What's the Deal with Data Breaches?

Data breaches are becoming more and more common these days. You hear about them in the news all the time. So you might be wondering: what exactly is a data breach? Read more.

How to Place a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report

Visit each credit bureau’s site to get more information about placing a security freeze on your credit report.

How to Thaw a Credit Freeze

Scam, Identity Theft, Online Security Tips, and Reporting Fraud

For the latest information, please visit Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice  

Scams Targeting Older Adults

The elderly are the fastest growing segment of our society and they are also an important part of our country's economy.

Prepare for Cybersecurity & Cyber Attacks

For information on preparing, responding and mitigating cybersecurity and cyberattacks, please visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Can you spot a scam? 

5 Red Flags to look out for:

When it comes to safeguarding you and your family from scams, awareness is crucial. Familiarize yourself with these red flags so you can stop any attempts made by scammers.

  1. Unsolicited contact – Beware of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails from individuals or companies regarding unfamiliar invoices, orders, deliveries, or charges.
  2. Everything is urgent – Scammers often create a false sense of urgency and use pressure tactics, such as rude or forceful language, to get you to take immediately action.
  3. Unconventional payment methods: Exercise caution when someone insists on payment or money transfer via unconventional means, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or online wire transfers. This is particularly true in situations where you are asked to pay for something, resolve and issue, claim a prize, or secure a high investment return.
  4. Forceful language – Scammer may attempt to manipulate you by providing instructions on how to interact with the credit union or persuade you into keeping secrets. They may even falsely claim that you owe money and threaten to involve authorities if immediate payment is not made.
  5. Romantic emergencies – Be wary if a newfound online love interest bombards you with flattering texts and emails but avoids meeting in person. Should they suddenly encounter a hardship or emergency and request money from you, exercise extreme caution.

What to do if you suspect a scam

  • Slow down! Take a moment to pause, breathe, and carefully think through the situation.
  • Verify information. Remember,  it’s your right to confirm any information, regardless of how urgently it is presented. Don’t hesitate to take charge of your money.
  • Contact the relevant parties. Reach out directly to the company the individual claims to represent, contact the credit union, or even inform the police if something doesn’t seem right.
Always remember, the credit union will never request your account number or personal information.