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At 1st Community Credit Union (1st CCU), your financial security is our top priority. With online shopping becoming increasingly popular, it’s essential to stay vigilant against potential scams and fraudulent activity. Whether you're snagging holiday deals or making everyday purchases, follow these tips to ensure your transactions remain safe and secure.

Guard Your Personal Information

Never give out sensitive information like your social security number, account numbers, or online banking credentials. Scammers often pose as legitimate companies or even your financial institution to steal your details. Here are some key reminders:

• Ignore suspicious messages. If you receive a call, text, or email requesting your login information or personal data, don’t respond. 1st CCU will never ask for sensitive information this way.
• Beware of impersonators. Fraudsters might claim to represent 1st CCU or another trusted entity. Always contact us directly to verify.
• Protect your passwords. Use unique, strong passwords for your accounts, and never share them with anyone—even people you trust.

If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, contact us immediately. Our Fraud Prevention Help Center is here to assist you.

 

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Stay one step ahead of fraudsters by keeping an eye on your account activity. At 1st CCU, we offer tools to make this easier:

 

• Online and Mobile Banking. Use our 1st CCU Anywhere platform to review transactions, set up eAlerts, and manage your accounts securely.
• Credit Card Management. Track purchases and report discrepancies through our online tools.
• P.A.T.T. Telephone Banking. Get account updates anytime with this free member resource.

It’s your responsibility to monitor accounts daily, weekly, or monthly. If you notice anything suspicious, reach out to us right away to prevent further issues.

 

Take Advantage of Card Protection Features

Your debit and credit cards are powerful tools—but they’re also common targets for fraud. Fortunately, 1st CCU offers several features to help protect them:

 

• Lock your card. Misplaced your card or suspect it’s been compromised? Use 1st CCU Anywhere to lock your card instantly.
• Report lost or stolen cards. Call us during business hours at 608-269-8121 or toll-free at 1-888-706-1228. Outside business hours, dial 1-800-449-7728 to report the issue.
• Instant replacement. Need a new debit card? We can print one for you within minutes, so you don’t have to wait weeks for a replacement.

By acting quickly, you can minimize risks and protect your finances.

Shop Only on Secure Websites

When shopping online, prioritize security over convenience. Look for the following:

 

• HTTPS in the URL. Websites with "https://" in their address and a padlock icon are generally secure.
• Trusted retailers. Stick to well-known brands or stores with positive reviews. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Never enter personal or financial information while connected to unsecured networks.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s better to miss a sale than to fall victim to a scam.

Stay Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing is one of the most common tactics scammers use to steal your information. They may send emails or texts that appear to come from a legitimate source, like 1st CCU. Remember:

 

• Never click suspicious links. Instead, navigate directly to the company's official website.
• Verify email addresses. Scammers often use fake but convincing email addresses. Be cautious if the sender’s address seems unusual.
• Don’t trust unsolicited job offers or “romance” scams. Scammers prey on emotions to gain access to your money or accounts.

If you suspect a phishing attempt, bring the email or correspondence to 1st CCU for verification.

Protect Your Devices

Your devices play a crucial role in keeping your online activity secure. Here’s how to strengthen their defenses:

 

• Use antivirus software. Install reputable programs to shield your devices from malware.
• Enable two-factor authentication. Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a verification code.
• Keep software up-to-date. Outdated systems are vulnerable to attacks. Regular updates protect you from known security threats.

Taking these precautions ensures your device is ready to handle secure transactions.

Dispose of Sensitive Documents Properly

Fraud prevention doesn’t end online. Physical documents containing financial or personal information can also be a goldmine for thieves. Always shred documents like bank statements, bills, or pre-approved credit card offers before discarding them.

 

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Despite your best efforts, fraud can still happen. If you suspect your accounts have been compromised:

 

• Lock your card immediately. Use the 1st CCU Anywhere app or call us directly.
• Report suspicious activity. Notify 1st CCU of any unauthorized transactions or attempts to access your account.
• Update your passwords. Change your login credentials to prevent further breaches.

Your Partner in Security

At 1st Community Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you protect your financial well-being. By staying informed and proactive, you can shop online with confidence and avoid falling victim to scams.

For more tips and assistance, visit our Fraud Prevention Help Center or call us at 608-269-8121. Together, we can create a safe and secure banking experience.

Let’s make online shopping safe, smart, and stress-free!
 

In our increasingly digital world, the convenience of online and phone banking is matched by the growing sophistication of scammers. At 1st Community Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. Understanding how to recognize phone and email scams is essential in safeguarding your personal information and finances. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay vigilant.

Identifying Phone Scams
Phone scams can take many forms, but they often share common tactics designed to elicit an emotional response or create a sense of urgency. Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Unsolicited Calls: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a financial institution or government agency asking for personal information, be cautious. Legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive information via unsolicited calls.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, threatening severe consequences if you don’t act immediately. They may claim your account has been compromised or that you owe money and must pay immediately.
• Request for Personal Information: Be wary if the caller asks for personal details like your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords. Genuine institutions will never request such information over the phone.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source. If something feels off, hang up and call the organization directly using a number from their official website.

Spotting Email Scams
Email scams, or phishing, are another common method scammers use to steal personal information. Here’s how to identify them:

• Suspicious Sender Addresses: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Often, scam emails come from addresses that are slightly misspelled or contain extra characters.
• Urgent or Threatening Language: Similar to phone scams, phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency. They may claim there’s a problem with your account or a deadline for a special offer.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many scam emails contain noticeable grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. While not always the case, poorly written emails can be a red flag.
• Unsolicited Attachments or Links: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. These could contain malware designed to steal your personal information.

Protecting Yourself
     •    Verify Before You Trust: Always verify the authenticity of the communication by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
     •    Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest scam techniques. Knowledge is your first line of defense.
     •    Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities and notify your bank immediately.

At 1st Community Credit Union, we are committed to your security. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from phone and email scams. For more tips and resources, visit our website or contact us directly. Stay safe and secure!

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal data to commit fraudulent acts. This can include your name, birthday, and other important pieces of information like your social security number. It is done most of the time to steal money or purchase expensive items. 

Nowadays, even the information of teenagers and college students can be used to commit fraud of any kind. Such a matter can be tricky to navigate as a young adult, but there are ways to educate younger generations to prevent these crimes and protect their identify. We have listed a couple of tips to help youngsters avoid having their personal information stolen.  

Be Alert to Phishing and Spoofing

Phishing and Spoofing are two of the most common ways information can be taken unknowingly from an individual. Some scammers are known for making calls seem like they are from big companies when in fact, they’re only trying to get your important details.

With that being the case, it’s best not to answer calls from unknown numbers. In addition, be wary of emails from unknown addresses as they may contain malware that can harm your computer. Never download attachments from someone who sends them unexpectedly.

Try Enabling Two-Factor Authentication on Your Devices

Stolen passwords account for 81% of fraudulent hacks. To better secure your personal data, enable two-factor authentication on your social accounts and emails. This can add an additional layer of protection to your information. 

Two-factor authentication works by having multiple identifiers to access an account. It can be a combination of a password, biometric signature like a fingerprint, and possession such as a phone or tablet. Even if your device is stolen, the thief will have trouble trying to access your information.

Install Antivirus Software on Your Devices

Nowadays, most of our information is kept on electronic devices like phones, computers, and laptops. As a result, it can be difficult to deal with if one of your devices get compromised. A good way to protect your devices and your identity is by downloading antivirus software on them.

Hackers may use malware that contains viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software. Having antivirus software on your device can keep them from harming your hardware and, by extension, your information.

Clear Out the Data on Your Electronics

If you’re upgrading electronics and giving away your old ones, make sure to clear out all of the data on the used hardware, as they can be restored with a data recovery program.

Luckily, there are programs that can help you wipe your used devices with just a few clicks. If you want to save the information left, there are also applications that can transfer your data to a new device. 

One recommendation to avoid having data stolen off your phone at any time is to encrypt your phone. In this scenario, any data left on your phone will be scrambled and therefore safe, even if you lose your phone unexpectedly.

Let Us Provide You Efficient Security Against Identity Theft  

If you want to protect your account against potentially fraudulent activity, 1st Community Credit Union can equip you with fraud-fighting tools. We take pride in serving our members in the best way we know. Get in touch with us today!

The Benefits of Using Two-Factor Authentication When Banking Online

In today’s world of being able to accomplish most of your tasks virtually, it is important to have two-factor authentication as part of your mobile banking experience. Its main benefits are added security levels and minimizing the risk of consumer identity theft.

Whether your credit cards or personal savings accounts are linked to your mobile app, two-factor authentication decreases the chance of a security breach. Here are more benefits of using two-factor authentication when banking online.

Prevent Fraud

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, makes it more difficult for hackers to get information from your online banking portal. Someone seeking access to a 2FA-protected account will encounter more obstacles if they are trying to access your account.

A good example of fraud protection is SMS-based two-factor authentication. The hacker will need two means of identification to access your bank: your account password and your mobile phone.

Nowadays, solving simple password combinations and gaining access to sensitive data has become obsolete. This is because having two or more verification steps stops them from gaining access through your password alone.

Using 2FA can further safeguard your accounts against unsolicited access to personal and corporate data. It reduces the risk of cyber breaches from anyone who gets a hold of your primary credentials.

Enhance Logins

Two-factor authentication involves the use of a one-time password, or OTP. This is a string of letters, numbers, or characters delivered once to a user for a single login attempt. OTPs lower the risk of hackers getting into your account by sending time-sensitive, unique, and random code to your phone through a text, call, or an app.

2FA is a more personalized approach to access your online information by involving your other online accounts and devices. Utilizing these personal resources can inevitably add a layer of protection to your account. Using 2FA to have an amplified login system is the best way to maintain strong security standards when opening your mobile bank app.

Reduce IT Calls

Nowadays, the most common support issue is a forgotten password. Without a 2FA solution in place, the only way to retrieve it is by contacting your bank’s helpdesk.

Having your issue resolved by technical service providers can take a long time, and this can be prevented by using a 2FA system. Two-factor authentication simply sends a code to your verified device in order to change your password. This results in a quick, cost-effective, and secure solution to your problem.

Access Monitoring Is Allowed

Two-factor authentication often involves access monitoring for many devices. You can also limit which devices or networks have entry to your banking accounts.

If someone else tries to access your account, you will be warned in real time so you may prevent cyber breaches. Two-factor authentication is the most convenient and the quickest way to ensure that your personal data is safeguarded.

Learn More About Two-Factor Authentication

For questions about two-factor authentication, mobile banking protection, or automated fraud alerts, call 1st Community Credit Union in Wisconsin! Our representative will be happy to answer your questions about online banking.

Identity theft is a persistent problem and, unfortunately, cybercriminals show no signs of letting up. Statistically speaking, identity theft affects approximately 1 in 20 Americans every year. In 2019, 13 million U.S. consumers suffered identity fraud.

It’s important to be vigilant because the sooner identity theft is detected, the less damage ID thieves can do. The following list includes warning signs you may be a victim of identity theft or financial fraud.

Unusual Withdrawals from Bank Accounts

Anytime you see an unusual withdrawal from any of your bank accounts you or a joint account holder didn’t make, this is a huge red flag. While a bank may make the occasional (very rare) error, chances are better a thief is pilfering your account.

Credit Standing Takes a Plunge

If you’ve maintained good credit and it takes a sudden plunge, consider this to be a warning sign. Once a thief gets a hold of your personal information, they can then open credit accounts in your name and go on a spending spree without paying the bill. If you check your credit report and find unfamiliar accounts or charges, this is a clear sign your identity has been compromised. Gone unchecked, within a few months, you’ll most likely find debt collectors begin to call you about debts you don’t recognize.

Small Charges on Your Credit Card

Any small and unusual credit card charge should be viewed with suspicion. Identity thieves will often test the proverbial waters by making very small charges with your credit card to see if it’s detected. If they sense a green light, they’ll then go for the gusto and start making large purchases, often maxing credit limits out.

Bills and Other Mail Go Missing

If regularly scheduled mail stops arriving, this could mean someone has stolen your identity. What thieves often do is steal their victim’s mail and then change the mailing address to be rerouted to them. Once they do this, they begin to collect other key pieces of your personal information to gain the information necessary to open new accounts in your name. Alternatively, if you start to receive strange bills, this is also a red flag.

Problems with Medical Providers and Health Plans

If you begin to receive bills for medical services you didn’t seek, this is another warning sign. It means there is a possibility someone used your identity information when they sought treatment. Additionally, if your health insurance plan starts to reject your legitimate medical claims this should be addressed ASAP. This is especially true if claims are rejected because your medical records show a condition you don’t have or your benefits have been maxed out, it could signal someone has been using your health insurance for their own purposes.

IRS Says You Already Filed

If you file your annual tax return and the IRS notifies you one has already been filed in your name and SSN, this is a key indicator someone is using your identity information to get a refund. Additionally, if they say you have income from an employer you never worked for, this is another red flag and should be investigated immediately.

Identity theft is an ongoing issue we all face. For financial advice and to learn more about how to protect yourself and your accounts from cybercriminals, give the team at 1st Community Credit Union a call at 888-706-1228.

It's natural for our ears to perk up with we hear about a sensational new product, and even more so when they are offering a Free Trial.

Many consumers are eager to take advantage of a free product trial offer but unfortunately they wind up falling victim to fees. The "Free Trial" trick deceives consumers daily by hiding the specifics within the teeny tiny fine print, which can result in enormous shipping fee charges, making it nearly impossible to cancel the trial, or a hopeless pit of unexpected spending. Whether it's a secret subscription or a furtive fee, these free trials do not always end up being as "free" as you originally hoped, liked or anticipated.

Be smart about these "special" offers and follow these tips before you take the plunge:

• Research The Company.  By doing a little investigating, you'll be able to see how credible the company really is. Read some reviews. Hear what others have to say. This will allow you to know if you're hitting a home-run success or a strike-out scam.
• Read The Terms And Conditions.  This is a common mistake made by many prior to purchase. Hidden in the depth of legal jargon and mumbo-jumbo lies the root to your problems. Make sure you do not just sign off or give away your information before reading the fine print.
• Beware Of Pre-Checked Boxes.  Companies will sometimes "help" you by checking boxes automatically. This grants them permission to sign you up for other programs or products - even if you do not want them or do not know about them. So when you see a box, make sure it's not checked unless it's something you chose or want.
• Mark Your Calendar.  By being proactive and knowing when your free trial subscription ends, you'll be able to cancel the offer before it rolls into the unwanted and unfortunate not-so-free year-long commitment.
• Know How To Cancel Your Subscription.  Although this may sound elementary, it is a very important fact to know. Whether it's a limited time frame for cancellation or just a convoluted conundrum, make sure you know exactly how to end the trial.
• Read Your Credit And Debit Card Statements.  Frequently check your statements to know if there is a strange charge on your accounts. If you see something strange, call the company to hash out the situation. If that doesn't work, call your card issuer and dispute the charge.

Make sure you're not flooded with secret bills and unwanted trial continuations. Be smart and be aware of the logistics behind every free trial you subscribe to because, before you know it, that free trial won't be so free anymore.