25 Fraud Tips In 2025

25 Tips from the 1st CCU Fraud Team. 

What is the 1st CCU Fraud Team? 

In 2024 1st CCU, like many other financials, noticed a rapid rise in fraud activity amongst members and local communities. To combat this we assembled a specialized team of experts from various departments across the organization. Their purpose - inform and educate the 1st CCU staff, members, and the local community on trending scams and how to better recognize potential fraud. Since the creation of the group, 1st CCU's Fraud Team has helped save members thousands of dollars and create a knowledgeable staff. 

Here are 25 Tips to help avoid fraud in 2025: 

1. Be Cautious about unsolicited emails. 
   1. Do not click on links from unsolicited emails.
   2. Do not open attachments unless you are certain it is legitimate. 
2. Be cautious about text messages. 
   1. Do not click links unless you are certain it is legitimate. 
   2. Look the number up on Google! Many times common scams can be identified with this. 
3. Do not give your Online Banking login information to ANYONE!
   1. Scammers will pose as employers and ask for you Online Banking credentials. 
   2. Nobody (including 1st CCU) needs to know your login. 
4. Keep updated firewall and virus software on your devices. 
5. Use complex passwords. Phrases and other non-identifying words are great. 
6. Keep an eye on your accounts!
   1. Monitor your accounts consisently with Online Banking or Mobile App. 
   2. Report suspicious activity right away. 
7. Use 1st CCU as a resource. If you are unsure about something contact us!
8. Use trusted sites when shopping online. 
   1. Look for the Lock Symbol. 
9. Don't purchase items from Social Media sites. 
   1. Go to their website directly through Google to verify the deal is legitimate. 
10. Fraudsters typically want you to act quickly. 
    1. Don't rush. Stop and think before sharing information or sending money. 
11. Family and friends asking for money is a red flag. 
    1. If you get a call or text from someone asking for money, you may want to hang up and call them directly. 
12. Someone asking to be paid in bitcoin or other non traditional payment is a red flag. 
13. Share information and help protect other family and friends that are vulnerable. 
14. If it's too good to be true, it probably is!
15. Fraudsters may claim your family is in jail or injured.
16. Ask questions that only that family or friend would know.
17. DO NOT send money to someone you haven't met. 
    1. This includes online dating. 
18.