usps announces top 6 counterfeit check & money order scams

Be informed to avoid becoming a victim of  these fraudulent scams!

Phishing scam claims to help fight terrorism

Please beware of this latest e-mail scam.  The e-mail begins by suggesting that you can assist the government in fighting terrorism and related money laundering by verifying your personal information.  The perpetrators then lead you to a counterfeit website designed to trick you into divulging personal and financial information.   Detecting fraudulent e-mail can be difficult.  Here are a few things to keep in mind: -- Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for financial information -- Don't use the links in any such e-mail -- Phisher e-mails are typically not personalized, meaning they may be addressed to      "Credit Union Member" or use another general greeting.

Urgent Alert!  New computer virus targets Bill Pay

Please be on the look out for a new computer virus that may have attached to your computer through e-mails you've received, downloads you've made, etc.  The virus may cause a fraudulent message to appear in the online Bill Payment window.  The screen posts messages that attempt to convince you to provide sensitive account information - information the bill payment system already knows and you should not provide again. If you are using online Bill Payment and this screen appears, please do not provide this information.  If you're in doubt about the validity of a screen message, please contact us.

Urgent Alert!  Beware of "phishing" e-mails!

Have you received an e-mail alerting you that your online banking or Bill Payer account with Southeast Financial needs to be re-activated?  Don't fall for this latest "phishing" scam...the perpetrators are out to get your personal information!  Southeast Financial will never contact you via e-mail to update your personal information.  Remember...the best rule of thumb is to NEVER disclose personal identification information on a call or e-mail that you did not initiate.

Alert!  New "Jury Duty" Scam

Be on alert for the newest identity theft exploit, known as the "Jury Duty" scam.  Callers posing as local court officials accuse victims of failure to appear for jury duty and notify them that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.  When the victim responds that they have not received a jury duty notice, the caller proceeds to ask for personal identification information, such as a social security number, etc., for verification purposes, or a credit card number to pay the accrued fines.  Please be alert and do not fall victim to these fraud attempts.  The best practice for protection from identity theft and fraud is:  never divulge personal information on a telephone call that you did not initiate.

Don't fall for the latest credit card scam...

This one is pretty slick...they provide YOU with all the information, with the exception of the one piece of information they really want!  The caller will not ask you for your card number, they already have it.  They will identify themselves as being with the Security and Fraud Department at MasterCard or VISA, perhaps even your Credit Union, and may even provide you with their "badge number" or "employee id" to better position themselves to successfully deceive you.  Typically, they will tell you that they have contacted you due to your purchase pattern being flagged.  They will inquire about a recent purchase which you did not make.  After telling you they will initiate a fraud investigation on your account and issue a credit, they will ask you for a very important piece of information under the guise of needing to verify that you are in possession of your card.  They will ask you to verify the three digit number printed on the back of your card.  Do not divulge this information on a call that you did not initiate! Please be aware that these callers sound very authentic.  The ONLY way to protect yourself from these types of scams is to remember that you should NEVER divulge personal identification information/account information on any calls or contacts that you did not initiate. Of course you will be concerned to hear that your account has been used without your authorization or consent.  The thieves are banking on that.  What's the best way to handle a call like this one?  First, hang up!  Then, contact your card company using the number on the back of your card to report the incident and inquire about fraudulent charges on your account.  Your Credit Union or the VISA or MasterCard representative will be able to review your information and advise you as to how to proceed.

Beware...Phishing Attempts by Phone!

A Warning to all of our Members... Phishing attempts are now being done over the phone. You will receive a recorded message informing you that your services with your financial institution are about to expire, and that they need to be renewed, immediately. The recording will ask you to call a 800 number to renew your accounts meaning that you will have to give out your personal information. The caller ID may even say the name of the financial institution to try to trick you. Don't do this! If a financial institution needs information from you, they will contact you directly, never leaving a message instructing you to share your information on an answering machine.  Please beware of this and other scam attempts. Be sure to check the accuracy of all calls, printed mail, and e-mail before giving out any of your personal information.

If You Become A Victim:

1. Ask the Credit Union to block and reissue  the compromised credit/ debit cards. 2. Report to the Credit Bureau. 3. Order a Credit Report.