Fraudsters are coming up with new ways to steal your money and personal information. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you stay safe. We offer a variety of tools and resources to help protect you.
In this section, you’ll learn about:
Scams to Watch For
Prevention Strategies
How to Report Fraud
Altana will never call you and ask for personal information, such as account or PIN numbers. If you get a call like this from Altana, hang up and call us back directly at (406) 651-AFCU, Option 1 or (800) 221-7555.
SMS Message Scams
Be wary of where you click.
If you get an SMS message supposedly about a fraud alert, be skeptical.
This “Smishing” scheme tries to scare you into believing the scammers are representatives of your credit union. An automated SMS message will appear on your phone, claiming to be a fraud alert. It’ll then ask if you recently made an instant payment in the thousands of dollars.
- Keep an eye out for misspelled words which are used to bypass a phone carrier’s filter system for fraud.
- Do not click on the link or call the number on the text.
- Do not respond to the text. Even writing STOP will let the scammer know your number is genuine.
- If a call or text is received regarding possible fraud or unauthorized transfers, immediately hang up.
- Never click on links provided in unsolicited texts or emails.
- The best way to protect yourself is to say, “Let me call you right back,” then call the credit union yourself.
- Never answer any questions from a random call.
- Do not post sensitive information online.
Be in the Know
Scams to Watch For
Identity Theft
The unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information.
Phishing
This involves fraudulent emails, instant messages, calls or texts designed to trick you into revealing personal information.
Advance Fee Fraud
Claims to offer something like cash or a gift card in exchange for an up-front fee.
Imposter Scams
Victims are told there’s a family member in urgent need and to electronically transfer funds, being encouraged to lie to their financial institution about why they’re placing the transaction.
Tech Support Scams
Imposters claim to be calling from tech-support of a company the victim subscribes to, then personal data is gathered and exploited.
Investment Fraud
Scammers lure victims with promises of huge profits from fake investments.
Fake Check Fraud
You receive a fake check in the mail and are instructed to wire the funds back.
Elder Fraud
These are scams that target older adults and common types include Tech support, Sweepstakes, Romance and Telemarketing scams.
real talk.
“Don’t be fooled by offers that sound too good to be true. Unexpected gifts or checks from strangers are often scams. Look for grammar and spelling mistakes in messages. Take your time, do your research, and protect your personal information.”
Get informed and
stay alert…
National Do Not Call Registry
Federal Trade Commission Scam Alerts
NCUA Fraud Prevention Center
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Secret Service
AARP Fraud Watch Network™
Your Money, Our Shield
Security is Top Priority
We’re serious about keeping your cash safe. Here’s how we do it:
- Locked Down: Your personal information is encrypted like a top-secret spy code.
- Secure Login: Your online banking session is authenticated with encrypted user ID and password/PIN.
- You’re Covered: We log you out of digital banking automatically if you forget.
- Picture Perfect: The watermark image you choose lets you know you’re logged in the right place.
- Extra Vigilance: Our system constantly monitors for suspicious activity.
Your Part in the
Protection Plan
You’re the superhero of your finances! Here’s how to keep your money safe:
- Lock it Down: Create a super strong password and keep it secret from everyone.
- Log Out: Don’t forget to hit that “Log Out” button when you’re done.
- Stay Updated: Keep your computer safe with the latest software updates.
- Be Smart: Don’t share your info with strangers, online or over the phone.
- Guard Your Gear: Never leave your computer unattended when logged in.
- Sound the Alarm: Let us know right away if something seems off.
- Shop Safe: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Your home network is the safest bet.
- Clean Up: Clear your cookies and browser history after shopping to protect your privacy and prevent accidental discoveries.
- Use the Vault: Password managers are like super-secret vaults for your logins. Just remember one master password, and you’re in! Popular choices include Lastpass, Dashlane, and Roboform.
Protect Your Identity
Shred, Check, and Be Wary
- Shred It: Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding sensitive documents like receipts, credit offers, and financial statements.
- Stay on Top: Regularly check your accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.
- Be Smart: Don’t share personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Keep your peace of mind
ATM Safety Tips
- Lock your car and keep your windows up.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Don’t write your PIN on your card.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police.
- Shield your PIN when using cards in public places.
Altana Member Services
If you suspect fraud on your account, please call us right away.
(406) 651-AFCU, Option 1 or (800) 221-7555
Fraud & Safety FAQs
What does Altana Federal Credit Union do to protect my personal information?
Altana employs advanced security measures, including encryption, fraud detection systems, and employee training, to safeguard your information.
How can I protect myself from online scams?
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information. Never click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources.
What should I do if I think my account has been compromised?
Contact Altana Federal Credit Union immediately at (406) 651-AFCU, Option 1 or (800) 221-7555 or email, contactus@altanafcu.org.
Is online banking and the mobile app secure?
Yes, our digital banking and mobile app utilize advanced security protocols to protect your information.
What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Contact Altana Federal Credit Union immediately at (406) 651-AFCU, Option 1 or (800) 221-7555 to report the lost or stolen card.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information.
How do I spot a bogus email?
To identify a fake email, look for these tell-tale signs:
- A fishy email address. If it looks overly long or otherwise clearly is not associated with your credit card issuer, then delete.
- A generic salutation. Does the email begin with “Dear Customer” and appear to know very little about you? Most legitimate emails include the four digits of your credit card number.
- A suspicious link to your account or login. Never click on a link in an email—it’s safer to just go to your account login manually using a bookmark or type the URL. If you have questions about a card, call the 800-number on the back.
Have a question not answered here?
