Protect Yourself from Fraud

Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself from Fraud & Identity Theft

Our member information and security are top priorities here at SECNY FCU. With the recently announced Capital One breach, we consider this a timely opportunity to provide additional tips on keeping your information safe – even when dealing with someone who you think is from SECNY FCU. While no SECNY FCU cards were involved in this breach and we provide outstanding levels of protection, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use our CardValet App to set up alerts that let you know when your debit or credit card is used, approved or exceeds the transaction controls set by you to prevent unauthorized activity.
• Sign up for MasterCard ID Theft Protection - a free benefit for any SECNY Debit or MasterCard Credit cardholder. 
• A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. Do not reply to the text and call us directly for assistance. 
• A text alert from us will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number.
• A phone call from our automated fraud alert system will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information, unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then would you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly. 
• We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly. Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the PIN to put it on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN. The 3-digit CV2 code on the back of the card will allow a fraudster to conduct card-not-present transactions.
• Regularly check your account online or with our Mobile App to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially if you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly for assistance.
• If you have received a voice- or a text-message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly for assistance.