Michigan OFIR orders cease/desist to fake online CU

LANSING, Mich. (3/12/09)--Michigan's credit union regulator has issued a cease-and-desist order against a fake online credit union, doing business as Communal CU of Dearborn.

The Michigan Office of Insurance and Financial Regulation (OFIR) said no one is at the physical address listed on the bogus credit union's website (Detroit Free Press March 11). The address was listed as 330 Town Center Drive, Suite 900, Dearborn, MI 48126.

OFIR says that scam artists are promoting the fake credit union on the Internet to consumers looking for a break on a loan or wanting to refinance their mortgage.

News Now visited the website at www.communalcreditunion.com. On it, Communal says it specializes in refinance loans and home mortgage loans. "Whether your dream is to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, our Mortgage Specialists are there to help. Refinance today to consolidate debt, lower monthly payments and get cash out," it says.

OFIR discovered the bogus credit union after consumers complained about its website. They told OFIR they were asked to provide two pay stubs, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, information that could be used for identity theft and unauthorized access to financial and card accounts, according to the article.

The Detroit Free Press offered websites where consumers could check to verify that a credit union actually exists. They included OFIR's website and the website of the National Credit Union Administration.

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