Security Education - Community First Credit Union

Current Fraud - Text & Email Messages
Lost Stolen or Damaged Cards

Current Fraud - Text & Email Messages

UPDATED: 12/17/24

Fraud Texts are Rampant This Time of Year

Text message impersonations and fraud increase dramatically this time of year. Recently, our members have received several versions of fraudulent text messages, including the following:

Stay Alert

Please be extremely cautious of any texts (or calls) claiming to be from Community First Credit Union.

As a reminder, WE WILL NEVER call or text requesting your:

Login Credentials
Authentication Code
Debit Card Number
ANY personal information or identification

If you have any doubt, whatsoever, about a call or text received by our credit union, DO NOT engage or respond.

Instead, call us directly to report it:

(920) 830-7200

UPDATED: 12/5/24
Unusual Activity Text Scam

Several CFCU members have reported receiving fraudulent texts warning of unusual activity on their accounts that could result in a temporary account hold or account closure. The recipient is urged to click on the link to resolve the issue, at which point their information becomes susceptible to fraud. Our team is currently working to shut down the websites linked in these messages.
If you receive a message like these ones, DO NOT click on the link.

Fraud-Text-Scam-Example-(1).png

If you believe you may have given your information by mistake, please contact us immediately so we can take steps to protect your accounts.

Contact our Member Contact Center at (920) 830-7200.
Change your Digital Banking Password.
Refresh Digital Banking Security Questions.
Lock your Debit Card.
Setup Digital Banking notifications to monitor your account activity.

UPDATED: 11/22/24

SIM Swap Scams

Several members have reported experiencing a SIM swap on their phones, all of whom are also Spectrum customers. In each case, the member received a message from Spectrum stating there had been a SIM swap on their phone. Shortly thereafter, they lost the ability to use their phone.
A SIM swap can result in a criminal being able to intercept a user’s calls, texts and other messages, making it possible for them to obtain security and authentication codes intended for the user. They can then use those codes to access the user’s accounts and steal their personal information.
In the event you receive an email or text from your phone carrier, become unable to use your device, and/or notice unauthorized transactions on your credit card statement, contact your carrier AND us immediately so we can take steps to protect your accounts.

Contact our Member Contact Center at (920) 830-7200.
Change your Digital Banking Password.
Refresh Digital Banking Security Questions.
Lock your Debit Card.
Set up Digital Banking notifications to monitor your account activity.

Read more about SIM Swap fraud.

UPDATED: 11/27/24

Beware of Bitcoin Scams

Members were recently contacted by scammers claiming to work for government agencies like "Fincen," the "FDIC" and fraud departments based out of Washington D.C. They informed the members that they were investigating CFCU and they should pull their money from their accounts and put it into a Bitcoin ATM to keep it safe. These warnings have been received via text, calls, letters, and emails. In each case the member was instructed not to contact CFCU as it could potentially compromise the investigation.

In one instance, the member provided transactions to the scammer in the form of Bitcoin and gift cards, making the chances of recovering his money extremely unlikely.

It is critical that you understand Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Once your money is gone, it's gone for good.

To report a Bitcoin scam:

Inform your financial institution right away, especially if you moved money.
Contact the police.
Submit the information to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Visit our blog to learn more about bitcoin scams and how to avoid them.

UPDATED: 7/23/24

CrowdStrike Outage Leads to Rise in Phishing Scams

The global CrowdStrike outage continues to cause service and website disruptions for customers around the world, creating an opportunity for cybercriminals to compromise unsuspecting victims. Malicious actors are creating fake websites to lure victims by promising a quick fix to the CrowdStrike scam. In some cases, the scammers are also impersonating CrowdStrike employees through email and phone.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the outage:
1.   Make sure you are speaking only with someone from CrowdStrike, not an impersonator.
2.   If you get a pop-up – immediately turn off your computer. When you turn it back on, the pop-up should be gone.
3.   If members receive a call, email or text message from someone offering a fix for the CrowdStrike outage, they should not click on any links, or respond to the texts or calls.
4.   CrowdStrike has provided a link to updates through their support portal at https://supportportal.crowdstrike.com/s/login/.
If you believe you may have given your information by mistake, please contact us immediately so we can take steps to protect your accounts.

Contact our Member Contact Center at (920) 830-7200.
Change your Digital Banking Password.
Refresh Digital Banking Security Questions.
Lock your Debit Card.
Set up Digital Banking notifications to monitor your account activity.

UPDATED: 6/26/24

Members Receiving Spoof CFCU Calls

Several members have reported receiving calls and texts from our known CFCU number, (920) 830-7200. The caller is claiming to be from Community First Credit Union and instructing members to provide personal information. Members have reported the caller:
Questioning them about recent transactions:

Having a strong accent
Calling several times in a row
Requesting card numbers, PINs, and 3-digit CSV codes

Remember, we will never call or text requesting this information. If you receive one of these calls or texts, or believe you may have given your information by mistake, contact us immediately so we can take steps to protect your accounts.

Contact our Member Contact Center at (920) 830-7200.
Change your Digital Banking Password.
Refresh Digital Banking Security Questions.
Set up Digital Banking notifications to more actively monitor your account activity.

UPDATED: 5/15/24

Fraudulent Verification Scam

Members are reporting that they are being contacted through automated and live phone calls from people identifying themselves as being with Community First. The fraudster mentions that they will be sending a code to confirm information and the member is asked to verify it with their debit card PIN. Do not engage with these messages. Sharing your code can allow the fraudster access to your debit card.
Please note: Community First will NEVER ask you for your debit card PIN, digital banking credentials, activation codes, or other sensitive information.
If you believe you may have given your information by mistake, please contact us immediately so we can take steps to protect your accounts.

Contact our Member Contact Center at (920) 830-7200.
Change your Digital Banking Password.
Refresh Digital Banking Security Questions.
Lock your Debit Card.
Setup Digital Banking notifications to monitor your account activity.

Lost Stolen or Damaged Cards

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Card

You can report your card lost or stolen if you are missing your card or think someone stole your card information. Damaged cards can be replaced.

For Lost or Stolen Cards:

CREDIT CARDS

DEBIT CARD

If you are not a Digital Banking user:
Call us at 920-830-7200 Mon-Fri, 7 am to 6 pm, Sat, 7 am to 1 pm CST.

Outside of these days and times, please call 866-820-5874 (24hrs).

If you are a Digital Banking user:
1. Login to Digital Banking.
2. Select your card.
3. Select Card Controls.
4. Toggle the card to Off.
5. Select Report Card as Lost/Stolen from the More menu.
6. Review your transactions for any unauthorized activity. Be sure to notify us immediately if anything looks suspicious.

If you are not a Digital Banking user:
Call us at 920-830-7200 Mon-Fri, 7 am to 6 pm, Sat, 7 am to 1 pm CST.

Outside of these days and times, please call 866-820-8847.

If you are a Digital Banking user:
1. Login to Digital Banking.
2. Select the account associated with the card.
3. Select Card Controls.
4. Toggle the card to Off.
5. Call 920-830-7200 or 866-820-8847 (24hrs) immediately.
6. Review your transactions for any unauthorized activity. Be sure to notify us immediately if anything looks suspicious.

Damaged Card

We understand that after a while there can be some wear and tear on your card that makes it impossible or difficult to use, like a scratched swipe strip or worn off numbers. We’ll send you a replacement card, free of charge. Your card number will not change, but your expiration date will change. Please update your accounts accordingly

CREDIT CARD	DEBIT CARD
If you are not a Digital Banking user: Call us at 920-830-7200 Mon-Fri, 7 am to 6 pm, Sat, 7 am to 1 pm CST to request a replacement card. If you are a Digital Banking user: 1. Login to Digital Banking. 2. Select your Card. 3. Card Services. 4. Select Request New Card.	To replace a damaged debit card, please contact a Member Service Representative in our Member Contact Center at 920-830-7200 during business hours.