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.

Finding out that someone has targeted your finances can be stressful. That's why UFCW Community Federal Credit Union is committed to helping members recognize scams, protect personal information, and build safe online habits.

Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, but knowledge is one of your best defenses. Explore the resources below to learn how to spot common scams and protect your financial information.

  • Social engineering is a tactic scammers use to manipulate people into sharing personal information or taking actions they normally wouldn't. Instead of targeting computer systems, social engineering targets trust and emotions. Common examples include romance scams, charity scams, imposter scams, and deepfake scams. Understanding these tactics can help you recognize fraud attempts before they succeed.

  • Protecting your personal and financial information is one of our top priorities. UFCW Community Federal Credit Union will never contact you unexpectedly and ask for sensitive information such as your online banking password, one-time verification codes, your card's security code, or other confidential credentials. If someone claiming to represent the credit union requests this information, end the conversation and contact us directly at (570) 693-0500.

  • Good cybersecurity habits can go a long way toward protecting your finances. Using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication when available, and keeping your contact information up to date all help reduce the risk of unauthorized account access. It is also important to regularly review your account activity so you can quickly spot anything unusual.

  • Online shopping is convenient, but it's important to take precautions. Always shop with trusted retailers, verify that websites use secure connections, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Monitoring your account activity regularly can also help you quickly identify unauthorized transactions and report them promptly.

  • If you believe you've been targeted by a scam, take action as soon as possible. Contact UFCW Community Federal Credit Union immediately so we can help review your accounts and discuss available options. You should also change any affected passwords, monitor your accounts closely, and report suspicious activity. Acting quickly can help reduce the impact of fraudulent activity.

  • Scammers often rely on text messages to create a sense of urgency and pressure people into acting quickly. If you receive an unexpected message asking you to click a link, verify account information, provide a security code, or claim a prize, take a moment to pause before responding. Legitimate organizations generally won't ask for sensitive information through an unsolicited text message. If something feels suspicious, contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.