Member Security and Awareness

Now more than ever, it’s essential that our members keep their financial and personal information safe and secure. We are committed to keeping you informed so you can best protect yourself from fraud and scams, including:

Credit and Debit Card Fraud

Credit and debit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of another person’s card information to make purchases from their account or access their funds.

Card fraud occurs through a variety of channels, including online scams, data breaches and card or mail theft. Know how to defend yourself, and rest assured that we are continually monitoring for threats and suspicious activity. You also have the peace of mind that you’re protected from unauthorized purchases.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams lure account holders into providing personal or financial information to scammers posing as a legitimate business. Most phishing scams are conducted through email, with messages containing links that ask for your personal data or download spyware to your computer or mobile device. Other phishing scams are conducted by phone call, text messages and social media. We will never solicit your personal information via phone or email.

Online & Mobile Security

The Internet is a convenient resource, a helpful tool and a part of our daily lives. Whether you’re accessing the Web from a desktop computer or a mobile device, you may be at risk for hackers, scammers and other predators.

Attackers aim to steal a victim’s identity and financial account details. All of your online activity, including email messages, online shopping transactions and social media interactions are susceptible to attack.

ATM Security

ATMs are vulnerable to a scam called “skimming”—when someone steals your account information by attaching a magnetic strip called a card “skimmer” over the slot where you insert your ATM card. With this information, the scammer can recreate your card and drain your account.

Protecting your accounts is our highest goal at DOCFCU. Our staff and vendors are constantly monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity. There are also ways you can enhance your personal security. Begin by regularly checking your account activity and credit report or requesting a code word be placed on your account for when you call or visit a branch. From there, build up your level of protection by incorporating safeguards across all your banking and financial channels with the guidance links above.

You can further enhance your security by:

• Changing your passwords frequently
• Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity and notify us immediately if you do
• Make sure you have anti-virus software on all your devices and keep the definitions up to date
• Never share sensitive information with anyone or send sensitive information such as your account number, password, or social security number in an unsecured email.

Reporting Identity Theft

Notify DOCFCU immediately if you believe your account has been comprised. Our 24/7 call center can be reached at 202.808.3600 or 888.626.9845. If you locate accounts that were opened without your permission, please close them immediately. Also, make sure you communicate with businesses in writing so that you have a record of your correspondences. Finally, inform the following organizations and authorities:

Credit Bureaus

Contact Equifax (1.800.685.1111), Experian (1.888.397.3742) or TransUnion (1.800.888.4213), and request a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. Once one credit agency confirms your fraud alert, the others will be automatically notified.

Police

File a report with your local law enforcement agency; be sure to obtain a case number and a copy of the report. Even if the person responsible isn’t caught, filing the report can help in clearing up your credit records.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Follow up by notifying the FTC online or by phone at 1.877.ID.Theft.

AARP BankSafe Initiative

Financial exploitation hurts us all. DOCFCU is proud to have earned the AARP BankSafe Trained Seal in recognition of the training we have undergone and policies we have in place to better protect the assets of older Americans. Learn more: aarp.org/banksafe.