Fraud Awareness

Member Fraud Prevention

Welcome to our Fraud Prevention page. At Progressive Credit Union, safeguarding your financial well-being is our top priority. With the rise of digital transactions, it's crucial to be vigilant against potential fraud attempts. This page aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself from common types of fraud, including phishing, smishing, and vishing. By staying informed and cautious, you can help ensure your financial security.

Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing

Phishing

Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. Here’s how you can recognize and avoid phishing scams:

  • Suspicious Emails: Be wary of emails that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on unfamiliar links.
  • Verify Sender: Always verify the sender's email address. Look for slight misspellings or unusual domain names.
  • Secure Websites: Ensure that the website URL begins with "https" and displays a padlock icon before entering any personal information.
Smishing

Smishing

Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves the use of text messages to lure individuals into divulging personal information. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

  • Unknown Numbers: Be cautious of text messages from unknown numbers that ask for personal information.
  • Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages.
  • Verify Requests: Contact the supposed sender directly using a known phone number to verify the legitimacy of the request.
Vishing

Vishing

Vishing, or voice phishing, involves fraudulent phone calls attempting to extract personal information. Here’s how to handle vishing attempts:

  • Unexpected Calls: Be sceptical of unsolicited calls requesting personal or financial information.
  • Caller ID Spoofing: Be aware that scammers can spoof caller IDs to appear as if they are calling from a trusted entity.
  • Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.

Conclusion

Your security is our utmost concern. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from phishing, smishing, and vishing. If you ever have doubts or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact us at info@progressivecu.ie. Together, we can combat fraud and ensure your financial safety.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, please contact us at +353 01 8411348. Thank you for being a valued member of Progressive Credit Union.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious email or text message?

Do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, report the email or text to our fraud prevention team at info@progressivecu.ie.

How can I verify if a call is legitimate?

Hang up and call the organization back using a phone number from their official website or your account statement.

What steps can I take to protect my accounts?

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of fraud?

Contact our fraud prevention team immediately at info@progressivecu.ie. We will guide you through the necessary steps to secure your accounts and report the incident.