Helping our members keep their personal information safe will always be one of our top priorities. As a result, we share information frequently about scams and other relevant security issues. Recently, there has been an increase in text message/phone scams affecting CCU and other financial institutions across the country. We’ve highlighted the details below. 

What’s happening:
Using “spoofed” text messages and/or phone calls (a masked number made to look like a familiar or trustworthy number) that appear to be coming from a legitimate financial institution, fraudsters ask members about a fraudulent card purchase, then ask the member to confirm the 3-digit code on the back of their card. After the card information is verified, the member is asked to enter a series of numbers into his or her phone to confirm and process the dispute. This series of numbers actually forwards the member’s phone number directly to the fraudster so he or she begins receiving the member’s calls.

What you need to know:

What to do:
If you receive a call or text from someone who says they are with CCU and asks for this information, hang up and call us at (800) 677-8506. If you ever feel that you may have been a victim of this or any other scam, call us so we can block your card.

Don’t fall victim to fraudsters! Help protect yourself and keep up-to-date on all the latest scams here.

After disasters, it’s important to keep an eye out for these common scams:

Home Repair Scams

A common home repair scam involves a person showing up at your property and offering to do repair work. The person will ask for funds up front, and once you have paid, he or she never returns. Never pay more than half the cost of repairs in advance and always ask for a detailed estimate in writing. 

Before hiring someone, check their references, insurance, and licenses. It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbors and friends who they have used locally to complete their repairs.

Other Scams

Scammers may also pose as utility workers, insurance adjusters, and FEMA officials. Always verify the identity of anyone who contacts you by calling the utility company, insurance company, or FEMA directly. Also beware of anyone who asks for your 9-digit FEMA registration number or banking information. Legitimate FEMA officials never ask for this information.

Donation Scams

We all want to help after a disaster, but it’s important to check out any charity you’re thinking of donating to ahead of time. You can use websites like Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Guidestar to make sure any non-profit is legitimate before making a donation.

Keep an eye out for unsolicited donation requests that may come to you by email or social media. Don’t click on links in emails or on Facebook or Twitter; they could be links to malicious websites.

When using a search to find charities, be careful with the search results. Carefully read the Internet addresses before you click. Scammers often create fake websites with web addresses that are very close to legitimate charity URLs. Look for slight misspellings, tweaks, or sound-alike names. Know that most legitimate non-profit organizations web addresses also typically end in .org.

If your home has been damaged during a hurricane, follow these steps:

Take Pictures and Document Damage

Document the damage thoroughly with photos and/or video, as it will make the insurance claims process much easier. In addition, keep a running list of all damaged items and any expenses you incur after the hurricane is over, like temporary relocation expenses.

Secure Your Property

If it’s possible and safe to do so, make efforts to secure your property from additional damage (like covering broken windows with plastic to keep rain out). Don’t make permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster reviews the damage.

File Claims

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible that you need to file a claim. Provide a general description of the damage and have your policy number ready if possible. If your policy is through the CCU Insurance Agency, contact your insurance company directly to start the claim process. If you aren’t sure which insurance company your policy is with, call us at 844-835-7641.

Insurance Claims Contact Information

Homeowners insurance policies typically exclude flood losses from coverage; however, you may have a separate flood insurance policy. If you do not have coverage for a flood loss, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-621-3362) to learn more about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.

Please note, FEMA forms may ask for your bank or credit union’s Routing & Transit Number. Corning Credit Union’s R&T number is 222380359. If you need to include your checking account number, use the 14-digit Member Account Number on the bottom of your checks. Feel free to call us if you need help.

Return Claim Forms

After you file your claim, your insurance company will send you forms to fill out and return as soon as possible. A claims adjuster may also schedule time to inspect the damage to your home and personal property.

Receive Insurance Proceeds

If you have a mortgage on your property, the insurance claim check will be made jointly to you and your mortgage lender. If your mortgage is with CCU, call our Real Estate Services team at 800-677-8506.

Make Repairs

When you’re ready to start repairs, ensure you select a qualified contractor to help. Keep an eye out for common scams that often occur after disasters.

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal has created a place for businesses, home owners and others in the region to find needed resources to help recover from a Hurricane.

Foremost Insurance
800-527-3907

Hartford
800-243-5860

NC Joint Underwriters / Insurance Underwriters Association
800-662-7048, Option 1

Progressive
800-776-4737

Safeco
800-332-3226

Travelers
800-252-4633

Assurant Flood
800-423-4403
www.myflood.com
reportfloodclaim@assurant.com

Security Reminder: We’ll never ask you for your card’s expiration date or 3-digit code.

Corning Credit Union will never call and ask you to provide confidential information to verify your identity or your credit or debit card activity.  Even if a call looks like it’s coming from CCU, know that we’ll never ask you for your card’s expiration date or 3-digit code once you’ve activated the card.

If we ever suspect fraudulent activity may have occurred on your card, our  Visa Fraud Prevention Service may call regarding these suspicious transactions. However, this service will never prompt you to enter or state your card number, 3-digit code on the back of your card, expiration date, PIN, or member account number.