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Fraud/Scam Alerts

How To Help Protect Yourself - 

  • Don’t click on unfamiliar links or download unfamiliar/unexpected attachments. If you receive this in your email, contact the sender to verify they sent it and it's something you need to open. 
  • Don’t take phone calls at face value; be wary of the information the caller is requesting. Google the phone number presented on the caller ID to see if it’s associated with scams. Even if the number looks legitimate, hang up and call the number yourself, as caller ID numbers can be spoofed. 
  • Don't give anyone your personal information, ie; Social Security Number, Account Number, Debit Card Number, etc...
  • DO keep in mind that no legitimate source is going to ask you to purchase any type of gift card/prepaid card and ask you to give them the numbers for it over the phone or via email.

 


Fraud Department Texts and Calls...What to Expect

Posted 3/22/2024

Getting a text or call about potential fraudulent transactions can be nerve racking.  How do you know if the call or text is legitimate? 

If you receive a text message, it will ask you to confirm if you attempted a specific dollar amount at a specific merchant with card ending in ****  by replying with Yes or No.  If you did authorize the transaction, simply text back Yes.  If not, text back No.  If you text back No, you will receive a message that “your card will be temporarily locked/blocked”.  This is to prevent other unauthorized transactions from getting approved.  You do not need to reply to the second message stating your card has been locked/blocked unless you want to opt out.  You will then need to contact the Credit Union to get a new card ordered.  The Fraud Department cannot order new cards, only a CCU staff member can do so.

If you get a call, or call the number provided in the text, and it is regarding a transaction using your CCU Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card, to verify your identity, cardholders are asked to provide the case number and/or telephone number listed on the account along with one or more of the following; the last four digits of the social security number or tax identification number (you will not be asked for the entire number), the date of birth or zip code.  You will not be asked for your card number or account number either. 

If you get a call, or call the number provided in the text, and it is regarding a transaction using your CCU Mastercard Debit Card, to verify your identity, cardholders may be asked to provide card number, name on card, last four digits of the social security number or tax identification number (you will not be asked for the entire number), zip code, or address.  You will not be asked for your account number. 

The two types of cards have different Fraud Departments that are not linked in any way.  If you are reviewing transactions for your CCU Platinum Rewards Visa, they can not also review transactions done using your CCU Mastercard Debit Card, or vice versa, nor can they review non card related account transactions.  If you are uncomfortable or suspicious, do not give them any information.  You can use the SecurLock App (for CCU Platinum Rewards Visa) or CardValet App (for CCU Mastercard Debit Cards) available in your app store to lock your card and then contact a CCU staff member during office hours to confirm the validity of the call and transactions.

Both SecurLock and CardValet apps allow you to monitor your cards activity and to turn your cards on/off.  If you have questions regarding the apps, please reach out to a CCU staff member and we will be happy to assist.

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Scammers Targeting Credit Card Holders Via Text Messages

Spoofing Scams

Posted 10/7/2020

Spoofing is the act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known, trusted source. Spoofing can apply to emails, phone calls, and websites, or can be more technical, such as a computer spoofing an IP address, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), or Domain Name System (DNS) server.  

Spoofing can be applied to a number of communication methods and employ various levels of technical know-how. Spoofing can be used carry out phishing attacks, which are scams to gain sensitive information from individuals or organizations.

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Coronavirus: Scammers follow the headlines

Posted 3/10/2020

Coronavirus: Scammers follow the headlines

February 10, 2020

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.

The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments.

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:

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COMPUTER SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INFORMATION.

Posted 4/4/2018

Pop-up ads that warn people their computers are infected with a virus/malware or that the computer is in need of repair are on the rise.  They often prompt the user to call a phone number or click a link to get help.  The alerts are designed to create a sense of urgency.  They may state that your computer will be locked/blocked from the network to prevent further damage and urge you to call in the next 5 minutes to prevent being locked out of your computer and programs. 

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Champion CU Card Fraud Alerts Activation Text Message

Posted 11/3/2017

Our new text alert service will allow you to keep tabs on suspicious activity instantly.  CCU wants to make sure that using your debit card is always as safe and convenient as possible, that's why we are excited to launch text alerts as part of our ongoing fraud monitoring program.

How It Works:

 

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Equifax Security Breach

Posted 9/18/2017

On Sept. 7th, Equifax, one of the primary credit reporting agencies in the United States, revealed that a data breach exploited a website weakness in order to access the personal information, including credit card and social security numbers, of as many as 143 million Americans.

You may be wondering if this affects you.  To find out if you’ve been impacted;  go to Equifax security page at: https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com

Looking out for your security and best interests are always a Top Priority at Champion Credit Union.

Here are some ways to help protect your accounts and information:

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What Does This Card Compromise Letter Mean?

Posted 5/26/2017

You received a letter from CCU stating your debit card has been compromised.  Wait, What???  My card has been compromised?  What does that even mean?

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What is Phishing?

In a phishing scam, fraudsters send emails, text messages, or phone message, targeting a specific organization. The fraudsters craft their correspondence to make it appear as though they are sent by the recipient’s financial institution or trusted retailer. The fraudsters will attempt to collect personal and/or financial information by sending attachments infected with software for stealing passwords, or by including a link in the email with a request to provide personal and/or financial information, or by requesting the recipient to contact a number and provide personal and/or financial information, or even threatening to disable the recipients card or account unless the recipient click a link or provides the information requested.

Champion Credit Union will not ask for personal or financial information via email or text message. Please be cautious and aware and do not provide this information to anyone, even if the email or website appears legitimate. If you have any doubt regarding whom you are speaking to or about the email or message you received, do not provide the information and contact the credit union directly. (Do not reply to email or use the phone number in the email to contact the credit union).

Something for Nothing?

Congratulations! You’ve been notified that you won… but have you? Many consumers are falling victim to scams perpetrated to obtain information or money from them.

Recent attempts by fraudsters include sending consumers fraudulent checks that may also contain a notice that they have won a lottery or similar prize pool. The consumers are also asked to pay a fee (it may be stated that the check is to help cover these costs) to an ‘agent’ to claim their prize. The checks are most often counterfeit or fraudulent, but consumers cash them and send a portion to the ‘agent’ thinking they will receive a large sum of money. The consumer never hears from the ‘agent’ again and when the check is returned, may be legally responsible for the funds they have received—including the ones they sent to claim their alleged prize.

Don’t fall victim to a scam. Protect yourself and remember these five (fun but true) pieces of wisdom:

  1. You can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter.
  2. No one from Africa or any other country is going to give you 10% of anything
  3. If you have to pay to claim it, you didn’t really win it.
  4. If it is too good to be true, it is.
  5. No one runs a lottery by using just email addresses.

Also see: Identity Theft.