Your money isn't just numbers – it's your hard work and aspirations. That's why we're here to partner with you to safeguard your savings.
While we're constantly implementing top-tier security measures and staying ahead of the latest fraud trends, prevention is a two-way street. By staying informed, being cautious with your personal information, and communicating with us, you become an active participant in the defense of your assets.
Explore best practices for fraud prevention and reporting today!
Your identity is unique and invaluable; ensuring its safety is paramount in today's interconnected world. Here’s our team’s direction to keeping your identity safe:
Guard Your Info: Your personal information is precious. Never share details like your date of birth, social security number, or account numbers unless you initiated the contact and are certain of the recipient's identity.
Trust, but Verify: We will never call to request sensitive details. If you receive such a request, always call us directly or visit a branch to confirm its legitimacy.
Check Your Reports & Statements: Monitor your credit reports periodically. Any discrepancies could be a sign of identity theft. Regularly review your account statements. Look out for unauthorized withdrawals or unexpected changes.
Consider Enhanced Protection: Think about subscribing to identity monitoring services, such as IDProtect® with Champion Checking. These offer daily credit monitoring and assistance in fraud recovery.
Navigating the digital world safely requires a blend of awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures. Here’s our expert’s advice to stay safe online:
Password Best Practices: Use complex passphrases and change them frequently. Reusing passwords can leave you vulnerable.
Link Safety: Be cautious. If a link seems suspicious or its source is unknown, it's best not to click. Hover over links to view their destination before clicking.
Double-Check Messages: Scammers are crafty. If something seems off in a message or email, contact the sender through a verified method to ensure its authenticity. Oftentimes, fraudsters will pose as someone you know – such as a supervisor or family member.
In a world where deception can come in many forms, recognizing the signs of a scam can be your strongest shield. Here’s three trending scams:
Job Scams: Be wary of job offers that require money transfers. Such offers are often scams involving stolen funds.
Prize Scams: Genuine prizes don't require payment. If someone asks for money to claim a prize, steer clear.
Relationship Red Flags: Be cautious with online love interests, especially if they request financial transactions.
Fraud can have a devastating impact on individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. When it comes to your credit union, reporting fraud is not just a matter of personal security but also a responsibility to the larger community of members. Here’s what to do:
Identity Theft: If you are a victim of identity theft, or you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, contact us immediately at 800.473.2328 or visit your nearest branch.
Debit Cards: If your debit card is lost or stolen, or you suspect fraudulent activity, call 800.473.2328 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST) Monday through Friday. All other times, please call 800.472.3272.
Credit Cards: If your credit card is lost or stolen, or you suspect fraudulent activity, call 800.473.2328 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST) Monday through Friday. All other times, please call 844.845.8936.
Suspicious Messages: If you receive a text message or email claiming to be from Financial Center that you are suspicious of, please call us at 800.473.2328.
Additional Feature: Financial Center is enhancing security with a new text alert feature for potential debit card fraud. If suspicious activity is detected, you'll receive a text from 37268 asking to verify a purchase. Simply reply 'yes' or 'no'. If fraud is suspected, you may receive further instructions or a call from our Fraud Hotline at 844.544.3265. There are no message or data charges for these alerts, and you can opt out anytime.
The best way to protect yourself? Being proactive. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publishes information on the latest fraud trends, so explore these and ways to report fraud below:
Scammers are hiding in plain sight on social media platforms. One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media. Read the full article to learn how to protect yourself online!
Are you a victim of identity theft? If so, the faster you act, the more damage control you can do proactively. Explore resources from the FTC to manage your situation today.
Watch for calls, emails, texts, or messages on social media appearing to be from a business you know asking you to respond or click a link. Oftentimes with this scam, you’ll be asked to send a payment or provide personal information, sometimes including your Online Banking username and password. No legitimate business will request this information from you.
Be on the lookout for communications from someone stating they are from a government entity and that your credit union or bank is under investigation. These scammers may say that, to protect your funds, you are requested to withdraw funds and purchase cryptocurrency, wire money, or buy gift cards. Government agencies will never contact you with requests like these.
If you receive a text or call from someone claiming to be a family member or friend who is in trouble and needs money for an emergency, take time to pause before taking any action. Contact the individual or another trusted contact through a known phone number to verify the legitimacy of the request.
If someone tells you about an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In these scams, you’re often requested to send money to an individual or business that is unknown to you or requested to purchase cryptocurrency. Take the time to conduct your own research and talk to a professional before making any major investments.
If you get a call or message from someone claiming to be a computer technician or a number appears on a pop-up message on your screen, be alert. Typically, the fraudster on the other end claims to be from a well-known company and requests remote access to your computer or may ask you to buy software or download apps. Do not provide remote access to your computer, except to a verified and trusted source.
Report Fraud to the FTC
Report Identity Theft to the FTC
Report Online Fraud to the FTC
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