Getting a text or call about potential fraudulent transactions can be nerve racking.  How do you know if the call or text is legitimate? 

If you receive a text message, it will ask you to confirm if you attempted a specific dollar amount at a specific merchant with card ending in ****  by replying with Yes or No.  If you did authorize the transaction, simply text back Yes.  If not, text back No.  If you text back No, you will receive a message that “your card will be temporarily locked/blocked”.  This is to prevent other unauthorized transactions from getting approved.  You do not need to reply to the second message stating your card has been locked/blocked unless you want to opt out.  You will then need to contact the Credit Union to get a new card ordered.  The Fraud Department cannot order new cards, only a CCU staff member can do so.

If you get a call, or call the number provided in the text, and it is regarding a transaction using your CCU Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card, to verify your identity, cardholders are asked to provide the case number and/or telephone number listed on the account along with one or more of the following; the last four digits of the social security number or tax identification number (you will not be asked for the entire number), the date of birth or zip code.  You will not be asked for your card number or account number either. 

If you get a call, or call the number provided in the text, and it is regarding a transaction using your CCU Mastercard Debit Card, to verify your identity, cardholders may be asked to provide card number, name on card, last four digits of the social security number or tax identification number (you will not be asked for the entire number), zip code, or address.  You will not be asked for your account number. 

The two types of cards have different Fraud Departments that are not linked in any way.  If you are reviewing transactions for your CCU Platinum Rewards Visa, they can not also review transactions done using your CCU Mastercard Debit Card, or vice versa, nor can they review non card related account transactions.  If you are uncomfortable or suspicious, do not give them any information.  You can use the SecurLock App (for CCU Platinum Rewards Visa) or CardValet App (for CCU Mastercard Debit Cards) available in your app store to lock your card and then contact a CCU staff member during office hours to confirm the validity of the call and transactions.

Both SecurLock and CardValet apps allow you to monitor your cards activity and to turn your cards on/off.  If you have questions regarding the apps, please reach out to a CCU staff member and we will be happy to assist.

Spoofing is the act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known, trusted source. Spoofing can apply to emails, phone calls, and websites, or can be more technical, such as a computer spoofing an IP address, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), or Domain Name System (DNS) server.  

Spoofing can be applied to a number of communication methods and employ various levels of technical know-how. Spoofing can be used carry out phishing attacks, which are scams to gain sensitive information from individuals or organizations.

Pop-up ads that warn people their computers are infected with a virus/malware or that the computer is in need of repair are on the rise.  They often prompt the user to call a phone number or click a link to get help.  The alerts are designed to create a sense of urgency.  They may state that your computer will be locked/blocked from the network to prevent further damage and urge you to call in the next 5 minutes to prevent being locked out of your computer and programs. 

Our new text alert service will allow you to keep tabs on suspicious activity instantly.  CCU wants to make sure that using your debit card is always as safe and convenient as possible, that's why we are excited to launch text alerts as part of our ongoing fraud monitoring program.

How It Works:

On Sept. 7th, Equifax, one of the primary credit reporting agencies in the United States, revealed that a data breach exploited a website weakness in order to access the personal information, including credit card and social security numbers, of as many as 143 million Americans.

You may be wondering if this affects you.  To find out if you’ve been impacted;  go to Equifax security page at: https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com

Looking out for your security and best interests are always a Top Priority at Champion Credit Union.

Here are some ways to help protect your accounts and information:

• Always monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Monitor your credit activity.  AnnualCreditReport.com will allow you to view your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once per year at no cost to you.
• Update passwords and usernames often by using a combination of letters (capital and lower case), numbers and special characters (e.g. & or %).
• Set credit and debit card usage notifications.
• Set travel notifications.
• Sign up for MasterCard© SecureCode (click here to sign up now)
• Sign up for Verified by Visa© (click here to sign up today)

You received a letter from CCU stating your debit card has been compromised.  Wait, What???  My card has been compromised?  What does that even mean?