Fraud Protection
Keep your financial accounts and identity safe
The risk of fraud, scams, and identity theft is rising as more companies have more access to your sensitive data.
Our highest priority is protecting your personal and financial data. Part of that is to show you what scams and suspicious activities look like, and how you can take proactive steps to avoid them.
How can I protect myself from fraud?
Anyone can be a victim of fraud. But seniors, teens, and kids are particularly vulnerable. Why? Scammers often target people who may be less experienced at spotting suspicious activities.
No matter your age or experience level, the more you know about scams and fraud, the better you can protect yourself. We’ve compiled information on four common fraud types. Read more about them and how to protect yourself below.
Common fraud threats
Identity theft
Using personal information, like a name, birthday, password, username, account number, or Social Security number to open unauthorized accounts or commit crimes.
Learn how to prevent identity theft
Phishing
Obtaining sensitive information through fake emails, links, text messages, or phone calls that appear to be from a reputable, known, or trusted source.
Learn how to prevent phishing attacks
Card fraud
Stealing credit or debit card numbers by hacking, mail theft, or an illegal device called a skimmer that collects card details when you swipe.
Learn how to prevent card fraud
ATM security
Accessing bank accounts by placing skimmers on ATMs, or by using stolen cards and personal identification numbers (PIN).
Learn how to stay safe at the ATM
Monitor your accounts and credit
One of the easiest and most impactful things you can do to keep your finances secure is regularly monitor your bank accounts. Report any potentially fraudulent transactions immediately.
To review your SECU accounts, log on to online and mobile banking or download the app.
Learn how to monitor your credit and prevent fraud from ruining your credit score.
Trust your gut about fraud
If something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Don’t share any information under pressure or if you’re not 100% sure who you’re dealing with and that they’ll use that information for.
What should I do if my account is compromised?
If you discover that any of your SECU accounts have been compromised, please contact us immediately at 800-879-7328. You can also access our fraud forms here.
How SECU protects its members from fraud
We work hard to protect you from financial fraud no matter how you bank with us.
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Credit and debit cards
All SECU Visa debit and credit cards are embedded with EMV chip technology, making it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit cards or steal your information.
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Digital banking
We’ve added step-up authentication to online and mobile banking. This prompts you with a security question or the option to receive a one-time passcode if you log in from an unregistered device, or if you are performing an unusual or risky transaction.
We have also added automatic, real-time alerts if your address, email, phone number, username, or password are changed. This allows you to monitor accounts and react quickly to unauthorized activity.
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Mobile app
Our mobile app has biometric login tools that prevent other people from accessing your information through your device. Log in with your unique fingerprint or Face ID on your Apple device.
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ATMs
We have added new card readers to many of our branch ATMs to provide additional protection against skimmers, the illegal devices that collect card details.
Additional fraud resources
Connect with SECU
In person or virtual. Connect with us about any fraud related concerns.
VISIT THE VIRTUAL FINANCIAL CENTER
SCHEDULE IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT
SCHEDULE VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT
Fraud protection FAQs
Yes, the spelling and grammar are poor, which are red flags. The majority of social engineering pre-texts disguise themselves as a well-known company to make them appear trustworthy. These emails often have misspellings, improper grammar, or awkward wording that can be a sign that it is a scam. Large well-known organizations would not distribute an email with these types of errors.
No, this email and web link are suspicious.
A common tactic fraudsters use in phishing emails is to use urgent language and unreasonable consequences to inspire a victim to click on a malicious web link or attachment. Cyber criminals often include links to spoofed websites designed to look like the legitimate website.
If the victim enters their username and password into these sites, their credentials are recorded so that they can be used for account takeover. They may even ask you to select challenge questions and provide answers in an attempt to bypass two-factor authentication.
It is best to use a one-time passcode, instead of challenge questions, to further secure your online and mobile banking.
Don’t click links you find suspicious. Hover your mouse over the button to see the full website link. Then determine if the link is safe. What looks like a legitimate hyperlink can be a disguised link to a criminal website.
Although a website appears to look safe, it may not actually be safe. A quick glance at the address bar will show that the website is NOT a SECU website. Always make sure that you see ‘secumd.org’ between ‘https://’ and the next ‘/’ in the URL address bar. See an example below:
No, it is not safe. If your account has been flagged for any reason, SECU will never ask you to authenticate your account via email. See an example of a fraudulent email below:
You may have received a call from our fraud prevention center due to suspicious activity on your card. If they suspect your card security has been breached, they may suspend the usage of your card until you validate the questionable purchase(s).
Contact SECU now or schedule an appointment.
