I know that all of our responsible members are concerned about the security of their account and card numbers. However, did you know that something that you may be thoughtlessly doing on a regular basis could be putting you at risk?A recent survey from Paymentech, a fraud-prevention software company, revealed some interesting information that may surprise you. .

The study revealed that although Americans reported being concerned about someone stealing their credit card, check or debit card numbers, 28% of them admitted to being careless with receipts. Of that 28%, nearly 15% of those surveyed said that they throw the receipt away without tearing or shredding it, and the other 13% leave the receipt in the bag that they got with the purchase.

This is a very dangerous habit, members! Disregarding receipts that have valuable information greatly increases your risk of credit and debit card fraud. Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your financial information:

Unfortunately, reports of phishing attacks are steadily on the rise.  Recent instances are even affecting NCUA-the National Credit Union Administration-which is the governing body of Federal Credit Unions. Phishing scams are yet another kind of fraud that can have lasting negative effects on your life and your credit. This is exactly why it's important to learn more about these scams and exactly how you can prevent them.

"What is phishing?," you may be wondering. Phishing is a fraudulent e-mail or phone call sent out to someone in order to gain their private financial information to commit fraud. In recent instances, scammers are posing as Credit Union representatives and calling members of that credit unions reporting that there are problems with the member's account or that they need to verify the account information of that member. If the member falls for the scam, he or she unknowingly gives the scammer his/her information, which the scammer then uses to commit fraudulent activities. Other types of phishing are done through e-mails, when a scammer poses as a legitimate sender and prompts you to click on a "link" which then takes you to a website where they steal your information for fraudulent purposes. 

The reason that these scams are so successful is because the individual thinks that they recognize the person initiating the communication as a legitimate figure. That's exactly why it's so important to always be suspicious of any calls, e-mails or links that could put you in danger. Keep in mind that Section 705 FCU will NEVER solicit our members via email, nor would we ever ask you for your information and neither would NCUA!  If you ever suspect that you are being scammed, immediately end communication (hang up, delete e-mail, etc). Under no circumstances should you give anyone your personal information unless YOU initiate the contact.  

We hope that you will remember to BE SUSPICIOUS...these people are very clever AND convincing!  And as always, review your account statements carefully for any unauthorized charges and act immediately. You are your own best defense against phishing scams.

• Don't leave a blank space when writing dollar amounts on your personal or business checks.
• Avoid abbreviations--"IRS" could very easily be altered to read "MRS".
• Don't leave checks in your mailbox.
• Review your monthly checking account statements OR canceled checks--be sure they are made out to and endorsed by the intended person or place.
• Order checks from your Credit Union--they are made harder to alter.
• Keep deposit slips with your account information on them in a safe place--thieves can deposit worthless checks into your account and get back some of the deposit as cash.

• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and where it won't bend or scratch.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). NEVER write your PIN down on anything in your wallet or on your ATM card.
• Keep your PIN number private.
• Report a lost or stolen ATM card to your financial institution IMMEDIATELY!
• Keep your ATM receipts and check them against your monthly statement.
• Observe your surroundings before approaching an ATM machine. Make sure the machine you choose is not obstructed from view or poorly lit, if so...choose another machine.
• Have your card ready for the transaction to take place as quickly as possible. Not only is this courteous to others behind you, but also you will not be distracted so as not to notice a possible dangerous situation.
• Shield the screen so that no one can see you PIN number or the amount of cash you are requesting.
• Put away your cash, card and receipt immediately. ALWAYS take your receipt with you.
• If you see anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave immediately. If anyone follows you following a transaction, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.