Your Path to Growth

Finding out some cyber-villain has taken your hard-earned cash, especially during the holidays when finances are already stretched thin, is one of the worst feelings. Here at UFCW Community FCU, we take your financial security seriously. That's why we've compiled a list of best practices to keep your money safe from sneaky online fiends.

Fraud Awareness

Here are some important reminders:

  • UFCW Community FCU will never pull a fast one and ask for your account information

  • We will never ask you to provide online passwords or pins

  • If someone contacts you claiming to be an employee of UFCW Community FCU, hang up and immediately contact us directly if you suspect fraud 

  • DO NOT send money, gift cards, or financial information to someone you have never met over the phone or online

  • When shopping online: 

    • Make sure your device and browser are up-to-date. Software is frequently updated to prevent vulnerabilities from hackers and fraudsters 

    • DON’T use public Wi-Fi to make online purchases

    • Avoid clicking links to Black Friday sales from emails or social media sites – go directly online to a specific site

    • Log out of any website and then close your browser when done with your purchase

    • Use a credit card instead of a debit card to make online purchases

    • Never save your credit card information to your online account

  • Monitor your credit report with the three credit bureaus: 

  • Donate to trusted, well-known charities. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy through its official website

  • DO NOT open suspicious emails or text messages, and NEVER click on any links or attachments in them

  • Protect your passwords on your accounts. Never write down or share passwords

    • Explore password manager options like Google Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, or Bitwarden

  • Don’t use the same password across different accounts

  • If you notice unusual activity on your accounts or find out your device has been compromised, you can minimize the damage by taking the following steps: 

    • Alert your financial institutions and credit institutions

    • Report the crime to local law enforcement

    • File a complaint with the local FBI

    • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission