Identity Theft And Fraud Prevention

Keep yourself and your accounts protected.

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal your money. At CCCU, your security is our top priority. Knowledge is a powerful defense against fraud, and we want to make you aware of the security measures we take to keep your money safe.

CCCU does not typically make outbound service calls to our members, unless we need to verify a wire you initiated. When we do call, we will NEVER ask you to provide or verify your full SSN, online banking login info, or PIN number.

Fraud Alerts

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Online Security

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Identity Theft

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Foreign Services

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Fraud Alerts

There is a growing epidemic of identity theft nationwide, and anyone is susceptible to becoming a victim. Read on to learn about new fraud advisories as we are notified of them.

ACCOUNT TAKEOVER

An account takeover happens when a fraudster poses as a financial institution to get your personal or account information. Once the fraudster has access to your account, they can make unauthorized transactions.

How Does It Work?

An account takeover begins with a fraudster sending a text message to your mobile phone. They usually claim they‘re from a financial institution‘s fraud department. They ask you to confirm a suspicious payment that was sent from your account — this may not be true and could be part of the fraud.

If this is a fraud attack, the fraudster typically follows up with a phone call and asks for your personal information to “cancel the payment.” NOTE: we will NEVER ask for your personal information over the phone.

The account takeover fraud usually begins on a Friday, after business hours, and runs through the weekend.

How Can You Prevent Account Takeover Fraud?

If someone posing as Consolidated Community Credit Union contacts you by phone, email, or text message and wants you to share your personal information, consider it fraud.
If you receive a text (or email) like the one shown here, do not reply to the sender. Ignore the message and do not call any phone numbers listed in the text.
If you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, end the call immediately. And be aware that area codes can be misleading: a local area code does not always guarantee that the caller is local.

If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, contact CCCU immediately.

Keep up with the latest scams by visiting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website regularly.

ACCOUNT ACTIVATION TEXT SCAM

Fraudulent text messages are being sent to consumers in an effort to steal personally identifiable information. Financial institutions have reported an increased volume of these attacks every year. This scam is quite common and often operates simultaneously in multiple states.

Automated texts are being broadcast that warn consumers to call certain numbers to reactivate their payment cards.
A recent text example: "Credit Union ALERT: Your CheckCard has been temporarily LOCKED. Please call Card Services line (555) 555-000".
Text messages do not reference a particular issuing brand but they may vaguely refer to a credit union or bank.
Text messages may originate from international area codes, but consumers are easily confused with a toll free number.

External Link Disclosure

As a service to our members, the Credit Union will provide links to websites that are not operated by Consolidated Community Credit Union. We are providing these links to give our members access to the information we feel may be of interest to them or to assist them in transacting business with the Credit Union. If you elect to do business at a linked site, please be advised CCCU does not represent you or the linked site if you enter into a transaction unless that site is related directly to products or services offered by the credit union. You understand and agree that the Credit Union is not responsible for and exercises no control over these linked sites, nor have we verified the accuracy, privacy, or security of the information on these linked sites. You further understand and agree that the Credit Union is not liable for any damages, losses, or expenses that you may incur while using these linked sites.

Privacy and security policies may differ at this link site from those practiced by the credit union.

Online Security

TIPS FOR BEING A SECURE USER

Each user has a responsibility to keep their system protected. We highly recommend the following steps to protect yourself and your system.

Keep your computer up-to-date with the latest patches for known vulnerabilities for the operating system and browser that you are using.
Make sure your computer has a current version of anti-virus software and that the virus definition files or signatures are frequently updated.
Run anti-spyware software to remove any spyware or adware that may be resident on your computer. Frequent pop-ups are often an indication that spyware/adware is on your computer.
Install a personal firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your computer. This is especially important if you have a cable or DSL modem connection to the internet.
Check with your ISP or computer manufacturer for suggested personal firewall applications.
Choose strong passwords and change them often. Passwords should be a minimum of 8 digits in length with a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers.
Passwords should be changed every 3 months.
Don't reply to any email that requests your personal information. Be suspicious of any email that requests information such as social security numbers, account numbers, password, personal identification numbers, etc.
Only open email when you know the sender. Be cautious of opening attachments unless you trust the source.
Be aware of the many email scams circulating that look like a trusted business or friend but are designed to gain personal information or lead you to download a virus or worm.
Do not send sensitive personal information unless it is through a secure encrypted site. General email is not encrypted and should not contain personal information.
When your computer is not in use, shut it down.
Act quickly if you suspect fraudulent activity on your account. Call CCCU immediately to get assistance blocking your account. Continue monitoring your account activity closely. Change all passwords that may have been breached.

CCCU recommends using the most recent version of your preferred browser to ensure the highest level of security.

PHISHING

Phishing attacks use fraudulent email messages and websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data, such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, account user names, and passwords.

Phishing attacks happen frequently. Once phishers gain access to personal information, they can use your credit cards, steal your identity, and ruin your credit rating. In a typical case, you'll receive an email that appears to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as your credit union or insurance company. In some cases, the email may appear to come from a government agency.

Many phishing emails will warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. Email phrases such as "immediate attention required" or "please contact us immediately about your account" will then encourage you to click on a link to go to the institution's website.

In Phishing scams you could be redirected to a phony website that may look exactly like the real thing. Sometimes, in fact, it may be the company's actual web site. In these cases, a pop-up window will quickly appear for the purpose of harvesting your financial information. In either case, you may be asked to update your account information or to provide information for verification purposes: your social security number: your account number, your password, or the information you use to verify your identity when speaking to a real financial institution, such as your mother's maiden name or your place of birth. If you provide the requested information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft.

As a reminder, CCCU will never solicit personal/private information via email.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

Never provide your personal info in response to an unsolicited request, whether it is over the phone or online. Emails and website pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake padlock icon that ordinarily is used to denote a secure site. If you did not initiate the communication, you should not provide any information.
If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact the legitimate company or financial institution yourself. You can find phone numbers and websites on the monthly statements you receive from your financial institution. The key is that you should be the one to initiate the contact, using contact information that you have verified yourself.
Never provide your password over the phone or in response to an unsolicited online request. A financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information online. Thieves armed with this information and your account number can help themselves to your savings.
Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct. If your account statement is late in arriving, call your financial institution to find out why. If your financial institution offers electronic account access, periodically review activity online to catch suspicious activity.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the United States. Nowadays, when your purse or wallet is stolen, the cash inside may not be the only thing a thief wants to steal. The most valuable item in your wallet may be your Social Security number.

While you probably can't entirely prevent identity theft, you can minimize your risk. By managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft. Below are tips to help reduce your risk of identity theft and what to do if you do fall victim to this crime.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about identity theft, or if feel you may be a victim.

Identity Theft Data Clearing House
1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338)

Call Social Security Hotline
1.800.269.0271

Oregon DMV
503.945.5114 or 503.945.5000

Washington DMV
360.902.3900

PREVENTATIVE TIPS

Call your primary financial institution immediately when your wallet or purse has been lost or stolen.
Open your account statements and credit card bills immediately to check for fraud.
Mail all outgoing correspondence in post office boxes or at your local post office. Promptly remove mail if possible. If you’re planning to be away from home, call the USPS at 800.275.8777 to request a vacation hold.
Never give any personal information or account number over the phone, through a text message, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know whom you’re dealing with. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers, and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, financial account numbers, and other identifying information. Legitimate organizations with which you do business have the information they need and will not ask you for it.
Never put your account information on the outside of an envelope or on a postcard.
Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry to what you’ll actually need.
Do not carry your Social Security number (SSN) in your wallet or purse. Check all medical cards, club cards, etc. If your medical card displays your SSN, ask for a replacement or don’t carry it.
Memorize your PIN; do not write it on your ATM card or keep it somewhere in your wallet.
Never compromise your PIN to anyone, including family members.
Refrain from writing personal information in your day planner.
Keep a record in a safe place, separate from your credit cards, of your account numbers, expiration dates, and the telephone numbers of each card issuer so you can quickly report a loss.
Never leave your wallet, purse, or checkbook in your car unattended.
Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive on time. A missing credit bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address to cover their tracks.
The fewer pre-approval credit applications you receive, the less chance for them to be stolen. Opt out by calling 888.567.8688 or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com. This will remove your name from marketing lists sold by the major credit bureaus.
Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible (i.e. when you open your Safeway Club card)
Always shred or burn unwanted, confidential documents. Thieves pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information.
Be cautious about where you leave personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, have service done in your home or your teenager’s friends come over – you never know!
Never keep your wallet or purse in a gym locker.
Never leave your Visa slip on the table when leaving a restaurant.
Do not list your Driver’s License or SSN on your checks.
Don’t put your purse in the grocery-shopping cart.
Change the locks on your home and car if your keys were stolen or lost.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

Copy all your personal paper, including your passport, and leave it with someone you trust at home in a safe location. If your identification is lost or stolen, you can at least get the information needed to get them replaced.
If you’re planning on using your Visa or debit/ATM cards, make sure to let your primary financial institution know. Visa numbers are easily compromised and are sold in foreign countries. Your primary financial institution monitors where you’re spending and likes to make sure it’s you using your cards.
Rather than using your personal Visa or debit/ATM cards, use a MasterCard® Cash Passport. These prepaid foreign currency cards hold no personal information, which minimizes your risk of identity theft. (Available in Euro, Pound, and US Dollar at CCCU.)
For more information about international travel visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov.

CREDIT BUREAU INFORMATION

Review your Credit Report at least once a year. You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. Some experts recommend you stagger them one every four months. This way you can keep track of any changes or new information that may appear on your credit report.

Equifax – www.equifax.com

To order a copy of your report call 800.685.1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To report fraud call 800.525.6285

Experian – www.experian.com

To order a copy of your report call 888.397.3742 or write: P.O. Box 1000 Allen, TX 75013
To report fraud call 800.397.3742

Trans Union – www.tuc.com

To order a copy of your report call 800.916.8800 or write: P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud call 800.680.7289

VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT?

Call the Identity Theft Data Clearing House: 1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338)
Call Social Security Hotline: 1.800.269.0271
Oregon DMV: 503.945.5114 or 503.945.5000
Washington DMV: 360.902.3900

For more information on identity theft please visit the following websites:

www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov
Internet or recent scams - www.scambusters.org

External Link Disclosure

As a service to our members, the Credit Union will provide links to websites that are not operated by Consolidated Community Credit Union. We are providing these links to give our members access to the information we feel may be of interest to them or to assist them in transacting business with the Credit Union. If you elect to do business at a linked site, please be advised CCCU does not represent you or the linked site if you enter into a transaction unless that site is related directly to products or services offered by the credit union. You understand and agree that the Credit Union is not responsible for and exercises no control over these linked sites, nor have we verified the accuracy, privacy, or security of the information on these linked sites. You further understand and agree that the Credit Union is not liable for any damages, losses, or expenses that you may incur while using these linked sites.

Privacy and security policies may differ at this link site from those practiced by the credit union.

International Services and Travel Safety

Have a vacation coming up? CCCU offers a variety of tools and services to help make your trip easy and carefree the way it should be.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

Going out of the country and need foreign currency? Order a variety of different currencies by contacting a member service representative in a branch or by calling 503-232-8070 or 800-444-8115.

Returning from your trip with extra currency? Stop into a branch and we'll buy it back!

FOREIGN DRAFTS

CCCU accepts most foreign checks, with credit to your account by the next business day. Some foreign checks have to be sent for collection, with a longer delay for credit. Please bring these items to the nearest branch or mail them in. All foreign checks must be endorsed. Please do not deposit these into an ATM unless they have a 9-digit routing number and clear through a bank in the U.S.

We make paying bills or purchasing abroad easy by allowing you to order foreign drafts in several different currencies. Contact us today for your free quote!

INTERNATIONAL WIRE TRANSFERS

If you're looking to move money anywhere around the world, you've come to the right place! With CCCU moving money is convenient and safe with wire transfers. For security purposes, the forms are stored in Online Banking, under "Additional Services".

Explore Local Currency vs. U.S. Dollars

INCOMING WIRE TRANSFERS

Anyone can wire money to your account if they have your account number and the credit union wire information. Click here for more information.

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

We now have a Swift Code available for incoming wires. Call a Member Service Representative for Swift and wire details.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

Traveling abroad should be fun and exciting not scary. Follow the tips below to help ensure a safe trip.

Copy all your personal paper, including your passport and itinerary, and leave it with someone you trust at home in a safe location. If your identification is lost or stolen, you can at least get the information needed to get them replaced.
If you're planning on using your Visa or debit/ATM cards, make sure to let your primary financial institution know. Visa numbers are easily compromised and are sold in foreign countries. Your primary financial institution monitors where you're spending and likes to make sure it's you using your cards.
Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

For more international travel tips please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

External Link Disclosure

As a service to our members, the Credit Union will provide links to websites that are not operated by Consolidated Community Credit Union. We are providing these links to give our members access to the information we feel may be of interest to them or to assist them in transacting business with the Credit Union. If you elect to do business at a linked site, please be advised CCCU does not represent you or the linked site if you enter into a transaction unless that site is related directly to products or services offered by the credit union. You understand and agree that the Credit Union is not responsible for and exercises no control over these linked sites, nor have we verified the accuracy, privacy, or security of the information on these linked sites. You further understand and agree that the Credit Union is not liable for any damages, losses, or expenses that you may incur while using these linked sites.

Privacy and security policies may differ at this link site from those practiced by the credit union.

Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention Tips

Keep yourself and your accounts protected.

Fraud Alerts

Online Security

Identity Theft

Foreign Services

If you think you might be a victim of fraud of any kind, contact us immediately.

Fraud Alerts

ACCOUNT TAKEOVER

How Does It Work?

How Can You Prevent Account Takeover Fraud?

ACCOUNT ACTIVATION TEXT SCAM

Online Security

TIPS FOR BEING A SECURE USER

PHISHING

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

Identity Theft

PREVENTATIVE TIPS

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

CREDIT BUREAU INFORMATION

VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT?

International Services and Travel Safety

FOREIGN CURRENCY

FOREIGN DRAFTS

INTERNATIONAL WIRE TRANSFERS

INCOMING WIRE TRANSFERS

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

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