There’s nothing more important to us than the safety and security of your accounts.
When you trust us with your savings and investments, that means something – and we’re 100% committed to living up to that trust. Here are tips you can use to contribute to your accounts’ safety, and to banking safely in general. It’s best to be aware of frauds that can allow identity thieves to take advantage of your hard-earned money. Together, we can keep your investments where they belong – safe, secure, and right here at 5Point.
5Point has become aware of a new fraud attempts:
- The first attempt uses spoofing to clone our number, so the call appears to be coming from our main 800 number. Fraudsters are making automated phone calls to people in our area. The call states they are with the "5Point Credit Union fraud prevention line. We have recently noticed a failed log-in attempt. If this was not you, please press one." After "1" is pressed, they ask for your 16-digit account number, which is when they steal your debit or credit card numbers.
- The second attempt uses a text asking if a charge is valid. When you respond “No,” you will receive a Samsung or Apple Pay code via text. The fraudster will then call asking for your code. If you give the fraudster the code, they will use the code to hack your digital wallet.
If you are every suspicious of a call, HANG UP and call the credit union directly. Be sure to use your keypad and type in 1.800.825.8829. Do not click the link in your "recent calls" list, as this will connect you to the fraudsters.
2024 Fraud Friday
January - Fraudsters will pretend to be a legitimate online seller by creating fake websites, social media posts, and ads. Fraudsters usually offer great deals, but unsuspecting shoppers will most likely receive a knockoff of the item they purchased or receive nothing at all. If you feel you have been scammed, call 1.800.825.8829 to speak to a 5Point team member.
February - Synthetic identity theft is a form of fraud in which where criminals combine real and fake information to create a new identity.
An individual’s Social Security number is stolen and then a name, date of birth, mailing address, email address, and phone number are made up and applied to the legitimate SSN to create a new identity.
The most common victims are children, the elderly, and the homeless. These individuals may be less likely to use credit or monitor their credit history.
To better protect yourself against synthetic identity theft:
- Keep your Social Security card at home in a safe place.
- Don’t repeat your SSN out loud for others to hear.
- Shred or black out any documents that include your personally identifiable information.
March - 5Point Credit Union will NEVER call or text asking for your account information. If you are unsure if the message you received is from 5Point, contact us directly at 1.800.825.8829.
April - Spoofing is on the rise! If you receive a text you were not expecting, be careful not to click any links, download any apps, or give out any type of personal information.
May - Protecting your finances starts with awareness. A common tactic used by fraudsters is installing skimmers in ATMs and gas pumps. Skimmers are often attached to the card slot of an ATM and are designed to blend in with the machine, making them difficult to spot. Fraudsters will drill a hole in the card slot to insert a skimmer. Then, when someone inserts their card into the tampered ATM, the skimmer steals the data from the card's magnetic stripe, which contains all the information needed to make transactions. Once the skimmer has collected enough card data, the fraudsters retrieve it and use the stolen information to make fraudulent purchases or withdraw money from the victim's account. Stay vigilant by covering your PIN and monitoring your accounts after withdrawing cash from an ATM. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution or law enforcement.
June - The most powerful tool in protecting yourself from fraudsters is staying informed. Check out the tips below!
- If you’re suspicious about a call from 5Point, hang up immediately and contact us directly.
- The ONLY app we will ask you to download is the 5Point mobile app.
- 5Point will NEVER ask you for a 6-digit verification code.
- 5Point will NEVER call or text to ask for your home banking login or PIN.
- 5Point will NEVER ask for access to your PC, tablet, or phone.
- Only log into your account from 5pointcu.org or the 5Point mobile app.
- A legitimate 5Point fraud text will NEVER include any links.
- NEVER log into your account through a text message link.
- Look for any signs of tampering when using an ATM.
July - Whether you're swiping at a store or shopping online, it's essential to know how to protect your financial information. Below are some key tips to keep your cards and accounts secure.
- Protect Your Information: Don’t share your card or PIN with anyone; avoid writing it down or taking photos.
- Avoid Lending Cards: It’s risky to lend your card; consider giving cash instead.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and transactions for any unfamiliar activity.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspicious charges or transactions to your bank.
- ATM Safety: Always inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before use.
August - Below are some important texting scam prevention tips:
- A legitimate 5Point fraud text will NEVER include any links.
- To keep your account safe, always log in directly through 5pointcu.org or the 5Point mobile app.
- 5Point will NEVER ask for your home banking login, PIN, or a 6-digit verification code.
September - 5Point will never ask for your Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or anything similar. If you receive a text with a code, it is important to not share it with anyone.
October - Was your personal information compromised? Here’s what to do:
- Alert your financial institution: Let them know about any suspicious activity so they can help secure your accounts.
- Set up fraud alerts: Contact credit bureaus to place fraud alerts and keep an eye on new activity.
- Secure your accounts: Update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and check for malware.
- Monitor credit reports: Request your reports regularly to spot any unusual activity.
- Consider freezing credit: Prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Not all of these actions will be necessary in every case, but it’s always better to be safe!