These are examples of common fraud schemes
(not necessarily experienced by NEFCU members).
In the wake of a natural disaster, most people’s primary concern is making sure that everyone is safe and sound.
Generally done by phone, the fraudster takes advantage of your desire to be helpful.
You see a pop-up message on your computer that tells you your computer has a virus.
Generally initiated via email or postal mail, a letter is sent by the scammer stating that you have won a lottery.
Scammers will contact their victims through fake profiles on dating sites and apps, or through popular social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, or Google Hangouts.
A scammer will contact their victim via an online sales ad, such as an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, asking to purchase the item.
Scammers advertise jobs the same way legitimate employers do — online (in ads, on job sites, and social media).
The scammer will contact their victims via phone call, email, or text and pose as someone from an often-well-known business such as Amazon or Norton Anti-Virus.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
NEFCUOnline Account Access
Your Credit Union has taken many steps to ensure the security of NEFCUOnline. We provide system and transaction security through strong authentication, encryption and digital certification software. Access to your account via NEFCUOnline is only allowed through the devices you have designated to have access to your account. You will be required to use your username and a valid password to access the system. For your protection, your credit union recommends that you memorize your password and do not write it down (just like an ATM PIN). You should never give your password to anyone or let anyone see you enter your password when you are logging in to NEFCUOnline. In addition, you should change your password periodically and do not use easily identified passwords such as birth dates, years, etc. To better protect you, you will have only a limited number of tries to input the password correctly. If you accidentally become locked out of NEFCUOnline, you will need to call NEFCU Contact Center at 800.400.8790 or stop in to one of our branches for assistance.
With Shared Access, you can grant access to designated individuals. As the account holder, you determine which accounts your subuser(s) should see and you choose whether you want them to have “View Only” access or whether you want them to perform certain types of transactions such as internal transfers and bill payments. If you opt to grant access to BillPay, you must set a per transaction limit. Any transactions submitted by a subuser that exceed this limit will require your approval before they process.
To get started, click on “Additional Services” and select “Share Access with Others” from the dropdown menu. This link will take you to the page where you can add subusers, manage their permissions, or revoke access at any time. If you have any pending transaction to approve, they will also be displayed at the top of this page.
Your information is kept strictly confidential. NEFCUOnline requires a combination of the correct username and corresponding password to access any confidential information. Plus, login is only allowed from the device(s) that you have designated to have access to your account. Unless you share your login information with others and give them physical access to your devices or you opt to grant access to another user through the Shared Access (entitlements) feature, no one but you will be able to access your account information through NEFCUOnline or over the Internet.
Transaction data that appears in NEFCUOnline is refreshed each time NEFCUOnline is loaded. Consequently, there is no account data storage outside the Credit Union with NEFCUOnline.
Turbo Tax and FinanceWorks data is stored within Digital Insight systems. Digital Insight systems are secured with encryption, perimeter and internal firewalls, screening and filtering routers, intrusion detection, strict authentication, virus protection, and application security. Digital Insight network architecture is structured so servers that store member information are not directly connected to the Internet.
Additionally, Digital Insight employs policies and procedures to ensure the highest level of security throughout their organization including physical controls such as retina eye scan authentication for access to their data centers, administrative controls such as clear personnel policies and background checks, and a team of security specialists who provide 24/7 support. In addition, Ernst & Young performs an SSAE 16 Audit (the latest AICPA standard) of Digital Insight's service controls, and measures their effectiveness. This assessment includes physical facilities as well as Internet operations.
As always, some Credit Union employees have access to member financial data by virtue of their role at the Credit Union. However, that access is governed by internal policies and by several layers of security safeguards. In addition, the Credit Union's security is examined annually by external auditors and by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Each year, millions of Americans discover that criminals have fraudulently assumed their identities. A fraudster using a stolen Social Security number or other personal information can quickly run up thousands of dollars in purchases before the victim becomes aware that their identity has been stolen.
Identity theft has become the fastest-growing crime in America, a crime which usually leaves victims with the responsibility of cleaning up a web of phony purchases, bogus accounts, and damaged credit ratings.
Take Action to Avoid Identity Theft
If you are concerned about potential identity theft for your child or children under 18 years of age, you can use this form to send a letter to the three primary credit bureaus. You will need to enter your information three times, since the form creates letters to all three bureaus.
If you are concerned that your child under the age of 18 is a victim of identity theft, you should contact the three credit bureaus and ask them to search for your child’s information. Visit the following FTC’s website for further information: How To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information
If you think you are a victim, visit any branch or call us at 802.879.8790 or 800.400.8790.
Visit the sites below for further information on fraud prevention and what to do if you become a victim.
To help limit the amount of telemarketing calls you receive and your chances of a scammer contacting you, you can register your phone number(s) with the National Do Not Call Registry here: https://www.donotcall.gov/
To stay up to date on scams, visit the following summary page on the FTC website and subscribe to Consumer Alerts by clicking on “Get Email Updates”: Scam Alerts | FTC Consumer Information
ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal government's website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices.
Money Smart for Older Adults Guide
Visit consumer.ftc.gov to find tips and learn how to avoid scams.
Consider placing a security freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies. This can be done online or by phone. A security freeze prohibits, with certain specific exceptions, the credit reporting agency from releasing the consumer’s credit report or any information from it without the authorization of the consumer.
Equifax
Security Freeze | Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit | Equifax®
Experian
Security Freeze Center at Experian
Transunion
Credit Freeze | Freeze My Credit | TransUnion
The Attorney’s General Office is also another Consumer Protection resource that you can reach out to if you are a victim of fraud. Visit this direct link to the Vermont AGO’s website: Scams - Office of the Vermont Attorney General
If you think you have become a victim of identity theft, or if you have any questions, visit any of our branch, or call NEFCU Contact Center at 802.879.8790 or 800.400.8790.