Here at CFCCU, we know you work hard for your money. Trusting us with your financial security is a responsibility we take seriously. That’s why we want to take a moment to talk about something important: protecting yourself from online scams.

The article will discuss the following threats:

• Phishing: Phishing scams attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal information, such as online banking credentials, by posing as legitimate sources like banks or credit unions. With the emergence of Generative AI, these scams are becoming even more convincing, as fraudsters can now spoof voices to add a layer of legitimacy.
• Romance Scams: Romance scams involve fraudsters building online relationships with victims to gain their trust and eventually solicit money or financial information.
• Tech Support Scams: These scams involve fraudsters posing as computer technicians, often using scare tactics to convince victims to grant them remote access to their computers. Once scammers have access, they can steal personal information or install malware.

The article will emphasize the importance of online banking security and will provide members with tips on how to protect themselves, such as:

• Never share online banking credentials with anyone.
• Verifying the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from CFCCU by contacting the credit union directly.
• Being wary of unsolicited calls or emails offering technical support.
• Educating themselves about the latest online scams.

Best Practices to Avoid Online Scams

By raising awareness of these threats, CFCCU aims to empower its members to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft.

How to Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing scams can be tricky, but there are ways to stay ahead of the game. First, be cautious of any unsolicited emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from CFCCU. Verify that the number is a CFCCU branch or office number. If you are unsure, you are always welcome to stop by and verify the authenticity of a text of phone call.

If you receive a suspicious message on email or text, don’t click any links or attachments. Instead, contact CFCCU directly using a trusted phone number or by logging in to your online banking through our secure website.

Remember, taking a moment to verify a message’s legitimacy could save you a lot of trouble.

How to Avoid Romance Scams

Finding love online can be exciting, but unfortunately, scammers exist in this space too. Here at CFCCU, we want your online experiences to be positive.

To avoid romance scams, be wary of individuals who move quickly in their declarations of love or try to pressure you into leaving the dating platform for private communication. Never send money or financial information to someone you haven’t met in person, and be cautious of sob stories used to create a sense of urgency.

If something feels off, trust your gut and end communication. Remember, a genuine connection will allow for a relationship to develop at a natural pace.

How to Avoid Tech Support Scams

Keeping your computer safe is important, but those pesky tech support scams can be a real headache. Here at CFCCU, we want to make sure you’re not left frustrated (and potentially compromised). Don’t trust unsolicited calls or pop-up warnings claiming your computer is infected. Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue.

If you’re unsure about a message, shut down your computer and contact CFCCU or a trusted tech professional directly. Remember, taking the extra step to verify a caller or pop-up’s legitimacy can save you from a major security scare.

By staying informed and following these tips, you can be a savvier online citizen. Here are some general best practices:

• Be skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true. If an offer sounds unbelievable, it probably is.
• Strong passwords are essential. Use a unique and complex password for each online account, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them all.
• Keep your software up to date. Updates often include security patches, so be sure to install them promptly.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away.
• Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a scam attempt, report it CFCCU at https://cfccu.org/contact and to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Additional Information For CFCCU Members

CFCCU will only ever ask members to verify personal information on the phone. Always ensure you visit the cfccu.org website and use the numbers listed there to call any of our branches. Additionally, CFCCU will never ask for the following information over email or text:

• Social Security Number
• Credit or Debit Card Numbers
• Security Code or CVV
• PIN – Personal Identification Number
• Address
• Date of Birth
• Online Banking Login Information
• Verification Codes
• Passwords

If you receive emails or texts asking for any of the above information. Call a CFCCU branch immediately.

By working together, we can keep your information and finances safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact CFCCU. We’re here to help!