Avoid Holiday Scams This Season

Stay a step ahead of criminals this holiday season by being aware of these common scams:

Missed Delivery Notification Scam Texts
It’s common for people to be waiting on packages during the holiday season. One recent scam involves fraudsters sending fake delivery notification text messages, in hopes that you’ll click on the link. Do not click on that link! These scam texts will take you to a fake website designed to either steal your personal information, ask for your credit card number, or fool you into sending the scammers money.

Fraudulent Fraud Alerts
Scammers can call or text you as if they are your financial institution and that something is wrong with your account or they want you to “verify” a transaction by clicking on a link. Often, they will say they are sending you a one-time password in your email and ask you to read it back to them. In reality, the person on the line is trying to hack your account and needs the password to get in.

Protect your PIN
Pay attention to your surroundings when using your credit and debit cards in public. The best way to protect your PIN is to shield the keypad anytime you enter your PIN. Also, avoid making your PIN something easy to guess, such as "1234" or your birth year. Even when following these tips, be on the lookout for ATM skimming devices and “shoulder skimmers” who look over your shoulder to try to see your PIN.

Bogus Shipping Notices
A variation of fake order scams involves messages from FedEx, UPS or the post office that notify recipients of a delayed shipment. The message may include a link to track the package. However, clicking the link could download a virus onto your computer. If you're expecting a package, visit the merchant site to receive tracking information, rather than clicking a link in an email.

Only use gift cards as gifts
While gift cards make for convenient gifts, they also make for a convenient way to scam people. They're much harder to track and refund than actual money, so it's important to know the signs of a gift card scam. Scammers will often attempt to get people to pay for fake products, fines, taxes and more with hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of gift cards, often posing as a boss at work, a government agency, etc. Additionally, check to make sure any gift cards you purchase haven't already been opened and keep the receipt just in case.

Social Media Scams
Criminals can easily open accounts and offer huge discounts on tempting incentives for taking a survey or sharing a post. Just clicking these offers could infect your device with malware or lead to a phishing attempt.

Package Theft
Peak delivery season often means a big pile of presents on your front porch that may prove irresistible to thieves. If you aren’t going to be home when your packages arrive, consider asking a relative or neighbor to accept delivery, or take advantage of Amazon Locker if it’s available in your area.

Fake delivery notification texts.
Scammers send fake text messages claiming that a package you’re waiting for has been delayed or that you need to pay a fee before it can be delivered.

Watch Over Your Transaction History

It’s always important to review your account information regularly, but it’s especially critical during the holiday season, when you’re likely spending more than usual.

Please be aware that United Community FCU will never ask a member via email or text to give us personal information about themselves or their account. You should never provide your personal information to links sent to you through email or text messages. Notify a United Community FCU staff member immediately if you suspect someone may have your information or suspect fraud of any type.

WELCOME TO UNITED COMMUNITY FCU!

Account holders will continue operating as they do today. There are no changes at this time to account numbers, transactions, Home Banking access, bill pay, debit cards or Credit Union phone numbers.

Members can now access their accounts in person at United Community FCU in West Mifflin, Wilmerding & Washington, as well as through the Shared Branching Network.

The official data processor conversion will take place on April 1, 2022. Watch your mail & publications sent over the next few months for information on what to expect to ensure the smoothest transition possible. Thank you for your cooperation & welcome to United Community FCU.

EMV Chip Cards

What You Need To Know!

Your new UCFCU chip card is your debit card containing an embedded computer chip, which provides the ability to securely store and process data and provides increased protection against lost, stolen or counterfeit card fraud. Chip technology is the next evolution of electronic payments, and is helping to make an already secure payment system more secure.

What are the benefits of the chip card to UCFCU members?
Consumers have a lot to gain from the migration to chip technology. Benefits include:
-Added security
-Chip cards are difficult to copy, steal or counterfeit
-Chip cards securely store and process data

Will my account number change?
No. Your account number will not change. The expiration date on your new card will be updated, so you may have to contact or edit any merchants / billers and provide your new card information for any recurring or scheduled electronic payments.

Do I need to activate my new card?
Yes. Once you get your new card, you will need to activate it immediately by following the instructions that will be included with the card. Your old card will be deactivated as soon as you activate your new card. Please destroy your old card once you have activated your new card.

What information is stored on my chip card? Is it secure?
The information stored on the chip is the same that is currently stored on the magnetic stripe. The chip generates a one-time transaction code, instead of your card information. This makes the card difficult to counterfeit or copy.

Will chip card transactions be conducted differently than magnetic stripe transactions?
Members can expect to see minor changes when conducting a chip transaction at a chip-enabled terminal:
-You will insert your card into a device or terminal rather than swipe it.
-You will leave your card in the device for the duration of the transaction.
-Simply follow the prompts on the terminal screen. The screen will authorize you to remove the card when the transaction is complete.

Is the magnetic stripe on the card being eliminated?
No. The magnetic stripe will remain on your new UCFCU Debit Card to allow members to use cards at ATMs and store terminals that have not yet been upgraded, and in countries that have not been migrated to chip technology.

Where can I use my chip card?
Chip cards will continue to have a magnetic stripe so the card will work at non-chip terminals. You can also use your chip card anywhere Visa cards are accepted (in stores, online, over the phone and at ATMs).

UCFCU Will Never…

Please be aware that United Community FCU will never ask a member via email or text to give us personal information about themselves or their account. You should never provide your personal information to links sent to you through email or text messages. Notify a United Community FCU staff member immediately if you suspect someone may have your information or suspect fraud of any type.

Visit FBI Website To Keep Up-To-Date On Latest Scams

This is a great site to visit often to keep on top of today's common fraud schemes. This site also provides tips for on how to detect and avoid becoming a victim of various scams. Visit this website for real time scam information: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety