Fraud Awareness

During this time of crisis, it’s vital to remain vigilant and protect your account information. We’re dedicated to help you avoid any scams and keep you information secure during this uncertain time. For even more tips on protecting yourself against fraud in the time of COVID-19, check out our full blog post to help you protect your information.

We are committed to protecting our members’ information and funds. As we become aware of scams that might affect our members, we will post alerts to our website and notify our members. Please be careful as there are many scams that are occurring by mail, email, phone, and text message. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Con artists work hard to get their hands on your money and your personal and financial information.

Identity theft is an everyday occurrence affecting millions of Americans and becoming very difficult to guard against. Fraud can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. All year round, it is important to be aware of potential scams. We’ve compiled resources to help reduce the risk and protect you, here is a list of potential scams and security breaches along with tips to be safer and smarter.

Member Resources

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  Recognize, Identify, and Stop Fraud

   

  The FTC reported that Americans lost more than $5.8 billion due to fraud in 2021. With scammers becoming more sophisticated and creative, it’s important to remain vigilant and protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. Member security is a top priority at USC Credit Union, so we’ve compiled a list of common scenarios to look out for. […]

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• Member Fraud Awareness

   

  Many people think they can spot and outwit a scam, but the truth is that scams become more savvy and sophisticated every year. You may not be able to keep up with every new scheme, but there are red flags for every type of potential fraud. Knowing some basics and being vigilant can keep you and your money safe from scammers. […]

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• How Can I Minimize the Risk of Identity Theft?

   

  Take steps to avoid being a victim of identity theft by: Signing your credit cards upon receipt. Only carry cards that you need. Do not carry your Social Security card. Never write your PIN or Social Security number on anything you are going to throw away. Shred documents containing your Social Security number.[…]

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• The Facts on Identity Theft

   

  Identity theft occurs when someone uses your bank account number, Social Security number, credit card, or other personal information for his or her own ends. Months can go by before the theft has been discovered. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has listed the following ways that imposters can get your personal information and take over […]

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• What to do if you become a victim of “Phishing”?

   

  Know what steps to take if you are a victim of “phishing” or any other form of identity theft: File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. Contact the fraud departments of any of the three major credit bureaus […]

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• “Phishing”: What is it and how do I avoid getting hooked by this identity theft trap?

   

  There is a rapidly growing Internet fraud trap called “phishing.” Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is a term that refers to fishing for personal information, such as account numbers, passwords, PINs, credit card account or Social Security numbers online. Phishing is quickly becoming one of the most insidious online identity theft scams where fraudulent email messages (spam) are […]

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• Protecting Yourself at the (Gas) Pump

   

  While much of the focus on increased security for plastic cards has been at point-of-sale terminals and ATMs with their respective EMV liability shifts, vulnerabilities with gas pumps will be a reality until October 2017. In the last few years, gas pumps have been a favorite target for fraudsters to place skimming devices. In fact, more than 260 skimming devices have been detected in the last year at gas pumps […]

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