Tips & Resources

Here are 10 ways to protect yourself from online fraud and scams

  1. Don't assume a credible-looking Web site is credible. Anyone can create a Web site that looks legitimate.
  2. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  3. Be cautious of unsolicited e-mails -- many are fraudulent.
  4. Be wary of anyone who asks for personal information. Don't give it out unless you've verified the person, business or Web site with a reputable source.
  5. Your Social Security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Do not give it out.
  6. Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you and claims to be from a company with whom you have an account like a bank, credit card or phone company. If they ask for information thy should already have, don't give it to them. Call the company independently, using the contact information on your statement or obtained from the official Web site.
  7. Don't respond to offers that require you act immediately or won't take "no" for an answer.
  8. Legitimate charitable causes do not need to telephone or e-mail to solicit donations or obtain passwords or Social Security numbers to accept donations. Do not respond to these offers or pleas for help.
  9. Do not follow the "unsubscribe" instructions in unsolicited e-mail. This usually just verifies your e-mail address and you will get even more junk e-mail.
  10. E-mail addresses or Web addresses that have a company name in the address are not necessarily from that company. Go to the official Web site for contact information.

Read our Tips to Avoid Check Fraud.

General Tips to helping stay safe on Facebook

  • Friend people you know and make sure you are communicating with that person;
  • Create a secure password and don’t share it with anyone;
  • Change passwords on a regular basis;
  • Share personal information only with people you know or companies that need it;
  • If it looks like Facebook is asking you to log in a second time, skip the links and directly type www.facebook.com into your browser address bar;
  • Use a one-time password when using someone else's computer;
  • Log out of Facebook after using someone else's computer;
  • Use secure browsing whenever possible;
  • Only download apps from sites you trust;
  • Keep your anti-virus software updated;
  • Keep your browser and other applications up to date;
  • Beware of unusual posts from anyone, including close friends - if it looks like something your friend wouldn't post, don't click on it; and
  • Beware of enticing links coming from your friend - scammers might hack your friends' accounts and send you a link that appears to come from them.

How to Report Fraud

If you feel you are the victim of account fraud or identify theft, act immediately. This should help minimize the damage to your personal accounts and credit rating.

If you suspect fraud in connection with your credit union accounts, contact us right away. We will help settle your claim quickly and with as little inconvenience to you as possible.

If you suspect you're the victim of identity theft, you should also contact these agencies:
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center
    www.ic3.gov

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    Identify Theft Hotline:877-ID-THEFT
    www.ftc.gov

  • Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline
    1-800-269-0271
    www.ssa.gov/oig

  • Credit bureau fraud hotlines
    Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Other Fraud Protection Resources

Please remember that Varex Credit Union will never ask you for personal information, or information about your credit union accounts via e-mail, a web page, or over the phone.

Tips & Resources