Security Corner Blog

Paying for College: Financial Aid, Scholarships, Tuition, Repayment & Scams to Watch For

Published: August 19, 2026

College comes with plenty of exciting milestones — new classes, new friends, new experiences — but figuring out how to pay for it can feel overwhelming. Between tuition, books, housing, and everyday expenses, understanding your options before the semester starts can help you make smarter financial decisions.

Back-to-School Phishing: Don’t Let a Familiar Message Fool You

Published: August 14, 2026

Back-to-school season brings a flood of emails, texts, payment notices, and account updates—and scammers may use the same topics to make phishing attempts look legitimate. Learn the common warning signs and how to verify suspicious messages before you click, pay, or share information.

Off-Campus Housing Scams: Red Flags Students Should Know

Published: August 4, 2026

Looking for off-campus housing can be exciting, but it’s also a time when scammers try to take advantage of students who want to find a place to live. Fake rental listings, stolen photos, fraudulent sublets, and requests for upfront payments can quickly turn this milestone into a costly mistake.

Spoofed Calls, Texts, and Emails: Don’t Trust Appearances

Published: July 29, 2026

Fraudsters can make calls, texts, and emails appear to come from USSFCU or other trusted sources, making it harder to spot scams. Learn how spoofing works, the warning signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to protect your accounts and personal information.

Card Skimming Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money

Published: July 23, 2026

Card skimming scams are a common way criminals steal payment card information. Skimmers are small devices secretly attached to card readers at places like ATMs, gas pumps, and self-checkout kiosks.

How to Use Your Digital Wallet Safely While Traveling

Published: July 17, 2026

Learn how to use your digital wallet safely while traveling, protect your phone and financial accounts, verify payments before you tap, and avoid common travel-related payment scams.

Members' Voice Testimonials

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can't beat the interest rates. I'm happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- James · Locust Grove, GA

The branch manager introduced herself and was extremely helpful. She stated that if there is anything we ever need to please let her know. Very positive experience!

- Larry · Cumberland, MD

Greta was absolutely amazing - as always. She makes me and my parents feel valued and supported. We are forever grateful. [The Credit Union] has been hugely supportive over many years. And we feel known and cared for.

- Eliza · Washington, DC

Long as I have been with the credit union, I haven't had any problems. I also like the protection on my account.

- Charles · Upper Marlboro, MD

My overall experience at the credit union was exceptional. The staff was hospitable offering water, my service was timely and professional and the office was well lit and clean.

- Denise · Washington, DC

As a member for more than 40 years, i have always had great service from the USSFCU and know that they stand behind their great reputation.

- David · Silver Spring, MD

A top rate Credit Union, [I'm] privileged to be part of! Thank you for all you do for our family! USSFCU Credit Union was able to resolve our financial situation - vehicle, personal loans, customer service/recommendations, within 6 months. We belonged to another credit union for over 20 years, with results not even close to comparison. We switched ...

- Manuel · Bowie, MD

Your people and products are amazing. The recent [online banking] overhaul is phenomenal. [I've] been electronic banking since Tele action phone banking - paying bills with my push button landline decades ago. USSFCU is light years ahead of everyone else in terms of ease of use and client experience!

- Misty · Brookings, OR

I have been a member for more than 30 years. I no longer reside in the DC area but continue to bank with USSFCU because of the ease and the customer service.

- Tamra · Denver, CO

I have been a member for over 50 years, and I have always gotten good service with loans, when I had to have service at a branch, and when I needed to have money sent to me from my savings account. The personnel have always been friendly and treated me with respect.

- John · Fort Washington, MD

I especially appreciate being able to quickly speak with someone (not a robot) and that person has always been knowledgeable and helpful.

- Bernard · Richmond, VA

Excellent customer service streamlined and transparent process. The representatives are efficient, knowledgeable, and understanding of the type of loans offered by Credit Union.

- Erwin · Ellicott City, MD

The USSFCU behaves as a credit union ought to behave. The staff works with and for the members, not for a corporate board. Interest rates for a car loan, a home improvement loan, and a mortgage are low and terms are transparent.

- Ruth · Takoma Park, MD

Staff are courteous and friendly to work with. Very knowledgeable about services and products offered or available. Excellent follow-up with customers.

- Jacquelyn · Sanford, FL

I have appreciated USSFCU services for many years since I left my work on Capitol Hill. I have appreciated the occasional webinars on purchasing a home or retirement planning.

- Jamie · Washington, DC

I have been a member since 2006, and have always appreciated the customer service response to any concern or query. In addition, as I have traveled extensively, USSFCU has provided support and access.

- Kathleen · Ukiah, CA

I've had a credit union account for decades, even though I no longer work on Capitol Hill. I now have two accounts. I've been able to do all of our banking remotely, by app or by phone.

- Richard · Washington, DC

I have been a USSFCU member for almost 20 years. There is nowhere else I want my money to be. I always receive excellent service.

- Nicole · Alexandria, VA

I deeply appreciate the stellar service, the proficiency, the professionalism, and the kindness. I am truly honored and grateful to bank with a financial institution that treats customers like family.

- Angela · Alexandria, VA

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