Unique member numbers and passwords are designed to protect your identity. This data is stored in a protected, secure environment, isolated from the Internet, where it can not be accessed or downloaded by anyone on the Internet.

The privacy of communications between your computer and ECU Online servers is ensured using encryption. Encryption scrambles information so that it can not be used by unauthorized parties. ECU uses industry standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. When visiting ECU’s Web site, notice the Internet browser displays a closed padlock symbol in the bottom right-hand corner and the address bar displays https://. This signifies the information is being encrypted.

While the security architecture is too complex to explain here, it is important to point out that the servers that store your actual account information are not directly connected to the Internet. State-of-the-art technology is used to manage and protect the ECU Online environment including: firewalls, intrusion detection, redundant servers and virus protection. Additionally, independent auditing firms regularly verify proper security measures are in place.

Our Web site has a timeout feature that automatically terminates your session after a specified period of inactivity. This prevents curious persons from continuing your ECU Online session in case you leave your computer unattended without logging out.

Access to ECU Online will be denied or locked out after five (5) unsuccessful login attempts. This prevents others from endlessly trying to guess your member number and password.

Each time you log into ECU Online the screen displays your name, and the date and time of your last successful login or unsuccessful login attempt. This allows you to better identify any suspicious activity.

• Check credit reports.  Consumers can obtain these for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. It may be prudent to order a credit report from a different agency every few months instead of ordering credit reports from all agencies at once.
• Monitor all credit card and online accounts closely for unauthorized activity.
• Consider placing a credit freeze on credit reports.  This will make it difficult for someone to open credit accounts under your name.  For more information about a credit freeze, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at consumer.ftc.gov
• File taxes as early as possible.  One common form of identity theft happens when someone with access to your SSN files taxes under your name before you do in order to obtain tax refunds.
• Consider opting out of offers for new credit and insurance that are sent via postal mail.  Identity thieves like to intercept these credit offers and open lines of credit or obtain insurance fraudulently.  To opt out, consumers can call 1-888-567-8688 or visit www.optoutprescreen.com
• If the breach involves a specific company you should contact that company and ask what actions they recommend that you take.  It’s always best to be proactive when it comes to your personal information.

If you receive a call or text, never provide the following information:

• Username or Password for ECU Online
• Social Security Number
• Member Number
• Account Numbers
• Credit or Debit Card Numbers

ECU will never intimidate or pressure you into making a decision. If we discover fraud on your accounts, we will take every precaution necessary to stop it immediately. However, we will never need access to your online banking or full card numbers.

Whether you receive a call, text, or email, the most effective way to avoid a scam is to simply call us directly and ask. Even if the call or text came from what appears to be our number, calling us yourself at either number listed above will ensure you are speaking with an ECU representative before providing any information.

Call 800.999.2328.

If you've inadvertently provided your SSN or other identifying information to a scammer, it's important to understand how to protect yourself in the future.

ECU members have FREE access to GreenPath’s financial wellness services, including Identity Theft Fraud. To use this service, simply call 877.337.3399 or visit them on the web at www.greenpath.com.

It's common for an attempted scammer to call or text you pretending to be ECU in an attempt to gain access your information and accounts. In some cases, they may even make it appear to be coming from our actual phone number. Avoid clicking any links in a text message and don't call the phone number a text message came from.

Scammers will attempt to gain access to your online banking in order to set up bill payments, send funds via Zelle, or to steal your account numbers.

ECU will never ask you to provide a full credit or debit card number or a full account number for any reason. This is confidential information that you should never provide to anyone.

A common tactic for fraudsters is to pressure you into making a decision quickly. They may attempt to make you believe there is fraud on your account and you need to provide your information immediately.

Lookout for attempts to convince you that you've won a lottery or sweepstakes, requests for you to purchase and send gift cards, or to pay up front and you'll receive a "Free Gift" or "Cash".

Often, fraudsters will provide a website that is different from ours but similar enough to deceive you. These websites may look like ours and even include our logo. It’s important for you to confirm that you only go to www.ecu.org to perform any business with ECU. If any other web address is provided, do not open it, and contact us immediately at 800.999.2328

Fraud comes in many forms! However, ECU consistently monitors the latest scams and fraudulent activity. Here are some common scams to look out for:

• Wire Transfer/Money Order/Zelle
• Remote computer access – Do NOT provide access to anyone contacting YOU saying they will remote into your computer to ‘fix’ it.
• Gift card purchase – Do NOT purchase gift cards and provide the numbers to anyone contacting you pretending to be the IRS, Police, ECU, etc.
• Mobile phone takeover
  • Common request to download an app that allows the scammer to remote in, giving them access to your private information.
• Romance scam – Builds a relationship over time but needs funds although you have never met them in person.
• ECU or other financial institution impersonation scam
  • ECU representatives will never ask you to purchase gift cards, request you leave your debit or credit card in a specific location with the PIN number information, nor would we ever request your online banking credentials.
• Email or text message ploy
• Lottery/Sweepstakes scam
• Business email compromise
• Friend/Family member’s hacked account requesting funds via social media