October 2, 2023
Very Important ALERT!
Tips to ensure the security of your account:
- Never share your username or password with anyone. Passwords are secure and no one at MCECU will ask you for this information.
- Be selective when giving your debit and credit card information out, and never share your PIN number.
- Practice restraint. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- If anyone offers to send you money and asks for money back or asks you to send the money to someone else, it is fraud. The transaction will be returned and will leave you on the hook for the amount.
- Monitor your accounts often and take advantage of our online/mobile alerts. Report any suspicious or unauthorized activity immediately to our Member Service Center at 901-321-1200.
Scammers know how valuable your personal and financial information is — and they’ll do or say almost anything to get it. What can you do to keep it safe?
The best way to protect your info from scammers is to recognize a phishing scam, but how do you know what to look for? Here’s an example.
Say you get an unexpected text, email, or call that looks like it’s from a company you know, like Microsoft or Apple. They claim there’s a problem with your account and say you need to click a link or call a number to update your info as soon as possible. They might even say they’ve noticed suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account. The alert may seem like it’s coming from a company you know, but it’s a scammer who wants to steal your info — which could lead to identity theft.
Here’s how to keep your info safe from scammers:
- Don’t give your info to anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Honest organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for your info, like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers.
- Don’t click on any links. If you get an email or text from a company you know and do business with, contact them using a website you know is real. Or look up their phone number — but don’t call a number they gave you or the number from your caller ID.
- Update your security software. This will protect your computer and phone from security threats, which could expose your personal or financial info to scammers.
You might spot these frauds — but someone you know might need support. Please share this info with your friends, family, and fellow service members and veterans during Military Consumer Month and all year round. And report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
FTC Consumer Alert
FTC Consumer Alert
No, that’s not the IRS texting about a tax refund or rebate. It’s a scam.
By Gema de Las Heras
IRS impersonators have been around for a while. But as more people get to know their tricks, they’re switching it up. So instead of contacting you about a tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up, scammers may send you a text about a “tax rebate” or some other tax refund or benefit. Here’s what to know about the new twist.
Tried to Cancel a Service But Couldn’t? Learn steps to take.
Have you ever been unhappy with a service — like your phone or Internet — and tried to cancel it? But, when you tried, you found it difficult or nearly impossible? Learn about the ways companies illegally trick or trap people who use their services, steps to take, and your rights.
Read more >CONSUMER ALERT
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Automakers are producing fewer new cars right now due to a computer chip shortage, and many people are looking at used cars instead. If you’re shopping for a used car and feeling rushed to buy a car before you can fully check it out — stop! Some used cars may have flood damage.
After a hurricane or flood, storm-damaged cars are sometimes cleaned up and taken out of state for sale. You may not know a car is damaged until you look at it closely. Here are some steps to take when you shop:
Check for signs and smells of flood damage. Is there mud or sand under the seats or dashboard? Is there rust around the doors? Is the carpet loose, stained, or mismatched? Do you smell mold or decay — or an odor of strong cleaning products — in the car or trunk?
Check for a history of flood damage. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NCIB) free database will show if a car was flood-damaged, stolen but not recovered, or otherwise declared as salvaged — but only if the car was insured when it was damaged.
Get a vehicle history report. Start at vehiclehistory.gov to get free information about a vehicle’s title, most recent odometer reading, and condition. For a fee, you can get other reports with additional information, like accident and repair history. The FTC doesn’t endorse any specific services. Learn more at ftc.gov/usedcars.
Get help from an independent mechanic. A mechanic can inspect the car for water damage that can slowly destroy mechanical and electrical systems and cause rust and corrosion.
Report fraud. If you suspect a dealer is knowingly selling a storm-damaged car or a salvaged vehicle as a good-condition used car, contact the NICB. Also tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.
Avoiding SSA scams
Scammers stay busy trying to take advantage of people. Some scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and try to get your Social Security number or your money.
Here's what to know:
- Do not trust caller ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration and look like the agency’s real number, but it’s not the SSA calling.
- Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
- SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
- Talk about it. If you’re getting these calls, chances are your friends and family are too. Please talk with them about it.
- People who know about scams are much less likely to fall for them. So by discussing them you are helping protect people you care for and people in your community.
Chat with us!
Our Online Chat Support connects you with the same excellent member service staff that you would speak with, if calling into our Member Service Center.
During business hours, you can chat with us using both Audio and chat options. Simply click on the chat bubble at the bottom right corner of our homepage or the bubble at the bottom of your mobile or online banking pages.
Try it! We are looking forward to chatting with you!
Note: In order for the Chat Bubble Feature to function properly, make sure you are using one of the following browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Chrome, Firefox for Android
- Mobile Safari for IOS/APPLE
Federal Insurance Coverage
The shares in Memphis City Employees Credit Union are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).