Urgent Message from Shell FCU CEO: Protect Your Account Security
Dear Valued Members of Shell Federal Credit Union,
I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits. It is with great urgency and concern that I reach out to you today. The security of your financial well-being and personal information is of utmost importance to us. Our commitment to serving and protecting your financial well-being is unwavering, and we need your immediate assistance in safeguarding your accounts from a relentless wave of fraudsters.
Our mission statement, our purpose, our very reason for existence is to serve our members through leadership, keeping our credit union strong, aggressive, and financially sound. Now, more than ever, every member plays a critical role in upholding this mission. The recent attacks on our members have reached an alarming level, and we stand together in facing this challenge.
Shell FCU members are currently being targeted and deceived by a ring of fraudsters who employ sophisticated tactics to extract your Digital Banking credentials, including your username, password, and one-time PINs via SMS text. These fraudsters are calling and texting members while spoofing our official (713) 844-1100 phone number, posing as credit union employees to make it harder to stop them. Do not respond to these texts or calls. Delete the text or hang up immediately. They are exploiting various channels, including branches, the call center, Digital Banking, Zelle and Mobile Deposit.
In the past few days, we have witnessed several members falling victim to Digital Banking compromises. These fraudsters, once they gain access to your account, collaborate with a second individual who visits a branch to open an account. They may deposit fictitious checks through mobile deposit to move funds into your account before transferring those funds, along with your existing funds, into the newly opened account. The new member may then use various means, such as debit cards with newly requested increased limits and cash withdrawals at a branch, to access the funds.
Here are some key steps to protect yourself:
NEVER Share Your Digital Banking Credentials: Shell FCU will NEVER ask for your Digital Banking User ID or Password. We may only send you a one-time authentication code if YOU initiate contact.
Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: We will never request your login credentials for payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or similar services.
Avoid Disclosing Personal Information: Do not share your personal information with unsolicited callers or texters claiming to be Shell FCU. We will never do this. If in doubt, call your trusted Credit Union at (713) 844-1100. If you call us first the number cannot be spoofed and you know you will be talking to our service professionals.
Especially during the holiday season, scammers and identity thieves are on the prowl, capitalizing on the sense of urgency and scarcity that often accompanies online shopping. We must remain vigilant in protecting our accounts, passwords, and private information. Fraudsters will act with a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing the information they seek. This is part of their ploy and tactic to gain access to your accounts.
Our dedication to your security and well-being is unwavering. Please know that we are here to serve, protect, and assist you. If you ever have concerns or suspicions, do not hesitate to initiate a call to Shell FCU at (713) 844-1100. Together, we can combat these threats and ensure the safety of our members and the strength of our credit union.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Your trust and partnership mean the world to us. Let us stand united in the face of these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
Jose Rodriguez
President/CEO
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