Organized Spoofing Fraud Attack Scams

Please be aware of attempts to fraudulently impersonate Mechanics Cooperative Bank’s fraud response, using “spoofed” phone numbers for calls and texts which are made to appear to be from Mechanics Cooperative Bank. Mechanics Cooperative Bank will NEVER call, text, or email you, asking you to verify or provide specific personal or account information. Be cautious of links in texts and emails.

The fraud perpetrators using “spoofed” phone numbers inform the customer that there is fraud detected on their debit card and ask them to verify a fake transaction that did not happen. When the customer denies the transaction, they may be asked to provide information from their debit card, an “online passcode”, a “Secure Access Code” or other banking credentials. If the customer responds that they do not have an “online passcode”, they may be instructed to create one and provide the fraudster with the multifactor authentication (MFA) code sent to their phone or email.

Sample Fraudulent Text Messages

At this point the fraudsters have access to your online banking and debit card information, where they begin to transfer funds and make purchases. The fraudster then informs the customer they will soon receive text messages regarding unauthorized transactions and how to respond, which helps keep the fraud undetected. Calls with the fraudsters may last 30 to 60 minutes.

Mechanics Cooperative Bank will NEVER call, text, or send unsolicited emails requesting you to verify any personal or account information. We will never send a link via email without telling you first, or without you requesting us to do so. If you receive any suspicious requests, hang up the call, don’t click the links, and please report it at report_abuse@mechanics.bank or 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264).