Phishing, pronounced “fishing” is a form of identity theft. It occurs when someone acts as if they are representing an organization and tries to “hook” the consumer into providing personal information. With a name and any personally identifying information, the identity thief can apply for credit in the consumer’s name and damage the consumer’s financial reputation for years to come. Phishing can occur through various forms of communication including: email, telephone and fake websites.

Other forms of phishing include vishing and smishing. Vishing refers to the use of the telephone to obtain your personal information. The callers use telephone solicitation and telephone call back techniques to prey upon consumer's trust. Smishing refers to the use of text messaging to try and obtain personal account information from you.

SDCCU will never ask you for personal information (as defined below) in an email or text message or direct you to call a phone number in an email, other than the main SDCCU call back number (877) 732-2848.

The only exception to this is that SDCCU does utilize a fraud monitoring company for Visa/PIN transactions; therefore, you may receive a phone call to verify card usage. Learn more and verify the callback number here.

If you responded to such an email, text or phone call and provided any personal information, please notify SDCCU immediately and change your Internet Branch Password (this can be done through Internet Branch Self Service).

If you feel that you have received a fraudulent message, please email abuse@sdccu.com and forward any email or phone instructions that you might have received. If you are asked to call a suspicious phone number regarding your account, call our main phone number, (877) 732-2848, to reach us.

Personal information is defined as the individual’s first name or initial and last name in combination with any of the following data elements: Social Security number, driver’s license number or California Identification card number, or account number, credit card number, debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code or password (PIN) that would permit access to an individual's financial account(s).