Fraud Protection

Security of Your Membership and Account Is Important

Orlando Credit Union members:

• Do not provide your Orlando Credit Union account information to anyone contacting you on behalf of Orlando Credit Union or to anyone seeking you to verify personal information over the phone, in an email or by text including your account number, your social security number, or your account pin number.
• Never share online banking credentials, including account passwords, or any information included on the back of an Orlando Credit Union credit or debit card, with someone calling you, in an email or by text.
• Stay vigilant in protecting yourself against fraud today and every day. If you experience any fraud with an Orlando Credit Union product or service, please contact 800-953-4567 at once. Together we make a difference.

Orlando Credit Union provides fraud alerts to keep you informed about potential threats to your account, membership, or any Orlando Credit Union products you use. Below is information about common types of fraud to help you stay protected.

Romance Scams

Romance scams often begin with fake profiles on dating or social media sites, using stolen photos and text. Scammers pretend to be someone they're not, like an oil rig worker, military personnel, or doctor. They quickly profess love and create emotional stories to request money for travel or other expenses. Once trust is gained, victims may send money, share financial account access, or even launder funds.

Victims can unknowingly become money mules, transferring money illegally. Scammers convince them to open or use financial accounts to move illicit funds. If flagged, the scammer may persuade the victim to open a new account or move on to a new target. Scammers can drain victims' life savings.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams

• Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.
• Keep social media accounts private and be cautious about who you’re connecting with.
• Review accounts daily and report any discrepancies immediately.
   

Website Domain Spoofing

A website domain spoofing scam happens when scammers create fake websites that look like real ones by using similar names and designs. The fake site tricks people into giving personal information, like passwords or credit card details. Scammers often send emails or messages with links to these fake sites.

To stay safe, always double-check the website address includes "orlandocreditunion.org" and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
 

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud involves scams conducted through interstate communication channels, such as phone calls, emails, or videos. It is similar to mail fraud but occurs strictly through electronic communications.

Common Examples of Wire Fraud

1. Phishing Emails: Fraudsters often send emails that appear to come from credible sources, such as a business, colleague, boss, or employee. These emails may request personal information or account details to process a transaction or deposit funds. Victims often comply without verifying the request, leading to financial losses or identity theft.

2. Online Dating Scams: In these scams, fraudsters pose as romantic interests, requesting money for emergencies or other fabricated reasons. They may claim to be U.S. citizens working overseas or in the military. Once funds are wired, the scammer disappears.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud

• Be cautious with unsolicited communications: Treat unexpected phone calls, emails, or text messages as potential scams.
• Verify the sender: Confirm the legitimacy of wiring instructions by contacting the sender directly using official contact information, such as their verified phone number or company website.
• Keep records safe: Securely store receipts, checks, and account information.
• Monitor your accounts regularly: Use Orlando Credit Union's free online and mobile banking to quickly detect suspicious activity.

Please contact Orlando Credit Union immediately at 800.953.4567 if you suspect fraud.
 

Fraud Targeting Debit and Credit Card Holders

Orlando Credit Union or the vendors (VISA) we partner with in providing card(s) to you will NOT now or EVER contact you seeking:

• A card pin number
• A card CVV number
• A card password
• A social security number

By any of the following channel formats, including but not limited to:

• Email
• Phone call
• Text message

If you receive such engagement, DO NOT RESPOND.

To avoid falling prey to scammers, always verify the legitimacy of a phone number before making any calls. 

Please ensure you are calling the official and correct phone numbers when contacting us for cards.
 

Receipt of Fraudulent Checks

Orlando Credit Union will not send you an Orlando Credit Union logo imprinted check to be used for the purpose of “Purchase Training Equipment.” Such checks are often counterfeit. DO NOT attempt to CASH this product. Please contact Orlando Credit Union at 800.953.4567 to verify the legitimacy of the check.
 

Loan Proceeds

Do NOT provide online banking credentials as a means to receive what you believe to be loan proceeds or disbursements. Legitimate lenders will deposit funds via ACH or provide a check. If you are asked to pay a large fee in order to receive these funds then the transaction is not legitimate. Legitimate lenders may charge a small application fee, typically around $35 or $50, and in some cases, this fee may be integrated into the loan.
 

Fraudulent Sweepstakes Winner

If you receive a communication by:

• Letter
• Email
• Phone call
• Text message

…that you are the winner of a sweepstakes with a check enclosed with the Orlando Credit Union logo on it and a request for you to contact the sweepstakes drawing organization so that they may assist you with managing the tax implications from your winnings. DO NOT contact the sweepstakes reference. This is usually a fraudulent set of actions. Instead, please contact Orlando Credit Union at 800.953.4567, inform us of your circumstance and we will determine the legitimacy of the interaction.