Fraud Alerts and Scam Warnings and Notices

2-4-2013 - SmartPhone and Mobile Device Security Tips - The credit union will be offering mobile banking to its membership during the 2nd quarter of 2013 and thought it best to educate mobile device users on some very prudent SmartPhone security practices.

  • Lock Your SmartPhone - Set up a screen lock so the phone cannot be accessed or used without a password. Use a real alphanumeric password, not a 4-digit pin, and ensure the screen is set to lock automatically after 1 to 5 minutes of being idle.
  • Don't Leave you SmartPhone Unattended - Don't leave your SmartPhone sitting around in public spaces...it's easy to do. Put it in your coat, pocket, briefcase, purse, wherever it can be out of view when not in use.
  • Don't Give your SmartPhone to Strangers - If someone needs to make an emergency call home and asks to use your phone...don't. Rather than give the person your phone, make the call for them and put it on speaker.
  • Keep your SmartPhone Up-To-Date - You know those system updates you've been ignoring for a while? Install them. Most SmartPhone system updates include enhancements to device security. When updates are provided by the manufacturer, install them.
  • Use 'Find My iPhone' or Similar Service - There are free, very easy SmartPhone tools available that allow the tracking and wiping service for Androids, iOS, Windows and Blackberry phones. These tools and services allow the user to lock, track, or wipe their SmartPhone remotely if lost. This not only protects your personal data, but it could help you recover a lost or stolen device.
  • Don't Download Apps from Untrusted Sources - Do not enable the "non-market Apps" setting on your SmartPhone. These types of Apps are riddled with vulnerabilities. Only install Apps from the SmartPhone manufacturer's approved online App Store.
  • Do 'SmartPhone Apps' Due Diligence - Do your homework! Read the 'Permissions' screen when you download and install new Apps to your SmartPhone. Many Apps will let you know that they are accessing your location, call history, contacts, and other personal data. Realize too when these Apps deliver your SmartPhone information to other third-party companies for other uses.
  • Watch Those Attachments! - Be careful about opening attachments sent to your SmartPhone by people you don't know. Many attachments are used by hackers to deploy malicious software and viruses.
  • Encrypt SmartPhone Data - Most new SmartPhones make it relatively simple to encrypt the contents of the phone. This ensures that even if the phone does fall into the wrong hands and is accessed because the screen lock was bypassed, some level of protection still remains for your personal data.

10-1-2012 - Mobile Text Message ALERT! - Members are reporting Mobile Text Message Alerts on their mobile devices from 877-702-4703@alertsystem.org instructing members to call the phone number provided to reactivate their debit card. The text message reads: Your debit card has been deactivated, please call the number to reactivate your card.

This is a Smishing SCAM - Smishing is a new form of attack that involves sending "Short Message" alerts to mobile devices instructing users to call a number to update personal information.

Please do not call the phone number or provide your card information!

3-30-2012 - New Visa and Master Card Data Breach -  Reports have identified the source of the data breach to be in New York City involving a NYC Taxi Cab company. The hackers involved are from Central America and were successfull in accessing the taxi company's database. If you've paid a NYC cab in the last few months with your Visa or Master card - be sure to check your statements for possible fraud.

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Call-Forwarding SCAM - Identity thieves have learned how to "Call-Forward" telephone numbers to a fraudulent call center where criminals are stealing identities. Although Freedom Credit Union has implemented the necessary precautions and procedures to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of its membership's confidential information to these thieves, it is highly recommended that you contact your local telephone service company and request that "Call-Forwarding" be disabled, and enable "Password-Protection" on your telephone number, if available.

Freedom Credit Union will continue to utilize this forum to promote awareness and to educate its membership and visitors as new fraud alerts and scams become available.

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***It is important to always remember, Freedom Credit Union will under NO circumstances send an email or leave voicemail messages on a mobile or home telephone requesting a member to reply to an email or call in to update or verify financial account information***