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Fighting Fraud

Minimize Your Risk from Fraud, Scams & Breaches

Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud

Your financial wellness is important to us. Protecting you from potential loss due to fraud such as ATM skimmers, phishing emails and overpayment scams requires awareness and resources.

Learn about the different types of scams out there today, as well as tips on how to deal with them.

Quick Tips

  • Don’t give out your TCU login and password. TCU will never ask for it.
  • Don’t open attachments or click links in emails from unfamiliar sources.
  • Don’t click on links or call numbers sent via text message from unknown parties.
  • If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be especially wary of offers if the solicitor is requiring fast action or evokes a sense of fear

How We Protect You

What is Travis Credit Union doing to protect me and my information?
Travis Credit Union has kept our members' information safe from day one. Over the years, our proactive attention to security concerns has kept us on the forefront of privacy best practices. We strive to set the security standard that the credit union industry is held to. We frequently audit ourselves and our systems to make sure they provide the same trustworthy service our members have come to rely on.

Keeping you informed about identity theft, phishing scams, ATM skimmers and other types of fraud and scams is another way we help protect your financial future. This page is updated regularly with the latest scam information so you can learn about the potential threats we work to protect you from every day. 

Employees at Travis Credit Union are held to a strict Privacy Policy. Read our Privacy Policy at www.traviscu.org/privacy-policy.

 

Fraud Protection & Resolution
Protecting your private information is our priority at TCU, and we want to help you if fraud occurs. We provide all of our checking account holders with a FREE, comprehensive, Identity Theft Assistance service that provides support during the fraud resolution process including: Support service provided by a highly trained identity theft caseworker to guide you through the process of restoring your identity and credit records. Personalized Fraud Resolution Kit that includes valuable educational information about fraud protection and resolution, government agency contact information, personalized letters to credit bureaus and instructions about filing police reports and fraud alerts.

Report Lost or Stolen Card

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Holiday Scams
Fraud & Scams On The Rise During The Holidays

Be on the lookout for fraud and scams this holiday season. Keeping your personal and financial information safe and secure is important for your financial wellness. Here are examples of the type of scams that rise during the holidays:

Fake Online “Look-a-like” Stores: Be wary of online stores that are entirely fake or that mirror legitimate retailers to steal your credit card information. Red flags include deeply discounted prices for popular, luxury or hard-to-find items. Don’t buy from social media ads that take you to bogus product listings.

Fake Charities: Cybercriminals take advantage of peoples’ generosity through fraudulent charities, GoFundMe campaigns and other causes. Before you donate, investigate the charity thoroughly. Telltale signs of fraud include misspellings, bad grammar, and lack of contact information. For GoFundMe donations, research the organizer or group first.

Fraudulent Seasonal Jobs: Scammers prey on those seeking to earn extra money during the holiday season. Be wary of fake job ads. Don’t ever pay upfront for any equipment or training. Keep your personal and financial information private until you confirm the job is legitimate. And watch for mule schemes where your new employer asks you to cash a company check in return for keeping a portion of it.

Missed Delivery/Non-Delivery Notification: Beware of fake delivery notification emails or text messages alerting you of a missed package delivery. Do not be quick to click on the link provided in a text or email because you may be directed to a website designed to steal your information. Pay attention to the domain address of the link to ensure it is a reputable delivery site. Be very cautious with delivery websites that ask for your personal or payment information to complete a package delivery.

Gift Card Scams: Gift card scams involve scamming consumers into buying fake gift cards or tricking them into using gift cards to pay for fraudulent goods or services. For example, avoid online stores or advertisements that sell retail gift cards at deeply discounted prices. You may believe you are getting a good deal, but you may end up receiving a gift card with zero monetary value. Instead, purchase gift cards from reputable retailers.

Phishing Emails or Texts: Cybercriminals take advantage of the busy holiday season to dupe consumers with phishing emails or texts that contain suspicious links. Be especially vigilant about electronic communications from your financial institution or credit card company that warn you that your account has been compromised. These phishing emails or texts prompt you to click on the provided link to log into your account so you can update your compromised information, which scammers will steal.

Also, avoid clicking on emails that promise free giveaways, ask you to claim a prize or ask you to confirm a reservation or other booking. Do not use the provided link. Instead, if the communications are from your financial institution, always go to their website and log in to your account from there.

Types of Scams

Click to learn more.

Members receive a call, text or email alleging to be from a financial institution which asks the victim to confirm a transaction by responding to texts/emails and/or by providing online access. When the victim responds, that will actually confirm a fraudulent transaction.

Zelle Variation: The fraudster sends a fake text purporting to be from Zelle and asking the recipient to confirm a Zelle transaction, which appears to be similar to Zelle's processes. Rest assured, it is not.

Beware the Pig Butchering Scam! This is a form of confidence trick and investment fraud, where fraudsters gradually lure victims into making large contributions in cryptocurrency towards a promising investment. But here's where the 'butchering' happens - once you have provided enough funds for them they vanish without a trace.

Remember, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always exercise due diligence and caution when dealing with unknown parties online. Stay vigilant. Stay safe.

In this scam, individuals are targeted with fraudulent emails, phone calls or text messages claiming to be from Travis Credit Union, Google or other entities urging them to sign up for Google Family Link. The scammers may use convincing logos and branding to deceive the victims. When victims click on the provided links and enter their personal information, such as their Google account credentials, the scammers gain unauthorized access to their accounts. This can result in identity theft, financial loss, & potential compromise of sensitive data. Stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of such messages before providing any personal information.

Members receive a call, text or email claiming to have won funds in a contest. You’re asked to provide bank account and routing numbers so they can send the money. Note: It is illegal for a U.S. citizen to participate in foreign lotteries.

Members are sent a fake check for a new job and are instructed to deposit it and forward/wire funds for the purchase of equipment for their alleged new job. Similarly, the scammer may ask you to provide account and online login information so the funds can be sent. The member is then instructed to forward the funds elsewhere.

Variation: Some scammers use online job applications as an opportunity to ask you for online banking login information for what they claim is to help set up direct deposit.

The victim provides online login credentials for the deposit of loan proceeds. A fraudulent check is deposited then the member is instructed to forward funds to confirm the account and to “reduce” the loan rate.

In this scam, elderly people are targeted, especially those who are widowed or disabled. The scammer promises to help the victim with financial management. Once their online, account and credit card credentials are released, their money is stolen or the victim’s credentials are used for cash advances on a credit card. Victims may be asked to forward money to help the alleged loved one whom they met online.

In this online purchase scam, usually with Zelle or Venmo, the money is sent for the pet purchase, but no pet is received by the buyer.

You’re told someone wealthy in a foreign country has died and you’ve been contacted to receive money. You’re asked to forward/wire money to help secure the estate from the foreign government.

Be aware of social media ads or personal requests to release your bank credentials such as debit card information. Scammers will deposit fake checks into your account via an ATM and withdraw money via a money app before the fake check is flagged.

The victim releases banking information to the scammer so that they can receive deposits and forward them per the scammer’s instructions. This often involves the member’s account being used to move stolen funds.

The victim is overpaid in a check and is instructed to return the overpayment amount before the fake check is caught by the financial institution.

Your computer is hijacked using malware and you are instructed to buy gift cards before the hacker will release it. Note – this is sometimes faked. Scammers can make it seem your computer is compromised by having you click a link, when in fact they are only bluffing.

The victim is warned that they will be arrested and lose their Social Security benefits if you don’t wire your funds or buy gift cards to protect it from being seized.

Victim receives a call from an alleged grandchild who says they were arrested in a foreign country and needs money sent to help get him or her out of jail. The imposter pleads with the victim not to tell anyone about this since they are so embarrassed.

Victims are asked to open an Individual Retirement Account and to deposit large checks into it, then initiate immediate withdrawal requests.

 

Ways to Protect Yourself Online

  • Use strong passwords that are at least 11 characters in length and case-sensitive with alpha-numeric characters and symbols.
  • Do not use the same passwords for multiple websites.
  • Ensure your computer is protected with a firewall and antivirus/anti-malware software.
  • Install operating system patches when they are made available.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi and public computers to conduct online transactions.
  • When offered, use multifactor authentication for account logins and out-of-band authentication to confirm login attempts and/or transactions.
  • Be wary of what you’re sharing on social media. Openly sharing can provide an identity thief with the necessary information to impersonate you or answer certain challenge questions. Keep social media accounts private and be cautious about who you add as a friend. Never share financial information in an unprotected public forum.

 

A Reminder for Zelle® Users

For those who use Zelle® person-to-person payments, Travis Credit Union will never contact you and ask you to send money via a Zelle transaction. If you receive a phone call or text from someone claiming to be from Travis Credit Union who is requesting you to make a Zelle transaction, consider it fraudulent and part of a nationwide scam. Instead, end the conversation.

All Zelle transfers occur immediately, and you should treat such transactions like cash. If you have any questions about Zelle or your TCU accounts, please call us during normal business hours at 800-877-8328.

 

Guard Your Social Security Number, Too!

Your Social Security Number (SSN) should be closely guarded. It does not change over your lifespan, which makes it a coveted piece of information for identity thieves. Keep in mind, you may have to share your SSN if you are opening a new account, applying for a loan or a credit card. Only share that information when you are certain it will not be overheard or used without your consent.

 

Tips on Protecting Minors

Most minors under 18 may not have a credit report available for review. Children, however, are regular targets of identity theft. Parents should take care to protect their children’s financial future.

  • Collection notices or calls for products or services in your child’s name.
  • Notice declaring your child owes back income tax or their identifying information was used on multiple tax returns.
  • Marketing offers arriving in your child’s name. This could mean an account was opened at a financial institution in your child’s name.
  • Share your child’s private identifying information sparingly and carefully. If asked to share that information, including their SSN, ask and understand how it will be used.
  • Request a credit report in their name from the credit reporting bureaus. Each has their own process. It will take a little time, but will be worth it.
  • If there is a report in your child’s name, request a fraud alert and consider placing a credit freeze.
    • Contact your local police department or Attorney General’s Office to file a report the identity theft and request a copy of any report generated.
    • Contact any financial institution and business listed on your child’s report and explain the account was opened because of theft and request it be closed. You may need to produce documentation from the credit bureaus and law enforcement.
    • Keep a detailed list of any phone calls made and/or documents received as you may need to produce them later.
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