LFCU has substantial measures in place to protect your accounts against theft and fraud. The following list of information, tips and resources is designed to help you protect yourself from identity theft and other serious crimes.
IRS Warns of New Scams
New scams have surfaced this year, the IRS is reporting. With phone and email scams related to tax season and economic stimulus payments, fraudsters are looking to gather taxpayers' financial institution account numbers and other personal information.
Phone Scenario - The caller will ask for account information so that he/she can forward stimulus payments. Please note that the IRS is not contacting people for information. It is distributing payments based on tax returns that they have received from taxpayers.
Email Scenario - You may receive an email appearing to be from the IRS with a link to a form that requests your personal information. The sender claims the appropriate payments will be distributed by direct deposit. With this scam, fraudsters are seeking your financial information so they can withdraw funds from your accounts.
Remember that your tax return already has all the information the IRS needs to forward you any owed dollars. Be suspicious of any party asking for your personal and financial information by phone, text or email.
To read more about these fraudulent activities and how to recognize scams, please click here.
How To Report Fraud
If you suspect you or someone you know has been the victim of account fraud, action should taken right away. Click here for what to do.
Identity Theft
If you become a victim of identity theft, it can cost you hundreds of dollars and up to two years to repair your credit rating. LFCU can help you recover your good name at no cost to you. Click here to learn more.
Email Scams
Fraudulent emails, also known as "phishing", attempt to trick people by sending messages that direct them to legitimate looking websites that request them to provide their Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other financial information used in identity theft crimes. Learn more about "phishing" and how to avoid it.
Online Fraud
Online fraud is in no way limited to email. Pop-up ads, phony websites and other online scams can also lure victims into handing over personal or financial information that can lead to identity theft and other serious crimes. Learn more about online fraud, tips to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
Text Message Scams
Never reply to a text message asking you to send a text response with your bank account or personal identification numbers. No legitimate financial institution will ever ask its customers to verify their PIN via an unsolicited text message, email or even phone call. When in doubt, call the organization back at a number you know to be valid. Don't let fraudsters get a hold of your personal information.
Home Computer and Network Security
Browse this section to learn more about improving your computer and home network security. Focus is on the Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems. However, many of the suggestions apply to any operating system. There are links to other resources on the web as well!
Fraud Watchlist
Identity theft and online fraud are just the tip of the iceberg. To help protect yourself, become familiar with this Fraud Watchlist of recent fraudulent activity and other popular scams. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back periodically.
Protect Your Money and Your Privacy
Any user of technology knows the power and convenience of the digital age. But as more and more consumers move online for services, so do the thieves interested in profiting at your expense.
Put proven best practices to work for you to avoid becoming the next victim. LFCU's Digital Defense portal is free and covers the following topics: 
- Is it safe to shop online?
- Ensure safe online financial transactions
- Protect your home computer
- Say no to online thieves
- Ward off viruses and worms
- Smart tips for child safety online
More Resources
Browse this section to find more information, articles and resources on identity theft, online fraud and other fraudulent activity.
