Scam Alert: We have been alerted that someone may be spoofing our 1-800-531-2328 and 512-435-4545 numbers to tell members they have fraud on their debit card and attempt to gather personal information. Please remember to not provide any information to someone who calls you and requests personal information. If you're not comfortable with a call you receive claiming to be UHCU, hang up and call UHCU directly. 
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2024 Holiday Toy Drive NEW

United Heritage Credit Union is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive to support kids in Central and East Texas. UHCU will collect new and unopened toys, and funds, from November 12 through November 29 at all branch locations. Click here for more info on how to donate!
Elevate Your Everyday with a Metal Debit Card NEW

UHCU is now offering metal debit cards for all checking accounts. Click here to order yours today!
Our Southwest Branch is Updating Hours NEW

Effective Saturday, November 23, 2024, our Southwest branch drive-thru lanes will be closed on Saturdays. Our lobby will remain open and our drive-up ATMs with expanded features will be available. Click here for more information.
Refer Your Friends & Earn Up to $500!* NEW

Earn $50 for each friend you refer that opens a UHCU checking account. You can earn up to $500 per year*! You and your friend both earn $50 when your friend opens an account and meets all of the requirements.

Learn more and Refer a Friend today!
Skip-A-Pay NEW

It's now easier than ever to skip a loan payment with our Skip-a-Pay program. Click here to learn more!
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How to Avoid Online Dating Scams

Nowadays, millions of people turn to online dating websites to find companionship and romance.  Why not, right? The idea and convenience of meeting your soul mate on the internet is alluring to all different demographics.  Unfortunately, the widespread use and popularity of these social sites attracts criminals along with everyone else. Scammers now troll dating sites to make fast money by preying on the vulnerability of those looking for love.  The best way to protect yourself and others is to understand how these online dating scams work and recognize the signs early.
 

The Romance Scam

A romance scammer creates a fake profile on legitimate dating sites and social networks. This individual uses bogus pictures and personal information to play on emotional triggers and create a quick bond with his/her victim. The relationship progresses quickly because the scammer feigns genuine interest and presents himself/herself as a thoughtful, loving person looking for a soul mate.  In a relatively short period of time, the scammer will ask that the relationship move away from the website to phone, email or instant message communication.  The scammer will often weave a believable story about traveling or living overseas. Ultimately, once trust is gained, the scammer will ask for financial assistance. He/she could ask for help cashing a check, sending a package, covering travel expenses, paying a bill or bailing someone out of jail. Victims of the romance scam might not only have money stolen from them, but also unknowingly participate in money laundering or shipping stolen merchandise.
 

Warning Signs for Fraudulent Activity

The person you meet online may only be interested in scamming you if he or she:

  • Quickly professes strong feelings of love.

  • Pressures you to leave the website you met through and use more personal forms of communication.

  • Has a picture that looks like it could be from a magazine.

  • Claims to be from the United States, but is traveling or working overseas.

  • Plans to visit you, but never does due to an emergency or tragic event.

  • Asks for money, favors, gifts, or your bank account details and credit card information.

  • Becomes more persistent or desperate if you do not comply with his/her requests immediately.

United Heritage Credit Union’s goal is to educate its members about current scams to help protect them from fraud and identity theft. Awareness is the best defense for preventing this type of crime. If you believe you are a victim of an online scam or have questions regarding suspicious account activity, please contact United Heritage at 512.435.4545, 903.597.7484 or 800.531.2328.

You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which accepts online internet crime complaints from either the actual victim or from a third party to the complainant. Learn more about IC3 here.
How to Avoid Online Dating Scams
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