Fraud

Scams are on the rise in 2025

Recent scams we want you to be aware of:
  If you receive calls like this don’t give the caller any information, hang up and contact the credit union.

  • Spoofed Phone Numbers: Caller IDs can be manipulated to display official numbers. Even if your caller ID shows the credit union’s number, be wary. If the call seems suspicious, hang up and call us directly.
  • Credit Union Impersonators: Fraudsters may contact you claiming to be the credit union and ask you to verify your account information. We will never ask you to verify sensitive information when we are initiating contact with you. We will never send you an email with an attachment unless you have specifically requested us to send you a blank document via email. We will never solicit sensitive information via email or text.
  • Forgot Password” Tricks: Scammers may ask for your username or request a verification code sent to your phone, claiming they need it to reset your password. Never share these details.
  • Someone claiming to be Amazon: Scammers may contact you saying your Amazon account was breeched and requesting your account information or request you to buy gift cards and give the numbers on the gift card.  No one from a reputable business would require you to purchase gift cards and disclose the information on them.
  • IRS or Unemployment office Impersonators: The IRS, State or Federal Government will never call you for personal information.
  • Microsoft/Windows Impersonators: Microsoft/Windows and you have a problem with your personal computer, and they need to access your computer with your username and password, or need you to install a program to give them remote access.  Never give out your username and passwords – this is a scam to take over your computer.  Windows and Apple will never call and ask for this information.
  • Avoid purchasing items from popup ads on social media.  Get out of the popup ad and look for the item on a reputable website. 

If you receive communication that requests this type of sensitive information, please be suspicious of the request, and do not provide any of the requested information, and contact IBEW & United Workers FCU directly if necessary.

Identifying and Reporting Fraud
For your protection, please know that IBEWUWFCU will never initiate a request for sensitive information via phone, email, or text, or send any unsolicited email attachments.  Sensitive information includes:

  • Social Security number
  • Member number
  • Account numbers
  • Debit or credit card number
  • Debit card or credit card PIN
  • Debit card or credit card security code (on the back of the card)
  • Passwords
  • Code Word

If you contact the credit union

  • We will ask questions to verify your identity to ensure we are keeping your information safe.
  • Consider coming to the credit union to add a code word to your account.
  • Do not keep your code word, PIN, Social Security Number, or other sensitive information in your wallet, or in places that are easily accessible to others.

When you think you have been a victim of fraud, time is of the essence and the sooner you can report it the lower the impact will be on you and your finances. 

Lost or Stolen Debit or Credit Card
You can temporarily block all plastic cards on our Mobile App under Manage Your Cards or you can call:

Lost or Stolen debit card
888-297-3416 (within U.S.)
206-389-5200 (outside U.S.)

Lost or Stolen Visa credit card

833-933-1681 (within US)
812-647-9794 (outside US)

Contact Us Right Away
503-253-8193 Option 5 or plastics@ibewuwfcu.com and some additional steps to take

  • Contact your local Police Department.  If you are a victim of identity theft, let the local authorities know and file a police report
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
  • File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
  • File a complaint with the Social Security Administration if you feel your Social Security information has been compromised.
  • Keep Records and document the names, numbers and details of the conversation of everyone you contact regarding the incident.

Report Fraud
Report fraud, get your three Credit Bureau credit reports, report identity theft, register for the national Do Not Call list and more with the Federal Trade Commission.

Credit Bureaus
It is recommended that you review your credit report at least annually to help prevent fraud and verify the accuracy of information. 

  • Equifax 800-685-1111     PO Box 740241 Atlanta GA 30374-0241
  • Transunion 800-888-4213     PO Box 2000 Chester PA 19022-2000
  • Experian 888-397-3742     PO Box 9556 Allen TX 75013

To obtain a free credit report visit annualcreditreport.com