Two local federal credit unions have issued fraud alerts about telephone scams.

Aimee Hunter, marketing manager at Wauna Federal Credit Union in Clatskanie, warns that credit union members have been receiving phone recordings advising that their cards have been deactivated and prompting them to provide the 16 digit number that would given to the security department.

The phone recording references a St. Helens Credit Union, however it is possible that it is also referenced as the St. Helens Branch of Wauna Federal Credit Union.

Under no circumstances should consumers provide the information requested by the caller. Financial institutions would not use a recording to verify a debit or credit card number.

Wauna Federal Credit Union contacted debit and credit card partners about the phone scam to assist in ongoing security efforts. If a member has provided their card number (VISA Credit or Debit) to the caller, they should call their local financial institution branch for security options immediately.

June Pearson, marketing director of the TLC Federal Credit Union in Astoria, warns that individuals living in Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties are receiving text messages on their wireless phones that appear to be from TLC Federal Credit Union, but actually are from identity thieves. Sources indicated that this scam has targeted the members and customers of a number of banks and credit unions.

Members and nonmembers contacting TLC branches about this scam say the text message states, “Dear TLCFCU Bank customer, we regret to inform you we had to lock your account. Call (503) 457-4217 to restore your bank account.” When this number is called, an automated voice asks the individual to enter their account information.

These messages are coming from identity thieves who intend to commit bank and credit card fraud.

Members of TLC who have called the above number should contact their local branch immediately.

TLC has contacted the state attorney general’s office and reported this incident. It is extremely important that individuals never divulge their personal information to anyone who contacts them; customers should only give out information when they initiate the contact.