Security Center

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

As digital natives, Gen Z spends much of their time online—scrolling through social media, shopping, or simply staying connected. While the internet offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with risks. Fraudsters are becoming more creative, targeting young users in new and sophisticated ways. Here are some of the most common types of fraud that Gen Z should be aware of:  1. Social Media Scams  Fraudsters often use social media platforms to spread scams, like fake giveaways or fraudulent investment opportunities. If a post claims you can double your money instantly or win high-value prizes just by sharing personal information—it’s…

AI has introduced exciting innovations, but it also fuels a new wave of sophisticated scams. Generative AI enables fraudsters to create highly realistic fake content, like audio and video imitations, making phishing and other scams harder to detect. This technology can replicate voices convincingly with minimal audio, even from short social media clips, posing risks for everyone.  To counter these threats, PEFCU emphasizes proactive education. Regular training helps our staff stay sharp against new tactics, and we urge members to stay alert. Here are a few essential tips:  Verify Every Request: Always confirm the identity of callers or message senders.…

As technology continues to grow and evolve, more and more of our lives move online. This trend also extends to our jobs, especially when it comes to searching for and applying for work. Unfortunately, this shift can lead to eager employment seekers unknowingly becoming targets of scams.   With the rise of online job searches and applications, there has also been a substantial increase in employment scams. Understanding how to spot these scams and knowing the steps you can take to prevent falling into fraudsters’ traps is essential.   Understanding Job Scams  A recent surge in employment scams has been circulating on…

Imagine logging into your account to make your monthly credit card bill, and you come face-to-face with a slew of charges you did not make or authorize. Unfortunately, fraud happens. Despite top-of-the-line security on your accounts and the best identity practices, criminals still find a way.   Your first reaction to fraudulent credit card charges might be panic, fear, or anger. While emotional reactions are natural, it’s time to act logically and work toward solving the problem. Knowing the proper steps to take in the aftermath of credit card fraud can minimize damage and prevent future incidents.     Understanding Credit Card…

Many technological advancements are designed to simplify your life, providing an added layer of convenience to your everyday tasks. However, with new technology also comes the threat of exploitation by scammers. Unfortunately, this trend has stepped into the world of QR codes – stripping away protections once enjoyed by consumers.   QR codes are commonly used to share information quickly and easily with a simple snap of your phone’s camera. As businesses increasingly rely on this tool to communicate with their customers, criminals are stepping in to abuse these scenarios for their own gain.   In this article, we’ll highlight common QR…

With the advent of payment apps like CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle, sending and receiving money is now quicker and easier than ever. Whether splitting a dinner bill, sending a friend money for concert tickets, or handling your portion of rent and utilities, peer-to-peer payment apps provide convenient payment with just a few taps.   However, with convenience sometimes comes risk. A new scam is making the rounds targeting users of these peer-to-peer payment apps. This scam involves sending “accidental” payments to unsuspecting users. It may seem harmless at first glance, and you may even think, “What’s so bad about someone accidentally…

It’s unfortunate, but you must give it to them – scammers are creative. Just when you thought you’d seen every ploy in the book, a new wave of scams emerges that are hard to resist. Why? Because they threaten legal action right away.  Fraudsters are impersonating the courts, and their messages are very convincing. On top of that, it’s your curiosity and fear that drives you to follow their instructions. The best way to beat scammers and avoid their games is to understand how their schemes operate.     Understanding Court Scams   There are two common court scams making the rounds.…

Gift cards are fun to receive and even better to give to others. Need to grab a last-minute gift? Don’t know what to give the person who has everything? Or buying for a teen that prefers to do their own shopping? No matter your circumstance, there’s a gift card for that!   Racks of gift cards can be found for sale in every store. Their popularity, availability, and ease of purchasing make them a top choice for many consumers. However, those same qualities are precisely what makes them attractive to fraudsters.   Understanding Gift Card Scams   Gift card scammers employ deceptive…