UPDATED, Originally posted on 1/31/2020

On January 30, 2020, a person misrepresenting himself as being affiliated with Kirtland Federal Credit Union visited a member who had recently refinanced his home with Kirtland FCU. This man went to the member’s home and attempted to sell the member mortgage insurance while purporting to have a business relationship with Kirtland FCU. 

If you’ve recently closed a loan with Kirtland FCU, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Liens against your home are public record. When you purchase or refinance your residence, that transaction is available as a matter of public record. Do not assume your address or situation is known only to you and your lender.
• Kirtland FCU does NOT sell member information to third parties. Some lenders DO sell customer/member information to third parties, but this fact is required by law to be disclosed to you during the course of any loan or account opening. Kirtland FCU follows all local, state and federal regulations regarding the handling of your information. We do not sell your information to third parties.
• Not sure of the person you’re talking to? If you were approached at your home by anyone claiming to be an employee of Kirtland FCU or affiliated with Kirtland FCU, that person is misrepresenting themselves. Whether a criminal attempting to perpetrate fraud or simply an unethical employee using dirty tactics to garner business, ask that person to leave. You can always call Kirtland FCU at 1-800-880-5328 to check the validity of any person who is claiming to be an employee of Kirtland FCU or with a company affiliated with the credit union.

It is possible for someone to obtain publicly available information and use that information to misrepresent himself/herself as being affiliated with the lender in order to gain business.

If you’re approached by anyone in a similar fashion, contact Kirtland FCU immediately. Do not sign any forms, turn over any money, or provide any other personal information to the individual – in case this more than just an over zealous employee.

Door-to-door scams are still out there. According the Federal Trade Commission, here are a few common scams from the to watch out for:

• Home repair scams – Someone offers to do yard work or make repairs in or around your home. You want to save money and really need the work done so you give it a shot. He or she takes a cash payment from you upfront…and never returns.
• Cable reconnect scams – Money’s been tight and your cable is off due to nonpayment. A flyer says you can get your cable reconnected for an unbelievably low price. You make an appointment, pay, and your cable may even reconnect — provided the scammers don’t skip off with your money first. But will your cable stay on? Probably not. And is this even legal? Absolutely not. Once the cable company catches on, you’re cable-less again, out of the money you paid, and you’re probably in trouble with the company and law enforcement to boot.
• Utility cut-on scams – There’s a power outage. Someone claiming to be with your utility company offers to reconnect your service for, say, $50. You pay. You wait. Hours later you’re still in the dark and out of money. A scam artist has run off with your money.

Protect your money, property and personal safety by following a few tips:

• Don’t let anyone come into your home unless you have a pre-scheduled appointment. You have the right to refuse to open your own door.
• Don’t pay cash to anyone who comes to your home claiming to be with a utility company or other service provider.
• Confirm any special offers with your service provider — using the number on your bill or their website. Also, be suspicious of a promotional flyer offering service from multiple providers. Competitors don’t typically advertise together.
• If you’re struggling with your bill, most providers can make payment arrangements to restore your service legitimately.

If anyone promises a service, takes your money and doesn’t deliver, file a complaint with the FTC and your state consumer protection agency.

Stay safe out there.