Security Tips and Information

Protect yourself against fraud and identity theft.

Thieves check mailboxes looking for all kinds of information. How many pre-approved credit card offers do you receive? Do your statements contain your social security number?
  • If you do not have a mailbox with a lock, be sure to pick up your incoming mail every day. Or, consider using a PO Box.
  • Take outgoing mail to the Post Office; never raise the red flag on your mailbox telling everyone that you have mail to be picked up.
  • Shred all offers of credit that you receive in the mail. Never dispose of these items in the trash without first shredding them.
  • Make a list of all bills and statements you receive and the dates you normally receive them. If you're expecting a bill and you do not receive it, contact the issuer right away.
  • Never give private information, such as social security number, account or credit card numbers, passwords, etc. over the phone unless you initiated the call.
  • A credit union employee will not call you and ask you to provide sensitive account information. You may receive a call from someone claiming to be a credit union employee, and they may ask for your account information (such as your credit card number, account number, etc.). In some cases, the caller has already obtained one identifying piece of information (such as your Social Security Number) and will use this to persuade you that the call is legitimate and that you need to provide additional account information. Do not provide the caller with any sensitive or personal information. Remember - the credit union will not call you and ask for this information.
  • Don't agree to any offer or prize where you have to pay a registration or shipping fee, or send money, to claim the "prize."
  • Check out charities before you give. Ask for written information before you make a donation.
  • Don't be pressured to make an immediate decision.
  • Never write your password/PIN down where someone can find it.
  • Do not send your password or any other personally identifying information (i.e. social security number, account number, etc.) via e-mail.
  • Avoid easy-to-guess passwords/PINs - like birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, names, etc. Use a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols for passwords.
  • Keep your password/PIN private.
We encourage you to use caution when using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Consider the following tips to protect yourself and your account.
  • Prepare your transaction(s) before going to the ATM to minimize the time you spend at the ATM.
  • Always take your receipt and save them to use when recording your transactions.
  • Compare your receipt(s) with your account statement.
  • Don't lend your ATM card to anyone.
  • Remember, do not leave your card at the ATM.
  • Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and ATM/Debit Card.
  • Protect your ATM card as though it was cash.
  • Don't tell anyone your PIN.
  • Don't give anyone information regarding your ATM card or PIN over the phone.
  • Never enter your PIN at an ATM that does not look real, has been modified, has a suspicious device attached, or is operating in a suspicious manner.
  • Don't write your PIN where it can be discovered (a note with your PIN in your purse or wallet is not a good thing).
  • Prevent others from seeing you enter your PIN. Use your body to shield their view.
  • If your ATM/Debit card is lost or stolen, notify Visa & SFCU immediately.
  • Please refer to our electronic funds transfer disclosure for additional information about what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
  • When making a transaction, be aware of your surroundings. Look out for suspicious activity near the ATM, particularly if it is after sunset. At night, be sure that the facility, including parking area and walkways are well lighted. Consider having another person go with you when you use a walk-up ATM at night. If you notice any problems, go to another ATM.
  • Don't accept help from anyone you don’t know when using an ATM.
  • If you notice anything suspicious or if any other problem comes up after you have begun your transaction, you may want to cancel the transaction, pocket your card and leave.
  • Consider using another ATM or coming back later.
  • Don't display your cash; pocket it as soon as possible. Count the cash later in a safe & secure place.
  • At a drive-up ATM, make sure all of your car doors are locked and the windows are rolled up, except the driver’s window. Keep the engine running and remain alert to your surroundings.
We want the ATM to be safe and convenient for you. If you notice a problem with a facility please let us know. Please report any suspicious activity or crimes to both the facility operator and the local law enforcement officials immediately.
If you receive a text or email from an unknown or suspicious source, do not reply. Do not click on any link that is provided.
The best rule of thumb is to ask yourself these simple questions;
  • Do I know the person sending this to me?
  • Did I request this to be sent to me?
  • Does this look suspicious to me? Remember to look closely for any misspellings or website/links that may not be legitimate.
Stay alert and cautious.