Alerts

Membership Account Verification Audit

In the coming weeks you may receive a verification letter in the mail asking you to confirm specific information regarding your Shell Federal Credit Union account or loan. This is a standard practice in the financial services industry and will help ensure the accuracy of the credit union’s financial records.

The Supervisory Committee of Shell Federal Credit Union is responsible for overseeing the annual Membership Account Verification Audit and has retained the auditing firm Doeren Mayhew, CPAs and Advisors to conduct the audit. This account verification process is required by our regulators. As a part of this procedure, members are randomly selected to confirm the accuracy of their account balance. No other information will be requested beyond this verification. This annual audit is one of many internal control processes in place at Shell Federal Credit Union that helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of our financial reporting system for the protection of our members.

Two types of letters are sent to a random selection of members of the credit union. A Negative Confirmation Letter will ask members to review their balance and if the information is correct, no further action is necessary. A Positive Confirmation Letter is similar, but members are asked to verify, and confirm if the balance is correct or incorrect, and sign and return the letter to the auditing firm. If the information is incorrect, add any information that will assist our auditors in reconciling the difference and return your reply directly to the auditors at the address included in the letter. Please do not mail your replies to Shell Federal Credit Union. If there is an error in the information noted, our auditors must receive a reply directly from you.

If you have questions regarding this important process, you may contact our Member Assistance Center at (713) 844-1100. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Fraud Alert

We’ve recently been made aware that some members are experiencing unauthorized charges related to Roblox on their accounts. Please rest assured that we take this matter very seriously. Fraud monitoring rules have been implemented, and we are actively working to protect your accounts.

Your funds remain safe and secure. If you notice any suspicious activity or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 713-844-1100.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

July 2025 Reg CC Funds Availability Dollar Threshold Adjustments

July 2025 Reg CC Funds Availability Dollar Threshold Adjustments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Reserve Board jointly adjusted threshold amounts for inflation relating to the availability of accountholder funds. In accordance with 12 CFR 229, Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks (Regulation CC), we are updating our Funds Availability Policy effective July 1, 2025. These changes impact when funds deposited by check will be available for withdrawal, increasing the amount made available to you for certain items presented for deposit. Regulation CC applies to transaction accounts only. Savings accounts are not subject to Reg CC.

Funds Availability Policy – Change in Terms

Effective July 1, 2025, our Funds Availability Policy will change to increase the amount available from checks that are placed on hold. Although our general policy is to make funds from your check deposits available to you on the same day we receive your deposit, in some cases, we may not make all funds available to you on the same business day.

Key Changes to Funds Availability

• The first $275 (previously $225) of a check deposit will generally be available no later than the first business day after the day of deposit.
• The threshold for large check deposits subject to extended holds has increased to $6,725 (previously $5,525).
• For new accounts, the amount of check deposits available within the first business day has increased to $6,725 (previously $5,525).

Certain exceptions are allowed and will delay funds availability beyond the standard requirements. These include:

• We believe a check you deposit may not be paid.
• You deposit checks totaling more than $6,725 in any one day.
• You redeposit a check that has been returned unpaid.
• You have overdrawn your account repeatedly in the last six months.
• There is an emergency condition or business interruption beyond the credit union’s control.
• Deposits to new accounts may be delayed for a limited time.
• Checks drawn on institutions outside the local region may have longer hold periods.

By continuing to use your Shell FCU accounts and deposit services on or after July 1, 2025, you agree to the amended terms. For questions about this change, contact a Shell FCU representative at (713) 844-1100.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

FRAUD ALERT: Protect Your Information

FRAUD ALERT: Protect Your Information

Scammers are posing as Shell FCU representatives to try and steal your personal information. They are using unfamiliar phone numbers or even spoofing our official Shell FCU phone number of (713) 844-1100. These fraud attempts may come through phone calls or text messages requesting your personal information such as Social Security Number, date of birth, passwords, or Digital Banking login details.

• Do not share any sensitive information.
• Hang up or delete the message right away.
• Shell FCU will NEVER ask for your credentials.
• If you’re ever unsure, call us directly at (713) 844-1100.

Remember – If you initiate the call, scammers can’t spoof the number.
Stay alert and protect your information!

Protect Yourself from Spoofing and Fraud

Attention Valued Shell FCU Members,

Recently, we’ve seen a rise in Shell FCU members reporting incidents of fraud. Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to gain access to members' Digital Banking credentials, including usernames, passwords, and one-time PINs via SMS text.

Fraudsters often spoof Shell FCU’s official phone number, (713) 844-1100, and pose as credit union employees. They may call or text to make it difficult to distinguish them from legitimate Shell FCU communications, and recently, we've also seen scammers sending emails or text messages asking members to "confirm" debit or credit card transactions. These fraudulent messages often link to a form requesting the full debit or credit card number, expiration date, and CVV (card verification value) located on the back of your card.

Please remember that Shell FCU’s fraud alerts will only ask you to confirm transactions with a simple 'Y' or 'N' to verify if the transaction is legitimate. We will never ask for your full card information. This is a tactic used by scammers to gain access to your card information, so please be cautious with any such requests.

Here are some key steps to protect yourself:

NEVER Share Your Digital Banking Credentials: Shell FCU will NEVER ask for your Digital Banking User ID, password, or one-time PIN via phone, text, or email. We may send a one-time authentication code only if YOU initiate contact with us.

Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: We will never ask for Digital Banking login details or for payment apps such as Venmo,Zelle, or CashApp. Fraudsters may try to leverage the holiday rush to trick you, so stay cautious with any unexpected communication.

Avoid Disclosing Personal Information: If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text claiming to be from Shell FCU, do not share any personal information. Instead, hang up and call Shell FCU directly at (713) 844-1100. When you initiate the call, you’ll be assured of speaking with an official employee.

Please remember that scammers often use a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing your information. Take a moment to pause, think, and never rush into sharing sensitive details. If you have any concerns or doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at (713) 844-1100. Your security is our top priority, and together, we can keep your accounts safe and secure.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

Scam Alert - Past Due Utility Bills

Attention Shell FCU Members!

Fraudsters continue to evolve scams associated with Mobile Payment Apps, such as Zelle, Venmo and Cash App, by introducing urgency to pay supposed delinquent utility bills to avoid service being discontinued. Beware of scammers calling or texting claiming to be from a utility company stating they did not receive payment and service will be turned off if payment is not sent immediately.

We suggest you disconnect the call and then call the verified utility company phone number or login to their website to verify your balance. If payment is due immediately, please make payment through the verified utility company website, their payment by phone or your financial institution’s Bill Payment. Funds sent through Mobile Payment Apps are non-refundable and should only be sent to verified recipients.

If you have any questions or if you are targeted by a scam like this, please report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.