Scam & Fraud Prevention | Bay Credit Union

Anyone who accesses the internet should always be on the look out for phishing and identity theft scams. By knowing the warning signs of a scam and practicing common sense, Internet users can keep themselves and their information safe.

Anti-phishing Recommendations

Never access an organization’s website from a link provided in an e-mail, but only by typing in the actual URL.
If you suspect an email may be phishing, contact the organization’s customer support center immediately.
Be very skeptical of “urgent” messages that require you to enter confidential information.
Keep your Internet browser software up to date and use an anti-virus and anti-spam product.
Check your online account balances and transaction regularly for any discrepancies.
Delete any e-mail that requests personal information or your account number for it is fraudulent.

Learn More Here:

Fight Identity Theft

NCUA Fraud Prevention Center

Scams come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of sophistication. However, they all share the common goal of exploiting people for money, and the victims are the ones who pay the price. Being informed and aware are our best defenses against scammers.

Fraudsters are getting trickier by the day!

For example, did you know that scammers can make their caller ID display a different name or number?

That’s right! They can even make it display names like: “Social Security Administration” or “Bay Credit Union.” The screen may also display a known or stored phone number.

It is best to always keep your guard up when you receive phone calls about your account or any other personal matter, especially if the caller starts to ask you for private information like passwords or PIN numbers.

Personal information may be solicited on a call you make to us, but Bay Credit Union will never call you and ask you for your:

ATM/Debit Card PIN Number
Online Banking Password
Mobile Banking Credentials
Social Security Number
Date of Birth

Here are a few simple tips that can help consumers avoid becoming a victim:

Be skeptical of any unsolicited personal contact, telephone calls, letters, emails, or social media messages.
Do not use the telephone numbers, email addresses, or website addresses from unsolicited contacts to verify the validity of the information provided. Independently verify contact information through several sources before responding.
Get details in writing before signing agreements, sending money, or giving financial information.
Read all contracts thoroughly with a lawyer and close family member or friend.
Do not respond to high pressure tactics. Take the time to verify information and seek counsel from family, friends, or trusted professionals.
Be wary of anyone requesting payment through money transfer, money order, or by sending cash or gift cards.
Avoid using debit cards whenever possible. Purchases made by credit card will allow a consumer the ability to dispute charges.
Use unique, strong passwords and avoid using public Wi-Fi or public computers when making online transactions. Update your computer and protect it with firewall, antivirus, and anti-malware software.
File tax returns as soon as possible to avoid identity fraud.
Check your credit report 1-3 times a year through www.AnnualCreditReport.com.
Check a company’s complaint history at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com under “Business/Complaint Lookup,” or by calling 1-800-435-7352. If the business is regulated by FDACS, be sure to find out if they are registered.
Use “Check-A-Charity” at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com or call 1-800-435-7352 to verify a charity’s registration status and to check their financial information.