Online Security

The first step to protecting yourself is to know your enemy. Understand common types of fraud and scams and learn how to avoid them.

Imposter scams and robocalls

Imposters are callers pretending to be someone they're not, and robocalls are typically pre-recorded messages. These scams may ask you to complete a transaction or deal with an urgent matter that will provide the fraudsters with money or personal information.

Malware and fraudulent webpages

Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware. Malware, along with fraudulent web pages, could obtain your personal information and threaten your financial security.

Smishing, phishing, pharming, and vishing

Phishing (email fraud), vishing (voice messaging fraud), pharming (social-engineering attack), and smishing (text messaging fraud) are types of fraud that appear to be from a legitimate source but are criminal attempts to obtain your information. To report these types of fraud, please email notifyus@ncsecu.org. Learn more about current threats.

Wire scams

Wire transfer scams occur when a scammer poses as a trusted source and requests a wire transfer of funds. Watch out when you’re asked to send funds to someone or a source that you don’t know.

Follow the recommended measures below to help keep your devices safe:

• Always upgrade your operating system, security, and application software for optimal protection. 
• Never download software presented in pop-ups or emails from unknown senders.
• Use only recommended browsers including Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari when signing on to Member Access.

Follow the rules below to access online services securely:

• Change your password frequently.
• Do not use the same user ID and password on multiple sites.
• Always sign off Member Access and Mobile App sessions.

Understand when and why SECU might contact you to better protect yourself from scams.

Why will SECU contact me?

• If we detect unusual or suspicious activity on your online services via Member Access or our Mobile App
• If we detect unusual or suspicious activity on your debit or credit card
• If there is a problem with one of your accounts
• To follow up and answer questions

When will SECU contact me?

• Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, any day of the week
• During other times for the following:
  • If there is an immediate and urgent issue regarding your accounts
  • To follow up with you when you have contacted us during other times
  • If you have indicated it is permissible to do so

How will SECU contact me?

• By calling your home, work, or mobile phone number
• By secure message through Message Center or regular mail
• By email if you've previously emailed us
• By text message is you've registered for alerts or Two-Way Text Messaging

When you contact us, we generally respond to you via the same method.

Please keep in mind: SECU may ask security questions to validate your identity when we need to contact you, but we will not ask you for complete account numbers, card numbers, or online credentials.