LFCU has substantial measures in place to protect your accounts against theft and fraud. The following list of information, tips and resources is designed to help you protect yourself from identity theft and other serious crimes.
Help-wanted schemes
With trying economic times and high unemployment, there's potential for fraudsters to reel victims into employment scams. Here's a quick summary of some swindlers' tricks:
Company background check – reversed
Be cautious when you're looking for a job. This is the time to tap into your common sense to make sure that the job position you're looking at is authentic. Check out these hints and tips to determine its credibility:
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Company name. Make sure that the company that is described is legitimate. You can check out the organization online or via the Better Business Bureau.
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Email addresses that don't contain that organization's company domain name. Be suspicious if the suffix of the recruiter's email address doesn't match the company.
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Your personal information. Do NOT give out your personal information before an interview. Your driver's license number, Social Security number and date of birth are pieces of information that can wait to be shared until the interview process. Credit card and checking information should never be shared in response to a job advertisement.
Legitimate company seeking your information
On Craigslist and some other job seeking websites, businesses have been able to maintain some anonymity. However, fraudsters have been able to take advantage of this, and of innocent people looking for work. Just be careful about what information you share with the potential employer. If he/she ask for information that could lead to identity theft, you could be better off not pursuing employment with the inquirer.
Get rich quick
Crooks are looking to win you over with schemes that they promise require little work and fast results. If someone offers you a starter kit for a new business, study materials to help you excel on "required" tests, something that sounds suspicious, or something too good to be true, it probably is. Steer clear of these "opportunities."
Beware of Loan-Modification Scams
Homeowners who get behind on their payments will often be contacted by companies offering loan modification services because foreclosures are public record. Here are 5 tips to protect yourself from loan-modification scams. Click here for more information.
How To Report Fraud
If you suspect you or someone you know has been the victim of account fraud, action should taken right away. Click here for what to do.
Identity Theft
If you become a victim of identity theft, it can cost you hundreds of dollars and up to two years to repair your credit rating. LFCU can help you recover your good name at no cost to you. Click here to learn more.
Email Scams
Fraudulent emails, also known as "phishing", attempt to trick people by sending messages that direct them to legitimate looking websites that request them to provide their Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other financial information used in identity theft crimes. Learn more about "phishing" and how to avoid it.
Online Fraud
Online fraud is in no way limited to email. Pop-up ads, phony websites and other online scams can also lure victims into handing over personal or financial information that can lead to identity theft and other serious crimes. Learn more about online fraud, tips to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
Text Message Scams
Never reply to a text message asking you to send a text response with your bank account or personal identification numbers. No legitimate financial institution will ever ask its customers to verify their PIN via an unsolicited text message, email or even phone call. When in doubt, call the organization back at a number you know to be valid. Don't let fraudsters get a hold of your personal information.
Home Computer and Network Security
Browse this section to learn more about improving your computer and home network security. Focus is on the Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems. However, many of the suggestions apply to any operating system. There are links to other resources on the web as well!
Fraud Watchlist
Identity theft and online fraud are just the tip of the iceberg. To help protect yourself, become familiar with this Fraud Watchlist of recent fraudulent activity and other popular scams. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back periodically.
ATM Safety
Your safety is important to us. Before approaching any ATM, have your card and transaction ready so you don’t have to reach into your purse or wallet while standing in front of the ATM. Click here for additional safety tips.
Protect Your Money and Your Privacy
Any user of technology knows the power and convenience of the digital age. But as more and more consumers move online for services, so do the thieves interested in profiting at your expense.
Put proven best practices to work for you to avoid becoming the next victim. LFCU's Digital Defense portal is free and covers the following topics: 
- Is it safe to shop online?
- Ensure safe online financial transactions
- Protect your home computer
- Say no to online thieves
- Ward off viruses and worms
- Smart tips for child safety online
More Resources
Browse this section to find more information, articles and resources on identity theft, online fraud and other fraudulent activity.
