Security Alert 1/19/2021
Please be advised of a recent scam targeting credit union members through texting. This scam attempts to defeat 2-step authentication using one-time passcodes.
How the scam works:
- Fraudsters send text alerts to members appearing to come from the credit union, warning members of suspicious debit card transactions.
- Fraudsters then call members who respond to the text by spoofing the credit union's phone number and claiming to be from the credit union's fraud department.
- To verify the member's identity, the fraudster asks for the member's online banking username and tells them they will receive a passcode via text or email and the member must provide it to the fraudster. The fraudster initiates the forgot passcode feature using the member's username and generates a 2-step authentication passcode which is sent to the member.
- The member provides the passcode prompted by the fraudster to the fraudster who uses it to access the member's account through a device not recognized by the host system.
- After logging into the accounts, fraudsters can change the online banking passcodes and use person-to-person payments to transfer the funds to others.
Although Florida Credit Union continuously monitors for suspicious activity, we recommend taking precautionary measures to protect yourself:
- Florida Credit Union will never text, call or email asking you for your login information for online or mobile banking, or for any passcodes. Please do not provide this sensitive information to anyone.
- Be wary of texts or calls appearing to come from us. If you receive a questionable text purporting to be from Florida Credit Union, please call us directly at 800-284-1144. Should anyone ask you for questionable data, you may also email us at fraud@flcu.org.
Security Alert 1/30/2020
Each year, the IRS releases a list of the most common tax scams, called the “dirty dozen”. You can visit irs.gov/dirtydozen for the full list, but in the meantime, check out a few scams that make the list year after year:
Phishing: The IRS will never contact you by electronic communication channels, like social media, text messages or email to request personal information. Even if there were problems with your tax filing, the IRS still uses formal letters and a secure website.
Phone Scams: The IRS has seen a surge of phone calls from criminals impersonating IRS agents in recent years. Con artists threaten taxpayers with arrest, deportation and license revocation, among other things. Again, the IRS will not use these methods.
Inflated Refund Claims: Taxpayers should be weary of anyone promising inflated refunds. Preparers who ask clients to sign a blank return, promise a big refund before looking at taxpayer records or charge fees based on a percentage of the refund are probably up to no good.
Identity Theft Refund Fraud: This type of fraud happens when a scammer uses your identity and personal information to file and claim your tax return before you do, stealing your hard-earned money. Avoid keeping important documents like social security cards in easy to access places and be very careful when sharing personal information online.
Think you may be a victim of tax fraud? Contact the IRS immediately and provide all pertinent information.
Visit the eFraud Prevention tab on the Florida Credit Union Facebook page for more information about tax scams, how to prevent them and how to report them.
Have questions about other types of fraud? Browse our full eFraud Prevention library for more information and resources on a broad range of topics to help you stay vigilant and informed.
Security Alert 5/6/2019
We would like to remind you that Florida Credit Union will not ask for your card information or your login information for online banking or mobile banking. If someone asks you for this information, do not give it to them. Be aware of fraudsters trying to pose as legitimate businesses.
If you get any of these calls, emails or texts purporting to be Florida Credit Union, do not hesitate to contact us in our call center or send information to the email address security@flcu.org. Your assistance helps warn and protect other members! Please remember, FCU will NEVER text, call or email you asking for your member information.