Continuing with a history of encouraging education for our member students, CCCU increased the number of Smart Start Scholarships awarded to students to 10 for 2022, doubling the amount of scholarships typically given. The Smart Start Scholarship program is part of an ongoing effort to help our members realize their financial goals and dreams through education. Here are the 2022 honorees, their universities and declared majors:

1. Drew Ammerman – Arizona State University – Aerospace Engineering
2. Taylynn Britton – Georgia Military College – Emergency Management
3. Paige Coxsey – College of Southern Nevada - Nursing
4. Madelyn Eckels – University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Elementary Education
5. Reagan Freeman – Brigham Young University- English
6. Addison Haldeman – Brigham Young University – Communication Disorders
7. Abigail Hinton – University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Social Work
8. Donavan McIntosh – Nevada State College – Criminal Justice
9. Zachary Meyer – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Air Traffic Management
10. CaseyLynn Silang – University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Criminal Justice

Sneaky Scams Circulating Everywhere

Do you have social media or visit any online news sites? If the answer is yes, your chance of encountering a scam is heightened. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than one in four people who reported losing money to fraud in 2021 stated that it started on social media with an ad, a post or a message. In fact, the most profitable source to scammers in 2021 was suggested to be on social media over any other method!

The facts:

• 95,000 people reported losing $770 million to fraud on social media.
• Fraud reports are up for every age group.
• People aged 18 to 39 were twice as likely to report money loss to scams.
• LinkedIn accounts have the most phishing attempts worldwide.

What to watch out for:

Fake Accounts & Phishing

Scammers are taking your online pictures and creating fake profiles to target your friends and family. If you become a victim, report the duplicate account through the social media company. You can help reduce the likelihood of a spoofed account by making your social media accounts private and setting up two-factor authentication.

Bitcoin Baiting

Bitcoin is a trending investment product. Scammers are creating fake accounts and running ads that attract consumers to learn more about this new investment offer. Simply clicking on one of these offers can automatically share the users’ credentials giving hackers access. This also provides the hacker the ability to take over your social media accounts.

Smishing with SMS

Unlike phishing via email, smishing uses SMS or text messages to get consumers to click on malicious links. Once clicked, the link can load malware providing hackers with your access information and passwords by capturing your every move.

Social App Scams

Read the fine print on new apps you download. A new app circulating Facebook uses artificial intelligence to provide users with a cartoon or painting of their profile picture. By downloading the app, users agree to share personal data including their social media photos, social media information, location, and details about the device they’re using including their IP address.

Warning Signs to Avoid a Sneaky Scam:

• A sense of urgency to act right away
• A reward or gift offer
• Poor grammar or formatting
• An unknown sender not in your contacts
• A KNOWN sender behaving differently – Hackers can spoof (mimic) phone numbers to give a false sense of trust!

Clark County Credit Union will continue to provide you with protective tips to help you avoid hackers and scammers who are using technology to deceive consumers. If you have questions, reach out to a member of our team at 702-228-2228.  Remember, CCCU will never call you and ask for your personal account and log in information.

Are you looking to teach your children about making wise decisions when they are faced with financial dilemmas? In Nevada, schools are not required to teach financial education so let CCCU help start those important conversations! Join us for our upcoming free webinar that shares good money management skills to teach at any age!

You’ll learn how to teach children to distinguish between wants and needs, how to use and build credit wisely and other useful real-world financial skills.  Plus, a representative from The Nevada State Treasury office will also share information about starting a college 529 account. A handout with additional information will be shared after the webinar.

Select the date and time that best suits your busy schedule. The event will be held virtually, with a Microsoft Teams link emailed prior to the date you select.

Session 1

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Date: Wednesday, May 17

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Session 2

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

If you’d like to submit a question in advance, please reply to this email. Thank you!

Is Your Vehicle Protected?

Did you know that in addition to offering auto loans at great rates (as low as 1.49%), Clark County Credit Union also provides our members with a variety of Debt Protection options to protect both you and your vehicle?

Protect Your Vehicle With:

• GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection): If your vehicle is stolen, destroyed beyond repair, or proclaimed an insured total loss, your auto insurance will most likely only cover the replacement cost. The difference between the insurance settlement and the remaining loan balance is your responsibility to pay. For just a few dollars per month GAP Protection is an affordable way to cover the gap.

• Member Guard Debt Cancellation: Debt cancellation can shield you and your loved ones from additional financial difficulties in the tragic case of a disability or death. If you or a joint borrower becomes medically handicapped because of an illness or injury, Disability Protection may push back monthly payments until you are able to return to work. If there is an event that results in an untimely death for you or your joint borrower, the Loss of Life protection may cancel the remaining loan balance.

• Members Choice (Mechanical Repair Coverage): Enjoy the security of knowing that your new (or new to you) vehicle is protected by a legitimate and credit union preferred extended warranty program against numerous major repairs. At a lower cost than many other plans, you can get mechanical coverage, roadside assistance, and towing protection. In addition, for warranty repairs, take your vehicle to any qualified mechanic or even the dealership.

For more information on GAP, Member Guard Debt Cancellation or Members Choice, contact a Financial Service Representative today at 702-228-2228 option 1.