DuPont Community Credit Union Keeps Community Informed on Fraud

WAYNESBORO, Va. – When it comes to building fraud awareness DuPont Community Credit Union’s monthly workshops have been a community hit. Members receive detailed information on identity theft, examples of fraud, Internet “phishing” and “pharming,” and credit card compromise. Members are taught how to be objective with items they receive in the mail and e-mail, screen suspicious phone calls, and realize the importance of reviewing a copy of their credit report annually. Faced with an average of two to three cases of fraud per day, the credit union has found the workshops have also helped in educating individuals on how to monitor their accounts utilizing such electronic services as home banking, bill payer, and audio response systems. According to DCCU Financial Education Coordinator David Snyder, the workshops have gained such popularity that he’s taken it on the road. Snyder was recently asked to speak to a group of twenty senior citizens at a local church. He has also given presentations to the clients and employees at the state institution for persons with mental disabilities. “The feedback on this type of material is extremely positive,” said Snyder. “It is a dual benefit to the community and the credit union. The groups receiving the information leave feeling empowered and the workshops are a membership building opportunity. Potential members get to see the level of involvement of their local credit union, and have the chance to ask questions about us first hand in a familiar environment.”