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Fraud Prevention

Protecting your accounts and information is our priority. 
 
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You have a partner in Azura Credit Union

Together, we can fight fraud. These resources and tips show you warning signs, what to avoid and how to react to fraudulent activity and scams. When in doubt, reach out. We're here to help.


































If you believe that your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.
 
 
We will NEVER ask you to provide the following information: 
 
  • Your full credit or debit card number
  • The expiration date on your card
  • Your card's Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • The CVC code on the back of your card
  • One-time passwords or access codes 
  • Your full Social Security number 
  • Your Online Banking credentials 
If anyone posing as an Azura Credit Union representative asks for this information, do not provide it. It is a scam. Please contact us immediately. 
 


Secure your online account: 
  • Choose unique passwords for each online account 
  • Create passwords that combine letters, numbers and characters 
  • Set up digital banking alerts
  • Destroy important papers such as statements and credit card offers 
  • Monitor your accounts regularly to spot suspicious transactions
  • Review your credit report annually through AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Sign up for e-statements to view account activity
 
Beware of phishing attempts: 
  • Do not click suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders
  • Do not provide account numbers, passwords or Social Security numbers 
  • Verify that website URLs begin with "https://" and include a padlock symbol to ensure security
 
Protect your devices: 
  • Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software 
  • Make sure all software is updated with the latest security patches
  • Use multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible


These schemes often have the same red flags. Here's what to look out for: 
 
  • Too good to be true offers: Scammers often lure victims with promises of quick and easy money or unrealistic returns on investments.
  • Pressure tactics: Criminals often rush you into making a decision before you have time to think it through or do proper research. They might claim the offer is limited or that you have to act immediately to take advantage of it.
  • Requests for personal information: Never provide personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations won't ask for sensitive information via email, phone or text.
  • Unsolicited communication: Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages, especially if they're asking for money or personal information. 
  • Poor grammar and spelling: Look for the mistakes. Legitimate businesses typically have better quality control over their communications.
  • Unusual payment methods: Be cautious if you're asked to pay using wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are difficult to trace and are often favored by scammers.
  • Lack of verifiable information: Legitimate businesses and offers should have verifiable information, such as a physical address, contact information and a professional website. If you can't find any information to verify the offer, it's likely a scam.
  • Offers that require upfront payment: Be cautious if you're asked to pay money upfront before receiving goods or services, especially if you're told it's for taxes, shipping fees or processing charges. Legitimate businesses typically don't require payment before providing goods or services.
  • Unexpected winnings or inheritances: If you receive unexpected notifications of lottery winnings, inheritances, or prizes, be wary. Scammers often use these tactics to trick victims into providing personal information or sending money to claim their supposed winnings.
  • Emotional manipulation: Some scams play on emotions like fear, greed or sympathy to manipulate victims into taking action. Be cautious of offers or messages playing on strong emotional responses.


Why Report Fraud? | Federal Trade Commission

If you think you see a scam, talk with someone. Your story could help someone avoid that scam. Then report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story could help the FTC stop the scammers.

 
Why Care About Identity Theft? | Federal Trade Commission

This video shows what happens when someone learns the hard way why she should care about her identity. Learn more about identity theft. 

 
5 Ways to Protect Your Identity | Federal Trade Commission

Here are routine steps we can all take to protect our personal information and reduce our risk of identity theft. Learn more about protecting your identity and recovering from identity theft. 

 
Protect Your Computer from Malware | Federal Trade Commission

Malware is short for "malicious software." It includes viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent. These programs can cause your device to crash and can be used to monitor and control your online activity. Learn more about how to avoid, detect, and get rid of malware.

 
Online Romance Scams

Imposters promise romance to users of online dating sites to trick them into sending money. There's more information available about online romance imposter scams. 

 
Money Wiring Scams  | Federal Trade Commission
 
This video shows some common money wiring scams, and what happens to some people who meet the scams.
 
 
Online Shopping Security Tips  | Federal Trade Commission
 
Shopping online? A little research can help you get the best deal and avoid unnecessary hassles.


Your identity is one of your most valuable assets. Identity Theft is the misuse of another individual’s personal information to commit fraud. Today, one out of every 10 Americans is the victim of identity theft, many of them unsuspecting senior citizens. 
 
Just the Facts
 
Your personal information criminals are most interested in: 
  • Name, address, & phone number
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number (perhaps the most valuable piece of information for a thief)
  • Driver’s license number
  • Credit card information
  • Bank account information
  • Mother’s maiden name 
Travel Light
 
  • Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only carry identification you absolutely need when you go out.
  • Never carry more than two credit or debit cards
  • Keep a list of all your credit cards, bank accounts, and investments in a secure place. Include account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers for customer services departments so you can contact them quickly, if necessary.
Just Say No
 
  • Be wary of unsolicited telephone calls. Unless you have a relationship with the person, business or agency, and you initiated the call and have verified the other party’s authenticity, NEVER offer any personal information. This includes your Social Security Number, credit card number, and other personal data.
  • To avoid unwanted telephone offers, add your name to the National Do-Not-Call registry at www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall.
Shred It
 
  • A large majority of identity theft is the result of stolen mail or items found in the trash. Shred any solicitations that contain your name, address, or other sensitive data.
  • When away from home for more than a few days, have your mail held at the post office.
  • Always shred pre-approved credit card offers. You can remove your name from these permanent offer lists by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com or calling1-888-567-8688.
  • Do not leave outbound mail that contains personal check in an unsecured mail box.
Don’t Bank On It
 
  • Review your credit card statements, bank statements, and phone bills frequently for unauthorized use.
  • If using online banking or an app, review your accounts at a minimum of once a weekto check for unauthorized use. The quicker you spot it and contact the appropriate company, the quicker you can protect yourself.
  • Never let merchants write your Social Security Number on your checks.
  • Do no print your Social Security Number, driver’s license number, or home phone number on your check. A P.O. Box is preferable.
  • Check your Social Security statement each year for signs of fraud.
  • Cut up expired credit cards before you dispose of them.
  • Check your credit reports, at least once a year. You are entitled to one free report a year. Details can be found at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Internet Precautions
 
  • Use email alerts for your online banking to notify you of account activity such as transactions, balance thresholds, and account transfers.
  • Do not provide credit card numbers or personal information on any website unless you are positive it is authentic.
  • Never open spam or other email from unknown sources as they can contain viruses. If you aren’t sure if it’s spam, err on the side of caution and delete it without opening.
  • Never use the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, your child’s name, or your pet’s name for your password.
  • If an institution uses the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number as a PIN, change it.
  • Use a combination of capital letters, small letters, numbers, and special characters to create your passwords.
  • Change your passwords on a regular basis.

  1. Contact the 3 major credit bureaus. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Order copies of your credit reports and review for fraud activity.
  2. Notify your credit union(s) or bank(s) and credit card companies & follow up in writing. If your checks are stolen, stop payment at once. Call SCAN at 1-800-262-7771 to determine if bad checks have been passed in your name. If your accounts have been compromised, close them immediately. 
  3. Keep a record of the names and phone numbers of the people with whom to you discuss your case, as well as all the reports and supporting documents. 
  4. File a report with your local police department. Request a copy of the police report as it is one of the two documents that comprise what is known as an Identity Theft Report. Some creditors will request this report in order to remove the debts created by the theft. 
  5. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338. The completed complaint is called an FTC Affidavit and is the 2nd document needed for your Identity Theft Report. The FTC also has counselors to help you resolve financial and other problems that can result from this crime. 
  6. Visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/ to create a detailed personal recovery plan. 
 
Other Helpful Federal Agencies

Contact information for the major credit bureaus:
 
Equifax Transunion Experian
To order your report:
800-685-1111
To order your report:
888-909-8872
To order your report:
888-397-3742
To report fraud:
800-525-6285
To report fraud:
800-680-7289
To report fraud:
888-397-3742
TDD: 800-255-0056 TDD: 977-553-7803  TDD: 800-972-0322 
 
Helpful phone numbers:
 
877-ID-THEFT
Stolen Checks & Check Fraud
Tele-check 800-710-9898
Certegy 800-437-5120
SCAN 800-262-7771
800-269-0271
855-411-2372
877-876-2455
816-512-8200
































































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