Fraud Protection

Your security is our top priority!

CCCU wants to protect you from fraud and there are ways to help avoid fraud and minimize the impact of fraudulent activity, including the heavy costs associated with fighting it. CCCU has compiled a list of current scams as well as things to do to prevent you and your loved ones from becoming a victim.

A common way for fraudsters to gain access is through wire transfers. Wire transfers are an instantaneous form of payment and are usually irreversible; they are also frequently used in fraud schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, roughly $314 million was lost to wire transfer fraud in 2020, that's 50% more than in 2019.

  

Tips to Avoid Fraud

Protect Your Information and Funds

  • Never give control of your computer. Scammers may ask you to log into your computer or device such as a cell phone, to help facilitate a refund or to work on your compute remotely. Never give control of your computer to anyone claiming they need access to initiate a refund or to help with a payment issue. Once they have gained access, they are able to hack into all your information, including your banking credentials. If you suspect something is wrong with your computer or believe a scammer obtained access, do not use that computer or device. Bring it to a reputable company for a malware check.
  • Be cautious of suspicious phone calls. If you receive a call claiming to be from law enforcement, the IRS, Amazon or your financial institution, use caution. Are they asking you to verify or provide your personal information? If so, hang up and call back with a verified number for the institution; DO NOT engage with the scammer.
  • Be cautious of unknown phone numbers from unknown senders. Don't trust phone numbers provided to you in an email, voicemail, or pop-up ad. If you want to call the company, use the customer service number on their official website.
  • Don’t wire funds to unknown contacts. If you are asked to wire money from a recent deposit or overpayment, discuss the situation with a banker or trusted friend or family member. Be truthful about the situation since many scammers direct you to lie about why you're sending the money.
  • Review your account activity regularly. Regular monitoring can help you spot signs of fraud, such as an online transfer from your own savings, credit card, or home equity line of credit.
  • Watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
  • Do not negotiate checks from unknown senders or businesses. If you’ve received a check that a potential employer or someone you’ve just met is asking you to cash, DON’T DO IT. If in doubt, contact CCCU directly at 702-228-2228 to help determine the legitimacy of an unplanned check.

Protect Your Devices

Cybersecurity Tips

Learn About Current Scams

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams happen when someone contacts you claiming to be from a well-known technology company and requests remote access to your computer. This often happens through emails or pop-ups on your computer.

Sometimes the caller says they have identified a problem and offers to fix your computer for a fee. If you give them access, they may install malicious software to steal your personal or financial information.

Other times, the scammer offers a "refund" for a discontinued service or an accidental overcharge. If you give them access to your online banking, they will make it appear as if they are sending you a refund, but they are transferring money from your own accounts. Often, the refund is for much more than promised (e.g., $30,000 instead of $300). The scammer makes a plea for you to send the extra money back, so they do not lose their job. They may request you to wire money to a foreign country, purchase gift cards, or mail cash.

Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams can be tricky to spot because scammers often create realistic websites and social media ads with great deals. Typically, the scammer requests payment through a mobile payment app or wire transfer because they are typically irreversible. If you wire money to the scammer, you will never receive the product and likely not get your money back.

Family Emergency or Grandparent Scam

Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble. They call, text, email, or send messages on social media about a supposed emergency with a family member or friend. They ask you to send money immediately. To make their story seem real, they may claim to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer; they may have or guess at facts about your loved one. These imposters may insist that you keep quiet about their demand for money to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters. (FTC.com)

* Always contact the family member in question directly, do not rely on an unknown/unseen source.

Romance Scams

You meet someone, usually through an online app or social media site, and start a relationship. Your online interest starts admitting their love for you and then begins to ask for money to help with costs such as customs fees and medical costs.

Amazon Phone Scams

Know the red flags:

  • Someone claiming to be an Amazon representative calls you to issue a refund due to an overcharge or fraudulent charge on the account.
  • The customer is instructed to login to their Amazon account give remote access to the fake Amazon rep.
  • The victim is then asked to log into their bank account to process the refund.
  • The fake Amazon rep will then say that they accidentally refunded too much money and the victim needs to buy a gift card or send a wire to pay back the overpayment.

Reporting a Scam

If you're a victim of a scam, report it to CCCU immediately at 702-228-2228.

You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For additional information, visit the Report Fraud page.