
In Focus – SCCCU Blog
Stay informed about the Credit Union’s activities, plus get practical advice on a variety of personal finance topics.

Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing
You receive an email or text message asking for private financial information to complete a transaction or update your account. It looks legitimate (from a place you may even trust), and so you provide the information requested. You have just become a victim of phishing, a scam designed to trick you into providing personal financial information to a fraudster.
What do they do with your information? Typically, they sell it to the highest bidder or use it for their personal benefit.
SCCCU works hard to protect you and your information. We will NEVER call, text, or email you to ask for any of the following:
- Your account number or full Social Security number
- Your full debit or credit card number and CVV number
- Your PIN for your debit or credit card
- Your online banking password or security questions
Additionally, we never address our members as "user" or "yourname@email.com" in email communications and will not ask you to participate in "test" transactions with live financial information.
Tips to Protect You from Phishing and Other Scams
You can protect yourself from phishing and other types of fraud by following these steps:
- Don’t open an email or text attachment if you’re unsure of the sender. Instead, contact the company contacting you online or by phone to verify the text or email.
- Avoid clicking social media ads as they may lead to fake websites. If you know the company and are comfortable with clicking, do so; otherwise, don't do it.
- Make sure you're browsing or shopping on a secure website. The URL should begin with “https” or include a closed lock icon in the address bar.
- Keep your browser updated on your computer and all mobile devices. Patches are released regularly to combat security threats. Once they become available, download and install them onto your computer or phone.
- Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software updated. This type of software scans every file that comes through the Internet to your computer or phone to ensure it won’t damage your system.
- Review your accounts regularly. We suggest using alerts through online or mobile banking to ensure your money is doing what you expect it to do. And if you see anything inconsistent or inaccurate, please contact the Credit Union immediately at 831-425-7708.
- Trust your gut. You know the feeling that something doesn't feel right. Follow your instincts. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What to Do If You're a Victim of Phishing
If you received a fraudulent email or text message, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your quick action will help eliminate future phishing incidents with others.
If you already provided your information to a scammer, contact the Credit Union immediately at 831-425-7708, and we will work with you to monitor your accounts and province other options. Our goal is to make sure you're protected, as your safety and peace of mind is our priority.
- CATEGORIES: Financial Education Fraud & Scams

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