A full service financial
cooperative proudly serving
Federal employees in Wisconsin

Federated Family Credit Union
Phone: (414) 278-7220 
Fax: (414) 278-0890

Main Office
626 E. Wisconsin Ave., Ste 102
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Protecting Yourself Online

The Wisconsin Credit Union League is reminding members about a recurring  internet scam that involves people selling a vehicle or other goods over the Internet:

• The victim is paid with a cashier's check that is over the amount of the agreed sale price, and then is asked to send a check for the difference to a third party.
   
• Perhaps weeks later, the check sent for the vehicle is returned as counterfeit and is totally worthless.

• The victim is held liable for the counterfeit check when it is returned and must reimburse the financial institution. Many times the perpetrators of these frauds are overseas, so there is little hope of the victim recovering from them.

Identity Fraud Safety Quiz
Take this online quiz to determine if you're vulnerable to identity theft. The Identity Fraud Safety Quiz is a joint effort between the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy and Research.

Don't Be a Victim!

• Your credit union cannot tell you when a check you deposit will clear.
   
• Even when the credit union lifts its "hold" on funds from a deposited check, that does not mean the check has cleared.
   
• If the check is later returned, you will be held liable for the bad check.
   
• If funds are to be held by a third party, or escrowed, be sure it is a party you can trust.
   
• Exercise Extreme Caution When Selling Goods Over the Internet!

Survey Scams

You get an email offering a gift certificate to a big-name store or restaurant if you complete a brief online survey. The survey asks the name of your financial institution and your account number. It might even encourage you to share passwords you use to access your accounts online.

This is a "phishing attack." Once the thieves have this information, they can drain the account and steal your identity. Don't give private financial information to strangers! For more information about phishing attacks and other scams, visit the NCUA Identity Theft website. 

Anti-Theft Tools from Federated Family

• Avoiding Common Tax Scams
   
• Stop Payment Form
   
• Don't Get Hooked by a Phishing Attack
   
• 14 Ways to Stop Identity Theft
   
• Spotting Investment Scams
   
• Phone Scams