Do Your Part to Prevent Fraud

The credit union is here to provide financial services for all of us. We can each help by taking a few easy steps. Some folks might think that fraud does not affect the credit union because the big corporate card issuers are the ones who take the losses. Unfortunately, often this is not true. We have been very lucky and have not had any large losses due to fraud, but the world is changing. Each new technology that makes our lives quicker and easier can also make it easier for some to commit fraud. Here are some steps we can all take.

 For those of us with debit cards, please be sure that we have your current cell phone number on file. If a transaction is suspect, our card processor will send a text to you to confirm the transaction. We will never ask for your account number. We already have it. The text will only ask you to say yes, that is my transaction or no, it is not. No other information is needed. However, we cannot send the text if we do not have a valid phone number for you. Also, please let us know if you will be travelling out of the area. Transactions that are outside of your usual habits could put a temporary hold on your account.

For those of us with credit cards, as with debit cards, let us know if you will be travelling and be sure we have a valid cell phone number. Also, please consider utilizing the EZ Card Info website to set controls on your card.

For all of us, please consider accessing the free home banking online service. You can see any recent transactions on your accounts and can watch for unusual activity. You can sign on as often as you like and at any time that you like.

This is the heart of the credit union. People helping other people and working together for the same goal. Let’s all keep an eye on our accounts!