Fraud & Identity Theft Help

How We Help Protect You

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Fraud Warning

SCCU is committed to keeping your accounts and personal information secure. We have a number of security measures in place to help protect you, including industry–standard technologies such as usernames and passwords, encryption and firewalls. We do not sell or share your private information with unaffiliated businesses.

Because protecting your accounts and identity is a partnership, this page provides some additional information about common scams, steps you can take to protect yourself against fraud, and what to do in the event that you experience fraud. You should notify the Member Service Center if you plan on traveling, or will be conducting transactions that are out of the ordinary from your usual transactions. In addition, it is essential to keep your contact information, telephone plus area code, up to date so we can contact you immediately, when necessary.

Protecting yourself against fraud does not require a great deal of effort, but it does require awareness and caution.

  1. How Identity Theft Works
  2. What to do if Identity Theft Happens to You
  3. Quick Tips to Help Protect Yourself
  4. Phishing email Scams
  5. Vishing phone scams
  6. Current Scams and Other Common Fraud
  7. Examples of Current Scams and Other Fraud
  8. Deceptive Mail Offers
  9. How to Report Mail Fraud
  10. Tips for Safe Banking Over the Internet
  11. Cyber Security Tips
  12. Request a Free Credit Report/Deal with Errors on Your Credit Report

How Identity Theft Works

Identity theft is a serious crime where people try to obtain and illegally use your personal or financial information for their own gain, like your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, bank account numbers and PINs, and credit and debit card numbers.

Here are just a few ways in which thieves might obtain your identity:

  • Search your trash – it’s called “dumpster diving.”
  • Intercept your mail
  • Steal your wallet or purse
  • Get information directly from you by posing as telemarketers or as someone claiming to be from a legitimate business, like a financial institution or credit card company. They even use fake e-mails and Web sites to try and obtain information from you.
    Learn More

At fakechecks.org , you can find out more about common scams and how to prevent yourself from scammers and identity thieves.

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What to do if Identity Theft Happens to You

Here is a government site with step-by-step instructions to help you regain your identity.
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Phishing email Scams

The number of “phishing” scams that are delivered through spam Email and pop–up windows is increasing, as well as their cleverness at deception. Scammers send out millions of “urgent” e–mail messages or links to the Web sites that are set up to appear as if they are from reputable and trusted businesses, like a financial institution or credit card company, trying to get you to provide your personal, financial or other account information. The e–mails and Web links go as far as using the logo of the legitimate company, and the pages look very much like the real company sites.
Learn More

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Quick Tips to Help Protect Yourself

Here are some tips to help you keep your personal information safe and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
Learn More

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“Vishing” phone scams

SCCU would like to make you aware of the latest twists scammers are using to commit identity theft: “vishing” (short for “voice phishing”), customer survey phishing, and the jury duty scam. The scenarios may vary, but these scams always involve a request for your account information. Do not respond to these requests or any other unsolicited requests for personal or account information.
Learn More

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Common Account Scams Involving Contests/Lotteries (“You’ve Won!”) and Check Cashing Requests

One of the most common account scams is the “Contest Winner.” Potential victims are contacted and told they have won a contest or lottery. But, in order to claim their prize, they are told they must send a certain amount of money (described as a tax), or provide account information so a direct deposit can be made. If you give out your account information, you’re giving the scammer what he / she needs to withdraw funds from your account. Some scammers will go as far as to send a bogus cashier’s check or money order as your “prize.” The scenario varies, but account scams always involve a request for money. No legitimate prize venue would ever ask you for money in order to collect your prize. Do not respond to these requests, or any other unsolicited requests for personal or account information.
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Deceptive Mail Offers

Misleading mail solicitations come in many forms.
Learn More

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How to Report Mail Fraud

If you receive a fraudulent or misleading offer by mail, or if a company failed to deliver an item you purchased, you may report it to:

U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Mail Fraud Division

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Tips for Safe Banking Over the Internet

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) offers some safety tips and information that can help you avoid costly surprises or scams.
Learn More

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Cyber Security Tips

The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) offers a series of tips and advice on how to protect your computer from security threats.
Learn More

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Request a Free Credit Report/Deal with Errors on Your Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) entitles you to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months. Get more information on how to request your free credit report.

Keeping tabs on your credit report is important and you have the right to correct errors on the report. Find out more about how to deal with errors on your credit report

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