Protect Yourself from Fraud

Your credit union or any of their partners will not contact members to ask for personal information such as date of birth, debit card numbers, full social security numbers, or addresses. 

Please protect yourself from potential scams and phishing attempts. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a request, please hang up and contact us directly at 804.266.0290. 

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Understanding Types of Scams

There are numerous types of scams used to commit identity theft or fraud. Criminals are constantly devising new and sophisticated methods to engage in these nefarious activities. It’s essential to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Here are some common types of scams to be aware of:

• Phishing: Fraudsters use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick you into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.
• Investment Fraud: Scammers offer seemingly lucrative investment opportunities, often promising high returns with little risk, to swindle your hard-earned money.
• Fraudulent Charities: These scams exploit your generosity by posing as legitimate charitable organizations, particularly during times of crisis or natural disasters.
• Chargeback Fraud: Also known as friendly fraud, this involves a consumer making a purchase and then fraudulently claiming a refund through their credit card issuer.
• Check Fraud: Criminals alter or forge checks to illegally withdraw money from your bank account, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.
• Text Message Fraud: Scammers send fake text messages to deceive you into providing personal information such as your password, account number, or Social Security number. With this information, they can gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts.
• Phone Scams: Telephone scammers attempt to lure you with offers, requests for charitable donations, or claims of being connected to the government. They create a sense of urgency, not giving you time to think through their pitch, and pressuring you to make a quick decision.

Stay alert and protect yourself from these and other forms of fraud. Knowledge is your best defense!

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Tips for Protecting Yourself

Although fraudsters are always evolving their tactics, you can stay one step ahead. Here are some essential tips to help you protect yourself from financial fraud:

• Be cautious with emails: Do not open emails from unknown senders. If unsure about an email's legitimacy, contact the sender directly through other means. Avoid clicking on links unless you are certain they are safe.
• Don't answer phone calls from unknown numbers: If you do not recognize the number, do not answer the call. If someone leaves a message claiming to be from a company, use a valid company phone number to return the call.
• Watch out for malicious websites: Scammers often create fake websites that look similar to legitimate ones. Double-check website addresses for subtle differences in spelling or logo.
• Protect your personal information: Only enter personal details (i.e. date of birth, Social Security number, and account passwords) on secure websites.
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest cyber threats. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides alerts on current scams on their website.
• Use strong passwords: Strong passwords are vital for online security and change them often. 
• Keep your software updated: Regularly update all software on your computers and mobile devices. 
• Update your operating systems: Ensure your devices' operating systems and applications are always up to date to protect against hacks. 

Report Fraud 

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team through Henrico FCU Digital Banking or by calling 804.266.0290. We are here to help you secure your account and provide the support you need.