FRAUD ALERT!

Dear Member,

As internet fraud has risen, Waterfront Federal Credit Union has received a number of phone calls from our membership on how to handle emails, text messages or fake websites asking them to provide private financial information. The internet has changed the world, but the anonymity of the originating source creates the opportunity for scams making it a popular method for con artists. It is extremely difficult to trace the source of an emails, text messages or fake websites because some originate overseas. Internet fraud is on the rise, and scam artists are getting more resourceful in their method of trying to gather your private information. Once you provide this information to the scam, it may used to run up your account and/or use the information to commit identity theft leaving you a mess to clean up. Your credit rating may also be affected.

Here are some important tips to protect your personal information:

Emails, websites or text messages that instruct you to go online to provide or verify or confirm financial or sensitive personal information, DON'T BELIEVE IT. Many times these emails mimic the look of the financial institution, right down to their logo, and the email is worded so it appears that an immediate reply is necessary. Waterfront Federal Credit Union or any other financial institution will never send you an email asking for your credit or debit card, account number, social security number, login information (such as a PIN) or other confidential data.

If you feel you have already complied with a request for information, you should contact Waterfront Federal Credit Union and your other financial institution(s) immediately. It may require you to close a compromised debit and credit cards and open new accounts. You may also ask for a unique password to be set up on your account(s) to be asked when you interact with WFCU. It is always important to monitor your credit and you may order a free credit report at: 877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com.

The only place you should look for information regarding Waterfront Federal Credit Union is www.waterfrontfcu.com .
If you are ever unsure about a phone number, feel free to verify it with the information listed under the “Contact” at the top of our webpage. If you have any questions about identity theft or an unusual email/text message or phone call, please feel free to contact us at 206-622-8415 or memberservice@waterfrontfcu.com.

Our best advice to you is “If it doesn't feel right, don't do it and give us a call.”

Thank you for your membership!



William J. Holguin
President/CEO

Here are some additional sources for information regarding identity theft and reporting internet crimes:
Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICCC): www.ic3.gov