Email Scam: Online Survey Promises Participants $40

LAPFCU was notified of an online survey phishing scam sent via email that’s targeting credit union members claiming to be from the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) and promising $40 compensation for responding.  If you get such an e-mail, you should delete it as it requests account information.  Please contact LAPFCU directly at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732) with any questions.

Email Scam Alert

We've received reports of an email (see sample below) that appears to come from LAPFCU. The email tells the recipient that their account is blocked and that they must click on a link, download, and run a program. If you receive an email like this, please do not open it or click on any links inside of it.

As a reminder, always be wary of suspicious emails. And LAPFCU will never send you an email asking you for your personal or account information.

Please contact us 877-MY-LAPFCU or info@lapfcu.org if you receive a suspicious email, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Sample Bogus Email

Subject: lapfcu.org account notification

Dear Customer,

This e-mail was send by lapfcu.org to notify you that we have temporanly prevented access to your account.

We have reasons to beleive that your account may have been accessed by someone else. Please run attached file and Follow instructions

(C) lapfcu.org

Link to the warning about the scam: 

On Shared Computers, Be Cautious with Login Practices

When using a public or shared computer or workstation for LAPFCU online banking, we suggest taking precautions with enhanced security login practices to avoid fraudulent activity.

This activity could occur if you use a computer others can access, such as one at the library, Internet cafe or at a place of employment (shared workstation), and forget to uncheck a critical box on the login screen.

Here’s how you can maintain better login security when using a shared computer: 

• When logging in using LAPFCU’s PATROL online service, a login screen appears with a small box you can check that says “Remember the computer I’m using now.” Checking it means you don’t have to answer validation questions each time you log in from that workstation. That’s fine for banking from your own personal computer.
• But, when working on a public computer, you should not check this box, as it makes it easier for another user to log in as you, gain access to your accounts via PATROL and possibly cause problems.
• Not checking the box on a shared computer means you must answer security questions each time you login to track accounts, transfer funds or change your profile. It may be worth the extra effort to keep your accounts secure and protected.

At home or on computers that only you and trusted family members can access, it’s safe to check that box so your personal computer remembers your login information.

If you have questions regarding securely accessing PATROL, please call us toll-free at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732).

Member security is something LAPFCU takes very seriously, and we are committed to providing you with a safe, secure environment to conduct your business, both in our branches and online. Here are a few resources we provide to protect your security.

• Multi-Factor Authentication - When you access your accounts online via PATROL, our Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) service is designed to protect your data from unauthorized internet access and fraudulent attacks.
• Identity Theft 911^® - LAPFCU is working to protect your identity via our partnership with Identity Theft 911. In addition to education on safeguarding your identity, we provide you with free guidance if your identity is stolen.
• Card Fraud Protection - LAPFCU works with the country's top fraud protection services to monitor activity on our member's Visa^® credit card, QuickDraw and QuickDraw Plus Debit/ATM cards to help keep our members' assets safe, while minimizing inconveniences.
• Verified by Visa - Protect your Visa card online. Verified by Visa provides password reassurance that only you can use your Visa card online.
• New Automated Telephone Phishing Scam - A new fraudulent attempt to obtain cardholder information is done through an automated telephone service.