Scam Alert
November 8, 2024:
***Important Message ***
PayPal Email Scam
Fraudsters are sending phishing emails that appear to be from PayPal. These fake emails are designed to steal your money. If you receive an unexpected suspicious email asking that you take action urgently, do not respond to it, and contact PayPal through their official website or app.
June 27, 2024:
***Important Message ***
Members have received text messages claiming to be from First Florida Credit Union to confirm fictitious transactions by texting back a yes or no. When members respond, the fraudster calls them to gain their confidence and acquire their card information.
If you receive a similar text that feels suspicious, confirm your transactions by calling the credit union directly or through digital banking. If you receive a similar call, hang up and call the credit union directly at (800) 766-4328.
Remember, First Florida Credit Union will never initiate a call asking you for your PIN, card number, access code, or other confidential information.
June 18, 2024:
***Important Message ***
We have received reports that a few First Florida Credit Union members were contacted by a fraudster/scammer spoofing our phone number.
Spoofing is when a caller intentionally falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID. Scammers often use spoofing, so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a number or company that you may know and trust.
The scammer is claiming to be calling from the credit union’s fraud department, alerting the member of attempted fraudulent transactions. During the conversation, the scammer asks the member to confirm or provide personal information, such as Social Security Number, that grants account access and can be used for fraudulent activity.
If you receive a similar call, hang up and call the credit union directly. First Florida Credit Union will never initiate a call asking you for your PIN, account, or other confidential information.
This type of scam is not isolated to First Florida Credit Union. Scammers have used this scheme before, claiming to be calling from other financial institutions. Your best line of defense is to NEVER DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION over the phone or online unless you have initiated a call or transaction with the financial institution.
We are working to preempt further occurrences by educating our members on the importance of never sharing ACCOUNT INFORMATION with people who call or email you.
The link below explains caller ID spoofing and provides helpful tips to help you avoid spoofing scam.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id
May 7, 2024:
***Important Message ***
URGENT: Fraudsters Are Actively Attempting To Steal Members’ Digital Banking Credentials
We have received a warning about a malicious online banking website pretending to be First Florida Credit Union. Fraudsters are using an SMS scheme to steal members' digital banking credentials. Fake texts come from the number 904-817-8583 and include messages like "A scheduled payment with FFCU for $450.00 has been authorized. Login to review https://firstfcu.support." If you click on the link in the message, you’re taken to the fake website that asks for your username and password.
If you accidentally clicked the link and entered your banking credentials, please change your digital banking password immediately. Check your account for any unauthorized changes or transactions, and then contact First Florida right away to report the incident. Our information security team is actively working to shut down the fraudulent website.
Please note that this isn't an isolated incident. The fraudsters target large groups of people with fake online banking websites from various financial institutions. It's crucial that we all remain vigilant in protecting our digital banking credentials.
March 15, 2024:
***Important Message ***
Financial institutions recently discovered fraudulent QR codes on their ATM kiosks. When scanned, these deceptive codes can lead users to suspicious websites that solicit login credentials, payment details, or other sensitive information. They may even initiate the download of malicious software onto your mobile device.
If you spot a QR code at a First Florida ATM kiosk, please don't hesitate to inform a representative. Your prompt action could help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
To learn more about QR code scams, please read this Consumer Alert from the Federal Trade Commission.
February 22, 2023:
***Important Message ***
A few members reported receiving calls from a fraudster pretending to be from our fraud department. The fraudster asks for confidential information in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the member’s account. The number they’re calling from may even appear to be ours.
REMEMBER, Our fraud department representatives never initiate contact asking for a verification code, PIN, account number, or other confidential information. If this happens, hang up or do not reply. Then, contact us directly.
April 21, 2020:
FRAUD ALERT: We have received reports that a few First Florida Credit Union members were contacted by a fraudster/scammer spoofing our phone numbers OR sending texts. These calls or texts are not from First Florida Credit Union.
Remember, First Florida will never call, text, or email you to ask for your personal information, social security number, birth date, PIN, or card numbers. If you receive a similar text or phone call, contact the credit union directly.
March 31, 2020:
In the wake of COVID-19, we are seeing an increase in scammers’ efforts to deceive people for money.
Beware of phone calls claiming to represent any government agency asking for your personal information. Recently, a member reported a caller posing as a representative from the Social Security Administration, asserting the member would be arrested if they did not provide payment for an outstanding debt.
Remember, a government official will never contact you for your personal information, such as your social security number, bank account numbers, PIN, or any other confidential information.
If you receive a call from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail first to screen the call. If you answer a call from someone making legal threats and asking for your personal information, hang up.
In an abundance of caution, approach all unsolicited communications with skepticism. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to be vigilant to protect your personal information and your finances.
December 2019:
We have received reports that a few First Florida Credit Union members were contacted by a fraudster/scammer spoofing our phone numbers.
Spoofing is when a caller intentionally falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID. Scammers often use spoofing, so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a number or company that you may know and trust.
We learned that the scammer is claiming to be calling from the credit union’s fraud prevention center, alerting the member of an attempted fraudulent online debit card transaction. During the conversation, the scammer asked for PIN (Personal Identification Number), Social Security Number, and other information that grants account access and can be used for fraudulent activity.
If you receive a similar call, hang up and call the credit union directly. First Florida Credit Union will never initiate a call asking you for your PIN, account, or other confidential information.
Please be assured that our systems have not been compromised, and this type of scam is not isolated to First Florida Credit Union. Scammers have used this scheme before, claiming to be calling from other financial institutions. Your best line of defense is to NEVER DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION over the phone or online unless you have initiated a call or transaction with the financial institution.
We are working to preempt further occurrences by educating our members on the importance of never sharing ACCOUNT INFORMATION with people who call or email you.
The link below explains caller ID spoofing and provides helpful tips to help you avoid spoofing scam.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id