11. It's always, always, always better to be safe than sorry.

Dalton Sherman, 8-Year Old Keynote Speaker: Believe In Our Youth!

Giving a keynote address for a Back-to-School Convocation in Dallas, TX in front of an audience of 20,000+, this young man is just truly AWESOME!

This video should be required viewing for all educators, parents, adults, and anyone that works with the youth!

Seeking Facilitators: Youth Financial Literacy After School Program, Metro Detroit, Michigan

If you love kids and kids love you, then I just might know of the perfect position for you!

Credit Hour is seeking to fill several Facilitator positions to administer our "StartSmart" youth financial literacy after school program in select elementary and middle schools throughout the metro Detroit area.

As a StartSmart Facilitator, you will engage students in grades 1-8 in various games, activities and lessons focused on concepts such as earning, spending, saving, credit, etc.

This is a part-time position and pays $15-20 per hour.

To be considered for this position, you must:

• Have an interest in teaching children about financial concepts & money.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Love and work well with children.
• Be energetic, fun, creative and attentive.
• Be able to control a group of 15-25 students and encourage good behavior.
• Be available Monday - Thursday, 3-6 pm (actual schedule and the number of days & hours per week will vary based upon the needs of the schools; could range anywhere from a total of 2-10 hours per week).
• Be dependable, punctual, and have reliable transportation.
• Be able to work without direct supervision.
• Be able to complete and submit necessary reports in a timely fashion.
• Pass various background checks and clearances (i.e., criminal, TB, etc.).
• Participate in training.

Prior experience working with children is a plus.

If hired, you will be required to complete all necessary background checks very quickly, within a very confined period of time.

We are currently interviewing and hiring Facilitators to start ASAP!

Show us what you got! :)

Forward your resume (as an attachment) to hireme[at]credithour.com.

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day everyone!