WNY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
News You Can Use
NEW!
Learn how to protect yourself against check fraud
What is check fraud? Thieves steal mail from standalone Postal Service home mailboxes and then using a variety of techniques, alter checks to remove the real information and steal your money or identity. Methods include “washing” checks in chemicals to erase the original information or “cooking” checks by making a digital scan and manipulating the information. This threat is growing and scammers are becoming more aggressive.
Fraud Alert!
Members have received phishing scam phone calls and text messages pretending to be from our fraud prevention department. They state there is a mysterious charge on your account! The caller asks for sensitive financial information to gain access to your account.
THIS IS A SCAM. If you receive a call or text message claiming to be from the Hang up and contact us directly at 716-771-5000 or Member Card Support at 1-833-574-3422.
Spot and Avoid Phishing Text Scams
Have you ever received a text message telling you you’ve won a contest your don’t remember entering? Or A text message that claimed to be from the IRS asking you to verify your social security number? It’s likely you were targeted by a text phishing scam. Older adults are common targets and this scam is growing. Reports of text phishing scams rose 150% from 2021 to 2022. Thankfully, vigilance and a careful eye can help protect you and your assets.
Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation
Elder financial exploitation is a very real and growing threat. It is defined as the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an older person’s funds, property, or assets. It’s a crime that can deprive older adults of their resources and independence. On average, victims of exploitation lose about $30,000. Perpetrators can be family members, friends, neighbors, caregivers, health care providers, business associates, or strangers. Read more about financial exploitation here, and the many warning signs to look for.
Bring your credit union with you this summer vacation!
Western New York Federal Credit Union participates in a Shared Branching system and the Allpoint ATM network. This means our members have access to over 5,000 credit union branches and 85,000 fee-free ATM’s all over the United States. You can bank with WNYFCU wherever you go! Click here to find ATM’s and Shared Branches!
For even greater access to your account, download the WNYFCU Home Banking app, available for Android and IOS. Search your app store for “Western New York FCU” to download today!
Happy 45th Anniversary to Marie Betti!
In March of 2024, Marie celebrated 45 years with Western New York Federal Credit Union. Marie started
working for the credit union in March of 1979, where she was hired as a Clerk/Teller and promoted to Manager in 1986. Not long after, Marie became CEO/Treasurer in 1994.
What to do when a loved one passes away
Dealing with the death of a loved one is made even more difficult when navigating how to handle their financial affairs and prevent scammers from stealing their identity. Here is what to do when a loved one passes away and you need to settle their finances.
Can You Get Your Money Back From Payment App Scams?
Using payment apps can make paying for items fast and easy. But, scammers can use them to get you give over your money and, unfortunately, you generally cannot get your money back from a payment app scam. If you make a payment that you didn’t mean to, or realize that you’ve been caught up in a scam, it’s unlikely you’ll receive your money back.
