All Credit Union Offices Will Be Closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Federal Holiday.

Fraud Alerts & Tips

Password Security Tips

You can put yourself at risk if you use the same password for every account you have. If a criminal obtains access to your login information, they can easily attempt the same password for other accounts you may have.

Set a strong password that consists of a minimum of 8 to 12 characters containing both upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one unique characters such as *, @, #, $, %, !, etc.

Trying to remember a strong password for multiple accounts can be mentally exhausting. A tip to remember a strong password for each account is to include the first three letters to the end or beginning of your strong password you’ll remember. For example, if the strong password that you created is 1982*TLC# and you have an account at Macy’s, you can set your password for Macy’s to be either MAC1982*TLC# or 1982*TLC#MAC. As long as you use the same pattern at each website you have a log in for, you’ll be able to have both a strong password that is unique yet easy for you to remember.

Common Scam Practices

Many fraudsters will use phishing, vishing or smishing to trick their victims into providing information. It is very important to be aware of suspicious inbound emails, phone calls and text messages.

Phishing is the criminal practice of sending emails asking the victim to click on a link within the email and validate private, personal and financial information.

Vishing is the criminal practice of using social engineering and voice IP telephone services to gain access to private, personal and financial information.

SMishing is the criminal practice of sending text messages to gain access to private, personal and financial information.

How To Identify Scams

It isn’t always easy to identify an email, phone call or text message as being a scam. It’s important to contact us immediately if you have any doubts or suspicions at all. We highly recommend that you closely monitor your account statements to identify possible misuse of your Credit and/or Debit information.

The majority of fraudsters will ask cardholders to validate personal information – information that we as a financial institution will already have and would never request from you. You should never give out the following information when someone emails, calls or texts:

  • Account number
  • Social Security number
  • Card expiration date
  • CVV2/CVC2 – the security code on the back of cards

Click here to read more tips on avoiding identity theft.

If You Become A Victim

If you discover any suspicious or unusual activity on your USPS FCU savings or checking accounts or suspect fraud, be sure to report it to us immediately.

For Debit Cards –

Please call 844-243-3373, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to dispute any merchant transaction or to report any fraudulent activity. After you report the activity on your card, contact us at 800-877-7328 to have a new check card ordered for you.

For Credit Cards –

Please call 866-606-2518, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fraud department can order you a new card when you call to report any fraudulent activity.

Additional Resources

Here are three websites with tools to help educate consumers on identifying and reporting fraud:

MyCreditUnion.Gov

Consumer.FTC.Gov

Onguardonline.Gov

We May Be Calling You

To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity. If we suspect suspicious activity, you will receive a phone call from our fraud department. To avoid purchase interruption, please make sure your phone numbers are updated on your accounts, so you can be reached. If we can’t reach you, your card(s) may be blocked for your protection until you call to confirm the transaction(s).

Reporting Identity Theft

If you believe you have received a fraudulent message over the Internet, report the message to the Internet Crime Complaint Center(opens in a new window).

If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, you can call one of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They have made it easier for identity theft victims. Now you need only call one of the three bureaus, and they’ll notify the others.

Credit bureau phone numbers to place a fraud alert:

Equifax – (800) 525-6285
Experian – (888) 397-3742 
TransUnion – (800) 680-7289

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