Current Fraud Trends to look out for:

• New as of 6/15/10: Mail Scam tries to trick people into thinking they've received a large government grant.

  Remember the old adage that if it's too good to be true it probably isn't? Well, that's the case in a new mail fraud scheme where members receive a letter claiming they have received a large grant from various agencies of the US government, along with a "check". If you receive a letter similar to this, exercise caution. The likelihood of an unexpected check like this is extremely rare.

• Identity Theft
• Know who you are giving your personal information to-especially on the phone or over the internet
• Shred any documents with personal information on them before discarding
• Regularly check your account and credit card or line of credit statements for unauthorized activity. Report suspicious activity at once-you may be instructed to also file a police report. To make monitoring of your accounts easier, enroll in PFCU Online Banking and Bill Pay today! Click here for a quick and easy demo.
• Ensure that your mail box is safe. Many people are now purchasing mail boxes with locks on them for added protection.
• Sign up for E-Statements. Save time, save trees, save money while protecting your privacy and the environment!
• If someone calls you and starts asking for personal information, call back to the number you have for that company (Don’t let the caller give you a number) before sharing any information.

False E-mail Claiming to Be From the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

The subject line of the e-mails state: "you need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage." The e-mail tells recipients that, "You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account. Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets." The e-mail then directs recipients to click on a link stating "You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage."

This e-mail and associated Web site are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users' computers and should not click on the link provided.

The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail.

• Phishing schemes-Criminals will try to contact you by mail or e-mail pretending to be from the Credit Union or one of your other financial institutions, sometimes warning you of potential security risks, sometimes offering you a great deal of some kind. Do not respond with any personal information. Do not use any links or contact info provided in the e-mail. Use web addresses and phone numbers that you know to be correct to contact them. Sometimes the e-mail might look like it's from PFCU or another institution with which you do business but don’t be fooled. When in doubt, play it safe!
• The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has reported a new Phishing scheme which even promises to pay $40 for completing it. Credit Union members receive an e-mail pretending to be from the NCUA in the form of an "online questionnaire or survey." The e-mails are fraudulent, the NCUA warns, and may be an attempt to obtain confidential member information. The agency does not solicit such information from credit union members.
  "This is a phishing activity with no NCUA activity or approval. If you have received these e-mails please do not respond. If you have any questions or concerns please email NCUA" at this address, pacamail@ncua.gov, an agency alert said.
• Vishing - "Vishing" similar to "phishing", this is a telephone-initiated scam where you will be contacted and asked for personal or financial information. The call may sound like it is from a trusted partner, and they may pretend to try and identify you by asking for information such as your social security number, birth date or account numbers. Again, if you are interested in the product or service being offered, call back at the number YOU have on file for the institution to ensure that the call is legitimate.
• TEXT MESSAGE "SMISHING"
  Smishing (SMS phISHING) is the mobile phone counterpart to phishing. Instead of being directed by e-mail to a Web site, a text message is sent to the user's cell phone or other mobile device with some ploy to click on a link. The link causes a Trojan to be installed in the cell phone or other mobile device.
• New! Mail LETTER "PHISHING"
  This new scam occurs where the phisher is creating a letter and sending it through the mail to individuals to respond to the letter by calling a phone number. The phisher outlines in the letter that the individual must respond for their own protection. This scam is used in conjunction with other channels to steal valuable personal and financial information of the individual receiving the letter.

Another new scam involves a phone call where the perpetrator already has your credit card number, name and expiration date and just wants the three-digit security code on the back of the card. They call saying they are working with law enforcement to stop fraudulent charges in amounts ranging from $297 to $497 (although the amounts can change) and that someone just tried to make such a charge on your card. They read all of your information to you and ask for that three-digit number as a “security measure”. DO NOT give them this number. Hang up and report the call to the customer service phone number printed on your card. If you have caller ID, you may be able to provide the phone number to the credit card company.

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PFCU is always watching out for your financial well-being. If you receive an automated message on your telephone claiming that you have won a prize or money, it is possibly a scam for overseas con artists to gain access to your phone line, wracking up calls that will be billed to your number. You will be prompted to dial a 2-digit code preceded or followed by the * or # key on your phone (such as *79 or 72#), then an 800 number to claim your prize. When you dial the number, no connection is made. What this actually does is connect you to an overseas operator who then channels expensive calls through your phone line. A legitimate sweepstakes would not contact you in this manner. If you receive a call like this, simply hang up. If you receive a recorded message, do not call back.

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Another current phone scam involves credit union members receiving an automated phone call telling them that their ATM or Debit card needs to be reactivated. They are asked to press 1, then enter their 16-Digit Debit or ATM card number, then their expiration date, then their PIN. Neither PFCU, nor any financial institution would contact you in such a manner. Always protect your PIN. If you receive such a call, please hang up and notify us. If a number shows up on caller ID, please supply that number when calling or e-mailing us. You may save other members from having their card compromised!

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Members have reported receiving text messages pretending to be sent from PFCU asking them to call a specific number and reactivate their account. Our phone number is (800) 445-PFCU (7328). Our local number is (626) 799-0882. Please use one of these numbers when calling us. We do not send unsolicited texts asking for account information. For more fraud prevention tips, click on the Safety and Security tab above.

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Advertisements have been posted on Craigslist as part of member recruitment scams nationwide. The ads (example below) solicit current credit union members and offer $75.00 or more for their assistance with qualifying a new member. This scam is targeting credit unions and members across the country.

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Pasadena Fire Department Public Safety Tips from CityofPasadena.net

PFCU has detailed disaster recovery plans in place to ensure that you are able to access your funds as quickly as possible in the event of a natural disaster. Are you prepared at home? Your fellow members at the Pasadena Fire Department have prepared this list of steps to take to get you through a crisis:

Build a Kit

What you have on hand when a disaster strikes can make a big difference. Plan to store enough supplies for at least three days for everyone in your household, including any necessary items for infants, seniors and people with disabilities.

• Water - Store at least one gallon per person per day.
• Food - Pack non-perishable, high-protein items including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Flashlight - Be sure to include extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit - Include bandages, sterile gloves, antibiotic ointment and first aid instructions.

• Battery-operated Radio - Include extra batteries
• Tools - Pack a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, pocket knife, whistle in case you become buried in rubble, extra keys to your house and vehicle, plastic sheeting and duct tape to protect against biochemicals, and garbage bags with ties in case there are no usable toilets.
• Clothing - Store a change of clothes for everyone in the family, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal Items - Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers including ID cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; and comfort items for children such as plush animals and photographs; be sure to have extra prescribed medications.
• Sanitary Supplies - Be sure to include toilet paper, towlettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, unscented liquid bleach, etc.
• Money - Keep small denominations of cash. ATMS, gas pumps and credit cards won’t work if the power is out. Be sure to keep quarters in your kit to use in pay phones, which may be more reliable than cell phones during a disaster.
• Contact Information - Carry a current list of family phone numbers and email addresses. Be sure to include someone from out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
• Pet Supplies - Include food, water, leash, litter box or plastic bags, ID tags, medications and vaccination information.
• Map - Consider marking an evacuation route from your neighborhood.

Store your disaster supplies in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container such as a large backpack or duffel bag. Replace certain supplies, such as water and food, every six months. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.

Stay Prepared!

From The Pasadena Fire Department

626-744-4655

Dennis J. Downs, Fire Chief

For all other terrific Public Safety Tips from our members at the Pasadena Fire Department, go to