By accessing the noted link you will be leaving Vermont Federal Credit Union's website and entering a website hosted by another party. We encourage you to read and evaluate the privacy and security policies of the site you are entering, which may be different than those of Vermont Federal Credit Union.
At Vermont Federal Credit Union, we work diligently to ensure your safety and security. We want to help protect your personal information, your accounts, your identity and, ultimately, your money.
In today's electronic age, it's extremely important to be careful when doing business online or over the telephone. You should always stay informed about security issues and activities that could affect your economic future. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website to learn more about different types of scams, and what to do if you've fallen victim to fraud. Check back here often for any updated security information.
E-mail phishing attacks are attempts by criminals to gain access to your personal information. Criminals send spam e-mails created to sound and look like official notices. Information entered into these websites goes directly to the criminal. These e-mails and websites usually look trustworthy and convincing. Keep your personal information safe with these Tips.
Identity theft involves personal information such as name, address, date of birth, social security number or a mother's maiden name being stolen in order to assume an individual's identity. Learn More.
Voice phishing attacks are attacks by criminals to gain access to your personal information utilizing the telephone. Criminals use phone systems to call phone numbers and play an automated recording to alert the consumer that their credit card or debit card has had fraudulent activity or that their account has had unusual activity. The message typically instructs the consumer to call a phone number immediately. When the victim calls the number an automated system instructs the caller to enter their card information or account number using the keypad. The call can also be used to collect other sensitive personal information. A trustworthy organization will never request sensitive information in this manner.
Text message phishing is a form of criminal activity using text message to acquire personal information utilizing cell phone text messages. The text message will include an alert requesting immediate attention with a website URL or phone number in an attempt to convince consumers to divulge sensitive personal information. These text messages are not sent from legitimate sources.
Scams of this sort can come from people calling and claiming to be associated with well-known technology companies, such as Microsoft or Apple. Sometimes they send pop-up messages that warn about viruses or other malware on your computer. They will claim to be tech support, ask for remote access, and demand money for their "services". Learn more.
The United States Secret Service has received reporting of a well-organized Nigerian fraud ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit large-scale fraud against state unemployment insurance programs. The primary state targeted so far is Washington, while there is also evidence of attacks in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Florida. It is extremely likely every state is vulnerable to this scheme and will be targeted if they have not been already.
In the state of Washington, individuals residing out-of-state are receiving multiple ACH deposits from the State of Washington Unemployment Benefit Program, all in different individuals’ names with no connection to the account holder. A substantial amount of the fraudulent benefits submitted have used Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from first responders, government personnel, and school employees. It is assumed the fraud ring behind this possesses a substantial PII database to submit the volume of applications observed thus far.
Vermont Federal is monitoring for this activity and will reach out to account holders as quickly as possible if this activity is detected.
If an account holder receives a deposit they weren’t expecting, it is very important that they don’t spend the money and notify their financial institution immediately.
Vermont Federal recommends that people use online or mobile banking to review their account transaction history on a daily basis in order to quickly identify any unauthorized transactions.
During this unprecedented time, the safety and well-being of our staff, members and community remain our number one priority. We are here to help. If you have any questions about this alert, best security practices, or any other topic, please contact us at (888) 252-0202.
Still Have Questions?
Contact
84 Pine Street (100 Financial Plaza)
Post Office Box 407
Burlington, VT 05402-0407
Phone: (802) 658-0225
Toll-Free: (888) 252-0202
Fax: (802) 864-6938
©2020 VFCU. All Rights Reserved.
NMLS Institutional ID #466013
Routing and Transit number 211691062
