Fraud & Security
Resources to keep your personal information protected.
Fraud & Security
Resources to keep your personal information protected.
Fraudulent Text Scam Advisory
Fraudsters may text, email or call posing as FCCU or other businesses. We’ll NEVER contact you and ask for your username/password, card number, secure access codes, or personal info. One common text scam is built around asking consumers to verify a purchase from a legitimate business. The consumer is asked to click on a link within the text to verify or deny the purchase and then the scammer calls the consumer directly posing as a member of their financial institution to request personal information. Remember, a request to do anything beyond verifying a transaction is likely to be fraud. Here are some tips for guarding against this kind of fraud:• Never click on a link in a text you weren’t expecting. Instead, log in to your online bank account to view recent transactions to determine if there is suspicious activity on your account. • Never give out your debit card information or PIN number. • Always report suspicious emails or texts to your financial institution. • First Commerce’s digital banking also offers members the ability to temporarily lock their First Commerce debit or credit card if they suspect fraudulent activity. Another option to verify a suspicious transaction on your account is to call your financial institution directly.An example of language included in these texts is: “Your card has now been used to make a payment of $1,102.89 at #TARGET, Reply Yes if it’s you or visit dagaus.org to stop payment.”
Your Strongest Ally in Financial Security
As your financial partner for life, First Commerce employs best-in-class security technology designed to detect suspicious activity and protect members’ accounts and their personal information. We also empower members with a variety of tools to monitor accounts and report potential issues.How do I report suspected fraud?
It’s important to report fraudulent account activity or identity theft right away. To report fraud on your account, log in to Digital Banking and send us a secure message, email us at Help@FirstCommerceCU.org, or call us at 850.488.0035 or 1.800.533.5772.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
A fraud alert puts a red flag on your credit report and notifies lenders and creditors that they should take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. To place a 90-day fraud alert on all three of your credit reports, you only need to contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). When you place the initial alert, the agency will automatically notify the other two for you.
When you place a fraud alert on your credit reports, you’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three agencies. Be sure to obtain them. If you find fraudulent items on your credit report(s), the simplest way to begin the dispute process is to click the dispute button while viewing your credit report online. Some items must be disputed in writing and with supporting documentation. Hard inquiries cannot be disputed, but may give you a clue as to where a thief has applied for credit in your name.
Initial fraud alerts are free and remain in place for 90 days. In some cases, extended fraud alerts incur a small fee, but under most circumstances fraud alert services are free to victims of identity theft.
Another option—and a more effective identity theft prevention measure—is to place a security freeze on each of your credit reports. A freeze prevents creditors (except those with whom you already do business) from accessing your credit report(s) at all. Most new applications will automatically be declined because without access to your file, the creditor will have no way to evaluate your credit. With a security freeze in place, you will need to take extra steps if you wish to apply for new credit. Each agency has a procedure for temporarily “thawing” your file in order to allow a legitimate application to be processed. Unlike a fraud alert, you’ll need to contact each credit reporting agency individually to place a freeze on your files. See more information about credit freezes on these reputable sites:
– Experian – Equifax – TransUnion
If you know your credit card was stolen, report the theft to the credit card issuer. If your checkbook or debit card was stolen, contact your bank.
For this step it’s really helpful if you’ve prepared a list of institutions and phone numbers in advance. Don’t write down account numbers, PINs or passwords — that would be just one more way for a thief to gain access to your personal information. But know what you’ve got. Keep a list of what’s in your wallet, along with the contact information for each item. The best place to keep this list is on an encrypted secure online file storage site.
File an Identity Theft Affidavit and a police report (see #4 below), and create an Identity Theft Report. You can file your report online, by phone (toll-free): 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338); TDD (toll-free): 1-866-653-4261, or by mail — 600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20580.
The FTC will provide you with information about what to do next, depending on what type of fraud was (or may have been) committed.
To complete the Identity Theft Report, you’ll need to contact your local law enforcement office and report the theft. Be sure to get a copy of the police report and/or the report number. Both your police report and the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit combine to create your Identity Theft Report. Your Identity Theft Report will help you when working with the credit reporting agencies or any other entities the identity thief may have contacted to open accounts in your name.
If your social security number was or may have been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration (800-269-0271) and the Internal Revenue Service (800-829-0433).
It’s important to talk to the SSA and the IRS if you have reason to believe your Social Security number has been compromised, even if you don’t yet see any evidence of financial fraud. A thief could be planning to swipe your tax refund, or to obtain employment or health care in your name.
If you have reason to believe the identity thief may have submitted a fraudulent change-of-address to the post office or has used the U.S. mail to commit the fraud against you, contact the Postal Inspection Service, which is the law enforcement and security branch of the post office. Fill out the online form.
This list is not exhaustive. These are only the first few steps. Indeed, clearing the wreckage of identity theft can be a laborious and complex process. For more information about how to prevent or recover from identity theft, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission offer a wealth of information and will walk you through the steps.
Member Testimonial
“I want to express my gratitude for one of your Loan Officers. He kept me updated each day, returned all my phone calls promptly, along with email questions. This young man went above and beyond all my expectations for customer service, and for that I will do all of my future banking with FCCU.”
Protecting Your Information
We recommend regularly monitoring your accounts and reviewing your credit reports for suspicious activity.
Security Resources for You
Identity Theft Protection
Learn the best ways to minimize risk and protect your information, with support from fraud specialists and more.
Real-Time Account Alerts
Get real-time text and/or email alerts about your account activity, including withdrawals, low balances, login attempts, and more.
Credit Score Powered by SavvyMoney
Monitor your credit score for free through Digital Banking and learn how to build your score or maintain an already great score.
Identity Theft Protection
Learn the best ways to minimize risk and protect your information, with support from fraud specialists and more.
Real-Time Account Alerts
Get real-time text and/or email alerts about your account activity, including withdrawals, low balances, login attempts, and more.
Credit Score Powered by SavvyMoney
Monitor your credit score for free through Digital Banking and learn how to build your score or maintain an already great score.
Your Financial Partner for Life
Established in 1940, First Commerce is a full-service, not-for-profit credit union with locations across North Florida and South Georgia. We are a member-owned cooperative and committed to the communities we serve. Our purpose is to empower people to enhance their financial well-being by helping them achieve their financial goals – whether it’s simplifying their day-to-day finances, buying their first car or home, or building a great retirement. When you bank with First Commerce, you get a truly personal experience backed by 80 years of financial expertise.
APR = Annual Percentage Rate; APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Six Pillars Financial Advisors products and services are not federally insured; are not obligations of or guaranteed by First Commerce Credit Union; involve investment risk; and may be offered by a dual employee who accepts deposits on behalf of First Commerce Credit Union and also sells non-deposit investment products on behalf of Six Pillars Financial Advisors.
