Fraud Alerts

"Here's the GOOD NEWS....You have to Power to Stop Them"

Automated Calls and Text Messages
TCCU DOES NOT TEXT MEMBERS!.

Credit unions have been warned of a recent telephone scam attempting to obtain personal information from individuals. Computer-generated telephone calls and random text messages claiming to be from the member's financial institutions have been received by members. The calls and text messages claim that the account holder's account has been frozen and then direct them to call a toll-free number to leave their account or debit card information. The toll-free number includes a recorded message that asks the cardholder to key in their account number, card expiration date, and PIN. Once such data is received, it can be used to commit identity theft and various types of fraud. One must always be vigilant to keep from becoming a victim of scams/fraud. Important things to remember include:

Make sure that, as the cardholder, you initiate the contact and that your financial institution verifies your identity with questions only you would know.
Verify that the call is legitimate by calling your financial institution or visiting your financial institution’s website, using phone numbers or Internet addresses from your statement or account documentation. Do not call back a number provided over the phone or click on a link in an email.
Immediately filing a complaint with local law enforcement and notifying your financial institution if you have been a victim of a scam/fraud.

Pay at the Pump Skimming Scan
Members please be cautious when using your Debit/Credit Cards at Gasoline Station's Pay at the Pump!!! Skimmers have been placed on many pay at the pumps which read the magnetic strip as users unknowingly pass their card. The device stores card information, and is used for fraud. If you have to use your Debit/Credit Cards for gas purposes we recommend you pay inside. Please be aware as a cardholder, YOU are responsible for the first $50.00 and TCCU cannot guarantee that we can recover your losses from fraudulent activity. Keep a close eye on your account and quickly report any fraudulent activity to us at 477-2641 or MasterCard at 1-800-500-1044

It is your Money, Guard It!

$1.00 Movie Rental Kiosks Skimming Scam
$1.00 movie can end up costing you your bank account! Be aware when using your Debit/Credit Card at the $1.00 movie rental kiosks located in your nearby grocery stores or restaurants. DVD self rental services reported finding a skimmer at one of their locations and evidence of skimming at others. Instances of skimming have been reported where the perpetrator has put a device over the card slot of a public automated machine which reads the magnetic strip as the user unknowingly passes their card through it. The device stores card information, and is used for future fraud. Skimming is difficult for the typical card holder to detect, however keeping a close eye on your account and quickly reporting any fraudulent activity to your credit union can save you a financial bind.

What is "Phishing"?
There's a new type of Internet piracy called "phishing". It's pronounced "fishing" for your personal financial information. What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Do not ever give any of this information to any party calling you or requests by email asking for accounts numbers and passwords.

Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request.
If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself at the number your have on your statement.
Never provide your password over the phone in response to an unsolicited Internet request.
Review account statement regularly to ensure all charges are correct.

Equifax ePORT® "Phishing" Scam:
Equifax has verified that phishing attempts have been made on some customers using their online delivery portal Equifax ePort. In this instance, some Equifax ePORT customers have reported receiving e-mails appearing to be from Equifax requesting that they provide Company ID, User ID, and Password. Equifax would never ask for this information. These emails have not been sent from Equifax and are not legitimate. DO NOT RESPOND TO THEM. Simply clicking the link in a spoofed e-mail can be dangerous, even if you do not provide the information requested. When in doubt if a message is authentic or not, always contact Equifax to confirm. If you believe you have responded to a phishing attempt concerning your Equifax ePORT account, please call Equifax at 1-888-592-0008 immediately, or fax them at 1-770-752-1275

NCUA Rewards Notice:
Any email received regarding a rewards program from NCUA is a FRAUD. Do not respond, at no time does NCUA request any personal information regarding any account at your credit union.

Card Services for Credit Unions (CSCU)Email Scan:
Internet Pirates may be Trying to Steal Your Personal Financial Information......

TCCU is aware of a new phishing email pretending to be from CSCU. This email asks you to take a brief survey. When you click on the link in the e-mail, it takes you to a site that looks like the CSCU website and asks for personal account information as well as plastic information. Please be aware that TCCU or CSCU does not send any e-mails directly to cardholders asking to verify account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information. Should you receive this fraudulent e-mail, please delete it immediately. If you believe you have already responded to this email, contact the credit union at 477-2642, file a report with the police and notify your local credit bureau.

If you can answer "YES" to any of the following questions, you could be involved in a FRAUD or about to be SCAMMED! *

Is the CHECK from an item you sold on the Internet, such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc?
Is the amount of the CHECK more than the item's selling price?
Did you receive the CHECK via an overnight delivery service?
Is the CHECK connected to communicating with someone by email?
Is the CHECK drawn on a business or individual account that is different from the person buying your item or product?
Have you been informed that you were the winner of a LOTTERY, such as Canadian, Australian, EL Gordo, or El Mundo, that you did not enter?
Have you been instructed to either "WIRE", "SEND" OR "SHIP" MONEY, as soon as possible to a large U.S. city or to another country, such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
Have you been asked to PAY money to receive a deposit from another Country such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
Are you receiving PAY or a COMMISSION for facilitating money transfers through you account
Did you respond to an email requesting you to CONFIRM, UPDATE, OR PROVIDE your account information?

If you answered YES to any of the above Please call us Immediately.

TCCU has a brochure that gives your information on how to protect yourself and what to do if you fall victim. Please call us at 477-2641 during office hours or e-mail us at the Contact Us link.