Blogs

Don’t be a Victim to a Cyber Crime

Elder Financial Abuse Blog

At JPEFCU, our top priority is to keep our members well-informed and shielded from prevalent cybercrime schemes, which can endanger not only yourself but also your teenage children and elderly parents. These scams often prey on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with financial resources, and those who may be socially isolated. The malicious aim behind these schemes is to extort money, perpetrate identity theft, and cause emotional distress. In our commitment to safeguard our community, we present six common cybercrimes for you to remain vigilant against:

Romance Scams: These scams exploit individuals seeking love and companionship through online platforms like dating websites and social media. Perpetrators create attractive profiles, establish quick emotional connections, request money under false pretenses, and may even seek banking information for supposed large deposits.
Investment Scams/Pig Butchering: In these schemes, scammers lure victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes by showcasing false profits and pressuring victims to act urgently. They typically initiate contact through social media, demonstrate high returns, and manipulate victims into making larger investments after initial losses.
Overpayment Scams: Criminals claim to have mistakenly sent the victim more money than intended and persuade the victim to refund the difference through various methods like bank transfers, overpaid checks, or exceeding amounts on credit cards.
Tech Abuse Scams: These scams exploit a victim's computer, allowing unauthorized access for global fund transfers, often to Eastern countries. They involve deceptive pop-up warnings, fake phone calls, or phishing emails using reputable company names.
Government Imposter Scams: Scammers impersonate officials from agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration, claiming a compromise or crime has occurred and requesting funds to resolve the issue through smishing, phishing, or vishing.
Grandparent Help/Kidnapping Scams: Perpetrators pose as a stranded grandchild in a foreign country, exploiting trust to trick victims into sending money overseas under the guise of helping their grandchild.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber fraud, follow these crucial guidelines: enable two-factor authentication, use antivirus software, review bank and credit card statements regularly, avoid converting money into gift cards, refrain from sending cryptocurrency payments or transferring money to unfamiliar individuals, and ignore unsolicited communications requesting personal or financial information. By staying vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber fraud.

For additional resources contact your local office: United States Secret Service New Orleans FO 504-841-3260, United States Secret Service Baton Rouge RO 225-925-5436, LACF@secretservice.gov.

Protecting Yourself from Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Scams

Popular digital payment apps, make sending or receiving money convenient. But this convenience can come with a price. Scammers are using those apps to cheat you out of your money. Thieves use spoofed calls, phone calls that look like they’re coming from an individual’s bank, and use traditional hacking to access people's accounts.

3 Easy Protection Tips

Think of Zelle or any P2P payment as cash.
Use a strong, unique banking password & 2-factor authentication.
Only use P2P to send money to those you know and trust.

The bottom line: Pay it safe. While these payment services are convenient and fast, using a credit card typically offers you more protection. If you feel you’ve been the victim of fraud or have been scammed, contact JPEFCU immediately.

More helpful tips can be found here.

Angela Thompson 1970 - 2022

Jefferson Parish Employees FCU is mourning the loss of longtime employee Angela Thompson. Angela was originally hired as the CEO’s Executive Assistant in September of 2006. Since then, she has served in a number of different capacities that have helped the credit union achieve great success. In 2017, Angela was promoted to Marketing Director where she developed the JPEFCU Ambassador program, a vital relationship with Jefferson Parish Departments and other sponsor groups including the City of Kenner, East Jefferson General Hospital, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, to name a few. In September of 2020, she took on a new role as Internal Auditor. Her dedication to the Credit Union and its members will be truly missed, but never forgotten. Angela will always be remembered for the love she had for animals but especially her dog, Cooper.

Credit vs. Debit

Credit cards provide extra security since they have price protection and are more convenient. However, if a scammer gains access to your debit card, they could possibly hack your checking account. If you notice fraudulent activity, it could take up to 24 hours for the financial institution to dispute the claims as well as issuing you a refund. May even result in a closure of your account.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Although these emails are from some of your favorite retailers, they might not be exactly what they seem to be. Make sure you check the URL in the email or visit the retailer’s website directly. Retailers this time of year will send out many emails advertising their holiday specials.

Fake Coupons

During this shopping frenzy you will notice that websites and social media will pop up with “too good to be true” coupons. Although these coupons look real, they might not be. To avoid this problem go straight to the company’s website or check the URL.

Use Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets have an encryption built into them. Even if the retailer gets hacked, your information is still safe. Mobile wallets are also contactless payments!

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways a hacker can get your information. Unsecured Wi-Fi can be very dangerous. Instead, try using a VPN (virtual private network).

Antivirus & Theft Protection

Many holiday scammers can be stopped by simply having this program. It keeps your personal information safe. You can search online for antivirus and theft protection programs; some you can purchase and others may even be free.

We hope these tips and tricks JPEFCU provided will help keep you and your financial wellbeing safe for holiday shopping!