Fraud Protection Center

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
It is estimated that 10 million people were victims of identity theft in 2008.

Identity-Theft is the fastest growing crime in America.

October 12, 2011
Beware of Bogus ATMs

The measures a fraudster will go to in order to steal information is greatly increasing.  These days, one of the newest attempts to gain your information is by purchasing an ATM for places like Craigs List and setting them up various locations.  The ATM, however, is modified to capture your card information and relayed back to the fraudster.  Here are some tips on how you can avoid being a victim:

• Be wary of any stand-alone ATM. Obviously there are plenty of legitimate ones, but look around and be suspicious of an ATM that isn't bolted to the side of a building or secured inside a facility. A legitimate ATM is heavy and not  easy to move. Also, beware of stand-alone ATMs that advertise "no fees," since most legitimate owners of stand-alone ATMs have to charge fees to make money.
• Avoid ATMs if the access door or any part of the machine is broken. If the lock on the door to the room accessing the machine is broken, beware and don't use the machine. A fraudster may have forced open the door to install a skimming device.
• Beware of "out of service" signs. If your ATM has a "out of service" sign, it could be legitimate -- or it could be trying to get you to use another nearby ATM that had been compromised.
• Give the card slot a good yank. Push on the slot where your card goes in and see if it gives way. If the machine has a skimmer, it will often move or appear loose. If the card slot looks strange at all, find another ATM.
• Report "malfunctions" immediately. If you get an error message instead of money, contact your financial institution immediately.
• Access your account on line and monitor your transaction activity. Take a few minutes every week to log onto your accounts and review your transactions. Report bogus transactions immediately.

June 20, 2011
Warning to Members Against Telephone Scams

Recently, members have been receiving fraudulent calls from those posing as the Park employees stating that there are issues with the members’ credit or debit card.  They are asked to press "1" to activate a voice recording and then requested to input personal account information. Some recipients of these calls never had an account at Park but contacted us following the call to question whether someone set up a bogus account in their name.

If you receive a call such as this, please be warned that this is a phishing scam. You should hang up and not provide any information requested, as we will never call you and request any account information. In addition, should you receive a fraudulent call such as this, please note the telephone number of the caller and follow up with us at 800/626.2870 to inform us of the incident.

April 11, 2011
Fraud Watch – What to do if you’re a victim

Fraud Watch is a fraud monitoring service for your MasterCard Check Card. They track and record possible cases of fraud and contact members accordingly.

If Fraud Watch suspects a fraudulent transaction is taking place, they will try to contact you to confirm or deny it was you who authorized the transaction.  If they cannot contact you, they can put a block on the card and contact Park.  We, in turn, put a note on your account "Fraud Watch Block CALL 1-866-842-5208." When you call or visit a branch and say your card is not working, our staff will see the message and tell you that you need to call Fraud Watch.  When you call Fraud Watch to confirm or deny, Fraud Watch notify us to remove the "Call Fraud Watch" message from your account.

Fraud Watch needs to know if it was fraud or not, so they can update their monitoring tools with that particular merchant, in that particular city, and record which transaction(s) was fraudulent.  The more they know about what transactions are fraudulent, the better they are at catching it and blocking cards before too much damage is done.

So, please, always remember to call Fraud Watch and let them know if a transaction was indeed fraudulent.  Feel free to contact us first if you have any questions.

March 30, 2011
ACH email scam

It has been reported that individuals are receiving emails concerning ACH payments. These emails appear to be coming from fictitious employees or departments at NACHA, for example: sue@nacha.org. NACHA does not send communications to persons or organizations about individual ACH transactions they originate or receive.

March 17, 2011
E-mail from Bank Security

We have gotten reports that members are receiving an e-mail from “Bank Security” posing as their financial institution informing the member that their account has been locked.  It goes on to instruct the member to input their username and password on the link provided to resume normal online banking privileges.  This is a phishing scam making an attempt to gain access to your online banking information.  If you get this e-mail or any other e-mails that you think are suspicious, please call 800/626.2870.  Remember, we will never ask you to provide any account-sensitive information via e-mail.

June 9, 2010
Fishing Scam Text Alert……….

It has been reported that AT&T customers are receiving text messages stating:
bankingalert@louisvillecu.com (LouisvilleCU) Card Deactivation Notice.  For more detail, please contact our secure phone line and displays a phone number.
This is a scam please do not reply to this phone number.

Fraud Tip:
Online banking is a great tool to keep your account in good standing.  Check you balance and transactions frequently to make sure that all transactions are yours.

May 25, 2010
Fraud Email Phishing Activity Reported

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is reporting recently simulated NCUA email boxes. The fraudulent emails solicit credit union member participation in an Online Survey or Member Survey, and promise compensation of $40 as an inducement to respond to the email.

The emails are fraudulent, and may be an attempt to obtain confidential member information. NCUA does not solicit such information from credit union members.

November 16, 2009
Email & Phone Scam

Be advised that Park Community Federal Credit Union WILL NOT contact you via phone or email requesting your personal account information. If you receive correspondence from individuals posing as a representative from Park DO NOT provide any information about your account's.

September 15, 2009
Email Scam...

Be advised that Park Community Federal Credit Union  WILL NOT send emails that ask for personal account information. There are bogus emails circulating from CUNA (Credit Union National Association) that ask for your debit or credit card numbers that are that are FRAUDULENT.  DO NOT RESPOND to these emails.

May 21, 2009
Phone Call Hoax

If you have received a phone call stating, “This is your financial institution and we have temporarily suspended your account due to suspicious activity”  PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS CALL.  This message IS NOT from Park Community and is an attempt to gain personal information from you.  If you have entered your card number, please call us immediately so that we can block your card access and reissue a new card. 
Park Community Federal Credit Union will NEVER ask you for personal information and if ever in doubt please contact us or visit your nearest branch location.

February 2, 2009
Phone Call Hoax
If you have received an automated phone call from Park Community concerning suspicious activity on your debit card, DISREGARD! This message asks you press 1 and enter your debit card number, or call 714-707-5728 and give your card number.  This message IS NOT from Park Community and is an attempt to gain personal information from you.  If you have entered your card number, please call us immediately so that we can block your card access and reissue a new card. 

Park Community Federal Credit Union will NEVER ask you for personal information and if ever in doubt please contact us or visit your nearest branch location.

January 11, 2009
Text Message Hoax...
If you have received a text message on your cell phone from Park Community advising you that your card will be deactivated, DISREGARD! This message IS NOT from Park Community and is an attempt to gain personal information from you.  If you contacted the number indicated, please call us immediately so that we can block your card access and reissue a new card. 

Park Community Federal Credit Union will NEVER ask you for personal information and if ever in doubt please contact us or visit your nearest branch location.

June 12, 2008
Email & Internet Scam...
On June 12^th, 2008 a mass email was sent out to the public that appears to be a link to Park Community Federal Credit Union's website. This email requests personal information and was not sent by the credit union.

Park Community Federal Credit Union will NEVER send you an e-mail link which asks for personal information.

If you need to update information always go directly to our website by opening a new browser window and type www.parkcommunity.com in the address.
NEVER GO TO OUR WEBSITE BY CLICKING AN E-MAIL LINK.

When entering personal account information, verify that you are on a secure website. If the website is secure, you will find "https" in the address and a closed padlock at the bottom of your broswer's toolbar.

June 19, 2008
Phone Scam ... Protecting Your Information
On June 19th, a fraudulent phone scam has been reported involving debit cards.  Park Community will NEVER call and ask members for their personal information, PIN numbers, nor will we call and tell a member to change their PIN# to a specified number. 

Park Community Federal Credit Union will NEVER make unsolicited phone calls requesting your personal account information. If you ever receive such a request purporting to be from Park CFCU, do not provide any personal information. Always log into the Park Community Federal Credit Union site directly (by typing www.parkcommunity.com in your browser address bar) or contact one of our Member Service Center Representatives before divulging any information.
View the NCUA brochure entitled ''You Can Fight Identity Theft''.

• Call Park Community Federal Credit Union at (800) 626-2870 for immediate assistance.
• Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you at no cost.
• Credit Bureaus: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union
• Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
• Use the FTC's ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts. (Adobe Acrobat)
• File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
• File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you.
• If you believe you have been a victim of Mail Fraud, submit a mail fraud complaint form with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• FTC brochure; “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft” http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm

• Credit Card Fraud Protection
• Identity Theft Protection
• Check Cashing Fraud Protection
• ATM Fraud Protection
• ATM Scams
• Precautions to take for countering these scams
• ATM/Debit Card SecurityTips
• Internet Security Tips
• Phone Security Tips
• Phone Scam

If you would like more tips on protecting your personal information, visit the Identity Theft Coach on our website, provided by Anytime Advisor.

Tips for protecting yourself against credit card fraud

1. Keep a list of all your credit cards including the account number and phone number to the issuing company.
2. Review your credit card statement as soon as possible. Match charges with your receipts to ensure all charges are yours and are for the correct amount.
3. Always sign a new credit card immediately.
4. When making a purchase with a credit card, make sure you get the card back and the receipt. Check the receipt for accuracy.
5. When using a credit card at a restaurant or store, make sure that all blank lines are marked through so that no one can change the final amount.
6. Never sign blank credit card receipts.
7. Only travel with the credit cards you plan on using.
8. Never give the account number of the credit card over the phone unless you initiate the call.
9. When making an order over the telephone, try to avoid using a cordless phone. Cordless phones messages can be easily intercepted by devices as unsophisticated as baby monitors and police scanners.
10. Do not write the PIN for the account on the card.

Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft can occur when an individual obtains personal information, such as your social security number, date of birth, address, and financial account numbers. Once this information is obtained, the thieves will assume or take on your identity, allowing them to illegally purchase items or obtain credit. By following these simple guidelines, your potential for loss due to identity theft can be greatly reduced.

Tips for protecting yourself against identity theft

1. Check your credit report on a regular basis to ensure the information is correct.
2. Immediately tear up (using a shredder is even better!) unsolicited credit card offers.
3. Never give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the phone call.
4. Never give a credit card number over the phone unless you have initiated the phone call.
5. Always be familiar with financial accounts that you currently maintain. Verify statements and other information sent by your financial institution for accuracy.

This guide provides tips for protecting yourself against check cashing fraud. Check cashing fraud occurs when individuals use information taken from your checks, or the checks themselves, to access your accounts and commit fraudulent acts. By following these simple guidelines you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Tips for protecting yourself against check cashing fraud

1. Always safeguard your checks. Do not leave your checks out in an open area. Never leave your checks in your car or out on your desk at the office.
2. Keep your blank checks and canceled checks in a safe place. Put them in a vault or other secure location. Destroy old blank checks if you are not going to use them.
3. Limit the amount of personal information printed on the checks to your name and address. Use plain designed checks. The fancier the check the easier it is to forge the signature. Useful information for thieves includes not only your account numbers, but information used to verify your identity, such as your driver's license number, social security number, and secret codes. Don't have this information printed on your checks.
4. Don't leave your bill payments sitting in an unlocked mailbox for pickup. Many credit thieves will steal bills from rural mailboxes at the end of driveways so they can get your account information, checking information, and even your checks. Go to the Post Office directly or use a curbside USPS mailbox (the blue metal ones) and drop your bills in the slot rather than using less secure street mailboxes.
5. Be discreet when writing checks in public places. Write your checks carefully and leave no space in which figures or words can be inserted.
6. When you make an error in writing a check, be sure to destroy the check or write "canceled" across it and store it with your other canceled checks.
7. If your checks are lost or stolen, report it immediately to your financial institution.
8. Reconcile your monthly statements as soon as you can to ensure all transactions are accurate. Contact us immediately if you do not receive it when expected. Be sure to contact your institution within that time frame to ensure that proper attention is given to reconciling the problem.
9. When you reorder checks, mark your calendar. If you don't receive your checks within 15 working days, contact your financial institution immediately to inquire as to the status of the order.
10. Consider alternatives to check writing. For instance, paying by phone, online, or setting up automatic payments. Fewer checks mean fewer theft opportunities.

ATM fraud can occur when individuals lose their card, give their card to someone else to use, or when their Personal Identification Number's confidentiality is compromised. By following these simple guidelines you can greatly reduce your exposure to ATM fraud.

Tips for protecting yourself against ATM fraud

1. Never write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your card or in your wallet. Memorize your PIN as soon as possible. Do not reveal your PIN to anyone not authorized to use the account.
2. Never use your date of birth, social security number, license number or street address as a PIN -- those are the first numbers a crook will try.
3. Don't throw away your ATM receipts at the ATM location. Keep them to reconcile your account, then dispose of them properly when you get home.
4. Always be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM. If it is late at night, try to use a machine that is well lit and avoid dark, remote locations.
5. Always make sure to retrieve your ATM card from the machine when the transaction is complete.
6. Be aware of the person behind you. Make sure no one can see you entering your PIN or how much money you withdraw.
7. Review your statement promptly to ensure all transactions are accurate. Report any discrepancies immediately.
8. Destroy old ATM cards immediately after receiving your replacement cards.

ATM Scams
In addition to the types ATM fraud that most of us are now aware of, there are two new types that can clean out your account quickly -- card withholding and skimming.

Card withholding occurs when your card gets stuck in the ATM, you can't get it out, and you leave the card in the ATM planning to contact the financial institution the next morning. When you call you find that the card was not stuck in the ATM. What happens is that thieves put a substance into the ATM card slot which will cause your card to stick inside the ATM. They leave the ATM and wait for someone to attempt to use it. They then get in line behind you and try to watch you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). This is very common at drive-up ATMs where the user may not be paying attention to other people or cars nearby.

The thieves even go so far as to put up a sign on the ATM stating: "If your card gets stuck, enter your PIN three separate times to retrieve it." This gives them three tries to watch you enter your PIN. After you leave frustrated, and you're planning to contact the ATM owner the next morning, they remove your card with a pair of pliers. They can then use your card at other ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

Skimming is done at businesses that offer Point-of-Sale (POS) devices for you to pay with your ATM card, such as gas stations. The thieves convince an employee to allow them to connect a lap top computer to the POS machine. The lap top is usually stored under the counter where the POS device is located. When you swipe your card in the POs device to make a payment the information on the magnetic strip on your ATM card is copied and loaded onto a disk. Thieves may also install a hidden video camera that records you entering your PIN. They then match the magnetic information to the PIN and access your accounts.

ATM/Debit Card Security Tips

Fraud Watch Plus
We are continually watching the activity on your ATM/Debit card for possible fraud and unauthorized transactions. If suspicious activity is detected, our Fraud Prevention Services team will contact you. If they are unable to reach you, for your safety, your card will temporarily be blocked until you contact them at 1-866-842-5208. They will confirm your identity and verify with you the transaction in question. BE ADVISED, if you receive a call from the Fraud Prevention Team, they will NOT ask for your entire account number or card number. However, to confirm your identity, they may ask for only the last few digits of your account number or card number. Our team will NEVER e-mail you asking for your account number or card number.

Travel Tips
Frequently, fraud is conducted through transactions made outside your normal geographical area, predominately those conducted in a foreign country. Our Fraud Prevention Team will attempt to contact you through the phone numbers we have on file for you. It is important to keep your phone numbers updated at all times. If they are unable to reach you, for your safety, your card will be temporarily blocked until you contact them at 866-842-5208. To prevent any inconvenience and for your peace of mind, we ask that you contact the credit union at 502-968-3681 or 800-626-2870 with your travel dates and destinations prior to any foreign travel.

1. Before inserting your ATM card into an ATM inspect the card slot for any residue.
2. If there is residue, don't use that ATM. If there is a notice on the ATM about entering your PIN several times, don't use that ATM.
3. Always cover your hand when entering your PIN: if the thieves don't have your PIN, they can't access your account.

Actions for Fraud Victims
If you suspect fraud, it is important to act quickly to minimize potential damage and your own liability. It is important to keep a detailed account of conversations you have with authorities and financial institutions.

Credit Bureaus. Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies -- Experian (formerly TRW), Equifax and Trans Union. Ask that your account include a statement referencing the possibility of fraud.

Creditors. Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently -- by phone and in writing. Monitor your accounts closely for any further fraudulent activity.

Law Enforcement. Report the crime to police with jurisdiction in your case. Provide any documentation that you have collected. Get a copy of your police report. Keep the phone number of your fraud investigator handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.

Financial Institutions. If you have checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, contact the institution to report the crime. Put stop payments on appropriate outstanding checks. Close your checking and savings accounts and open new accounts. If your ATM card is stolen or compromised, get a new card and PIN. When choosing a PIN, don't use common numbers like the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, license number or street address.

U.S. Postal Service. Notify the local Postal Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.

Social Security Administration. Call to report fraudulent use of your Social Security number.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Call to see if another license was issued in your name. Go to your local DMV to request a new number. Also, fill out the DMV's complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process. Send supporting documents with the completed form to the nearest DMV investigation office. Request a driver's license number different than your Social Security number if available in your state.

Civil Courts. If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken by your impostor, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the state Department of Justice and the FBI.

• Protect yourself against “Phishing Scams”, phony e-mails using fake Web sites that try to fool you into revealing personal financial data. These e-mails may look like they come from real companies, such as PayPal, Ebay, credit card companies, or other financial institutions. To make sure you never provide your personal information to a fraudulent website, never reply to an e-mail link. Always open a new web browser and go directly to their website.
• Never give your personal information via e-mail. Park Community Federal Credit Union will never request personal information via email.
• If you want to update your information, go directly to our website by opening a new browser window, and typing www.parkcommunity.com in the address. Never go to our web site by clicking a link in an e-mail.
• When entering personal account information, verify that you are on a secure website. If the website is secure, you will find "https" in the address and a closed padlock at the bottom of your browser's toolbar.

• Never give your personal information over the phone. If you feel a call is suspicious, call the company directly to verify the authenticity of the call.
• Beware of organizations asking for charitable donations. If you want to donate money, contact the organizations yourself to make sure that your money is going to the appropriate place.