Telling if an email from us is genuine

Safety and security are crucial when using your account. Here are some tips for telling if an email or SMS text message claiming to be from us is real or fake.

Scam Text and Email Messages

Be aware of:

• Unexpected Sender
  It could be a scam if you don't know who sent a text or email message. You should be especially suspicious if they ask you for personal or confidential information. Never provide passwords, PINs or other details in response to an email.
• Being Intimidated
  Genuine text or email messages are more likely to come across as reasonable and calm. Scammers aim to make you panic. They may do this by using scary-sounding warning messages, threats of fraud or problems with your account. Don't be intimidated.
• Check the Greeting
  Our emails and texts will always greet you by your name or a title and last name. SMS text message from us will include part of your name, and the text will come from 'LMCU' or 'LondonMutual.' 
• Spelling Mistakes 
  Scam texts and emails often look odd, with a messy layout and spelling mistakes. If it doesn't look 'right' or how you would expect an official email from that organisation to appear, it may not be genuine.
• The Sender's Email Address 
  All our email addresses end with 'creditunion.co.uk'. There should never be another word in between creditunion and co.uk. For example, a genuine email will be help@creditunion.co.uk. A scam email might look like name@creditunion.mail.co.uk
• Requests to Transfer Money
  We will never text or email you to make a test payment online or move money to a new sort code and account number. We will never ask you to move money to a secure, safe or holding account. We will never ask you for any passwords or PINs associated with your account.

What we ask you to do:

If you get a message that seems strange, you should follow these steps:

• Don't reply 
  Even if you think you know the sender, don't reply to a text or email message if it seems strange or unusual.
• Avoid opening links or attachments
  Scam texts and emails can put a virus on your phone or computer. 
• Call the company back the caller claims to be from
  If you're unsure, phone the company on a number you trust or visit their website by typing their web address directly into the address bar at the top of your screen.
• Contact us to be sure
  Use the number on the back of your bank card, and we can help check the text or email message.
• Forward the message to our Fraud Team
  Please forward any scam emails to us at help@creditunion.co.uk.
• Forward the message to your Mobile Provider
  You can use 7726 to report the scam text for free to your network provider.

Remember!

If you're not sure about an email or text message you have received, please do not reply and delete it.

Click here to know more about how to stay safe online.