October 15, 2024
Text and call attempts to members claiming to be UnitedOne Credit Union reaching out about a questionable eBay charge on their account. The text messages had a link that should not be clicked on.

July 7, 2023
Text and call attempts to members coming from a phone number in the 513 and 805 area codes claiming to the UnitedOne Fraud Department and asking if a Walmart Supercenter purchase was made by the member using their debit card.

February 6, 2023
Text and call attempts to members with the caller ID showing a UnitedOne Credit Union phone number and claiming to be UnitedOne. The fraudsters use illegal techniques to disguise their phone number and attempt to gain trust to gather account information from members.

• Don’t respond to the request
  If it’s a phone call, hang up. If it’s a text or email, don’t reply or click on any links.
   
• Report it
  If you ever feel your UnitedOne account has been compromised or you received a suspicious communication, please contact us at (920) 684-0361 in Manitowoc or (920) 451-8222 in Sheboygan.
   
• Inform others
  If you have a family member or friend who you feel would be more susceptible to a fraud scheme, please let them know what to watch for and how they can protect themselves from becoming a victim.

Taking note of the ways UnitedOne and our partners will and won’t contact you can help you spot fraud and keep your account secure.

• UnitedOne will never call, email or contact you asking for your member ID, account number or Digital Banking password.
   
• UnitedOne will never contact you asking for your credit card or debit card number, PIN, or security code.
   
• To ensure UnitedOne employees are helping the correct member they may ask you questions that only you would be able to answer, like where did you use your card last or where does your direct deposit come from. These questions are for your protection.
   
• Neither our debit card nor our credit card provider will initiate contact by email regarding a problem with your card.
   
• As a UnitedOne debit card holder, you get the added protection to have fraud monitoring on your card. Our Visa Fraud Department may notify you if it notices any unusual transactions with your card. They may call or text to question if a transaction was authorized by you. If the answer is no, your card is shut down immediately. Your card may not work properly until confirmation of the transactions in question is received.

Keep your information safe using these tips:

• Software updates should always be installed in order to keep your computer operating with the latest operating system and software program updates. Many of today's operating systems will automatically ask you to update which will normally require you to click "yes" to accept a program update.
   
• Anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect and remove Malware and help prevent future viruses. It makes good sense to run anti-virus programs periodically to detect any virus that may have invaded your computer.
   
• Prevent identity theft by keeping all financial and personal information safe. Don't give your account number out to someone or some institution you do not know. UnitedOne will never email you asking for private information about you or your account. Never use email for sending confidential or personal information. Emails and instant messages can easily be intercepted and used to commit fraud against you and your account(s).
   
• Turn on personal firewalls to act as a protective barrier between your computer and the internet.
   
• Passwords should never be shared with anyone that you don't want to give access to your accounts. Store all your passwords in a safe place and do not use things like your birth date, name, home address and other common words as your password. Where possible, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters in your password. Those types of passwords are more difficult to guess.
   
• Your home Wi-Fi network offers seamless internet access and connectivity to appliances via mobile apps and computers. With the rise of Wi-Fi connected devices, like TVs, refrigerators, and thermostats, securing both your network and these devices with strong passwords is crucial. Breaching your home network grants access to all attached devices, underscoring the importance of locking your digital doors.

Consequences of not taking action to secure your computer and the information on it can result in loss of confidentiality, fraud committed against you and even monetary losses if someone gains access to your financial accounts.

• Scammers tell you to pay a specific way
  UnitedOne will never ask you to come to one of our offices and take out money to send to someone to ‘fix’ an issue with your account. It’s a scam. Fraudsters might also ask you to buy a gift card and send them the number on the back of the card, or send you a check and ask you to deposit before sending them the money.
   
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately
  This is a tactic used by scammers to try to make you act quickly before you have time to think about their ‘urgent’ request. The technique is meant to confuse and distract you into falling for their scheme.
   
• Scammers indicate there is a problem
  If you’re told there is a problem with your computer, you owe money immediately, or a family member is in an emergency and needs help – it’s likely a fraud attempt.

The most common safety threats and the problems they create include:

• Malware: This term is short for malicious software. Any software designed to compromise you or your computer or steal your information is referred to as Malware. This also includes viruses and worms, both of which invade your computer or hand held device and cause damage, loss of information and functionality.
   
• Identity Theft: Refers to all types of criminal activity where someone tries to steal and use your personal information in a way that involves fraud or deception. You must protect your personal information at all times by shredding statements and other items that contain information about you and your accounts.
   
• Phishing: a scam that involves someone pretending to be a legitimate company in order to obtain personal information. Be sure not to follow links or download attachments in emails from senders you don't know. 

• Federal Trade Commission
   
• Bureau of Consumer Protection
   
• StaySafeOnline.org
   
• USA.gov
   
• Consumer Information - Identity Theft
   
• AnnualCreditReport.com