WV Central

June 2022

Mike's Article

This month I would like to share a little information on a topic that I wish we never had to worry about. The topic deals with financial scams and the alarming rate that the number of scams increased in 2021.

In 2021, over 92,000 Americans over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion. This was a 74% increase in losses over 2020. Three reasons are attributed to why elder financial abuse is on the rise.

1. Increased social media being used by older Americans
2. Many have landline phone numbers that are still listed in phone books making them an easier target
3. Many seniors are baby boomers and they control a vast amount of wealth that fraudsters are targeting.

Scams are often hard to detect at first glance; however, these red flags should be remembered. Also keep in mind, it is not uncommon for fraudsters to use intimidation tactics and urgent requests.

Red Flags:

•  Don’t always trust the display name as criminals will change the email name to appear to be   legitimate
• Check for misspelled words, bad grammar or other mistakes in the content of the email
• Be cautious of clicking on or opening links or attachments on emails – do not click on anything unless you are confident of the sender and are expecting the attachments
• Never share a password or a one-time password that is sent to your phone or computer
• Do not provide personal information if asked
• Be suspicious of “urgent” or “immediate” response needed or “unauthorized login attempt”
• If you are not expecting a message then do not respond to it
• Do not respond to an email that appears to be in response to an email that you supposedly sent, if you did not send the email then do not respond to a request
• If something seems suspicious and it states you need to contact someone or a company, then send a new email to the person or company directly or call them on the phone number you know to be correct
• Always, be aware of tempting offers – if it is too good to be true, it probably is
• Do not allow your desire to help someone with a sympathetic message to put you in a poor financial situation

While the increased number of fraud attempts are scary - certainly, not every email, text or phone call is a fraudulent attempt. With that said, we must be cautious and not fall prey to these very well-rehearsed criminals.

WV Central will never send you something requesting personal information such as account numbers and passwords. Please use the credit union as a reference or a sounding board if you ever feel as though someone is attempting to take financial advantage of you. We are here to help! 

Discovery World on Market

WV Central Federal Credit Union is proud and excited to announce a long term partnership with the Discovery World on Market!

The Discovery World on Market will be the regional STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) destination that will provide children and their families’ one-of-a-kind hands-on experiences that will be accessible to all. Discovery World plans to open their doors for the first time in late Fall 2022!

WV Central has made a donation of $200,000 to create a 10 year partnership with Discovery World. Our investment will allow WV Central to sponsor and support 40 educational and fun events. Once open, Discovery World will be the go to destination in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

An annual investment of just 96 cents per member over the 10 year partnership has allowed WV Central to support an educational option for our children in the Mid-Ohio Valley that will prepare them for success and happiness! 

Children's Miracle Network Raffle

Starting June 1st come to any WV Central location to purchase your raffle ticket to win this 2022 Polaris 150!

All proceeds benefit WVU Children's Hospital!

Tickets are:

1 for $10.00

3 for $25.00

Make sure to order your Relay for Life shirts by July 1, 2022

WV Central is excited to announce our new financial education tool, Credit Score, launching in June! You will have instant access to your credit score and credit report, along with personalized tips on how to improve your score or maintain an already great score.

Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser

All proceeds benefits Relay for Life Wood County

June 4th at Belpre Bingo Hall

Doors open at 1:00 - Bingo starts at 2:00

20 games for $20.00 only 200 tickets are being sold

Concessions - 50/50 - Early Bird and Second Chance Drawing

Lucky ball $5.00

Purchase your ticket today at any WV Central location

JoLee Crawford's Story

You guys have helped my whole family in many ways. I started my first checking account with you and so have my daughters. All of our car loans are with you. The best interest rates around. Very personal employees that really care. I’ve been with WVCCU for almost 30 years and no complaints.

Share your story!

Tell us how we've helped you!

At the end of the quarter we will do a drawing and you could win cash!

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Need financial planning assistance?

Call Andy at Commonwealth to discuss investing and retirement for your financial future! 304-422-3531

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