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Theft and Scam Tips

If you have problems with your FCEFCU Debit Card during regular business hours, call the Credit Union immediately at 651-282-8880 or 1-800-551-1179. On the weekend or after regular business hours, call 1-800-264-5578 if your card is lost/stolen and call 1-866-842-5208 to report debit card fraud.

International problems? You can place a collect call to 412-552-2698.

If your checkbook is lost or stolen, call the Credit Union immediately at 651-282-8880 or 1-800-551-1179. Leave a message if calling after business hours.

If You Suspect Identity Theft…

If you suspect your or someone you care for is a victim of identity theft, here is some critical information to limit the damage:

Cancel your cards. Keep a record of all your credit and debit card numbers, as well as the telephone number of each card issuer handy so you know who to call.

File a police report in the jurisdiction where your things were stolen. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent, and is a first step toward starting an investigation.

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately. Place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The numbers are: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742; and Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289.

Contact the Social Security Administration (fraud line) at1-800-269-0271 and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Beware of Scams

Identity theft, fraud, and other financial scams are on the rise. If you receive a text message, email, or phone call that appears to be from a reputable company or FCEFCU itself and this message warns of a serious problem that needs your immediate attention (usually involving your personal or financial information), be on the alert!

No legitimate organization will contact you on an urgent matter using any of these methods. If the message contains a contact phone number or a website address to visit for confirmation, DELETE IT and call the phone number or visit the website address you have saved in your records.

Scam Warning Signs

There are many scams with different pitches, all designed to convince you to reveal personal information. Some scammers contact you by phone, others use email. Either way, here are some facts to help you spot the bad apples:

  • Is your heart pounding?
    The goal of most scammers is to get you so excited or frightened that you react without thinking. Legitimate financial institutions do NOT want you to feel like you’re on a rollercoaster when you invest with them. If an email makes your pulse race with promises of easy cash or fear of frozen assets, it’s probably a fake.
  • Is this “urgent”?
    FCEFCU and its affiliates will NEVER call or email you regarding “an urgent or threatening condition concerning your account.” Our policy is to send all official notices via regular mail.
  • Are they asking for proof of identity when THEY contacted YOU?
    FCEFCU will NEVER ask for a PIN number or any sort of password. If anyone ever asks you to “validate” this piece of information, you should call the credit union immediately and report the incident.If YOU request access to your account (whether by telephone or online), we will ask for private financial information to verify your identity. A simple rule is to never give out this information unless YOU initiated the transaction.

Phishing and Smishing

There’s a type of internet piracy called “Phishing.” It’s pronounced “fishing,” and that’s exactly what these thieves are doing; “fishing” for your personal financial information. Phishing scams usually go through email or the internet. Smishing attacks are a variation that use the SMS messaging service to send fake text messages to your phone. Whether phishing or smishing, don’t get hooked!

  • Keep your antivirus software up to date on your computer.
  • NEVER provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or the internet unless you initiate the contact.
  • NEVER open a suspicious email. If you’re unsure about an email, do NOT click any links or call any phone numbers listed. Some scams are extremely elaborate and convincing. Instead, call the company, financial institution or credit union directly using a phone number from your documentation (not from the email).
  • DON’T be intimidated by an e-mail, text message or phone call that suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
  • IF you believe the contact is legitimate, call your company immediately using information from another source, NOT from any information provided in the message.

If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit cards. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.

REPORT suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT.