Fraud Resource Center

Becoming a victim of fraud can be terrifying, especially when you don't know what to do next.  We want to arm you with the best ways to respond if fraud occurs, plus, share a few steps you can take to be prepared in the future.

If you suspect suspicious activity on your account:

1. Log into online banking and change your log-in information.
2. Use the card on/off function.
3. Contact us during business hours to speak to a Member Advocate.

If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, please contact us by:
- Calling (800) 533-0035
- Chatting via the "Chat with us!" icon on the lower right side of this page

A Member Advocate will assist you with the next steps. Learn more about what to do when fraud happens to you

Fraud and Suspicious Activity Occurs in a Variety of Ways. We're here to help.

All debit and credit cards are automatically enrolled in a fraud text alert service◊. If the Credit Union notices a suspicious charge on your account, you may be asked to verify. We highly encourage calling us at (800)-533-0035 if a transaction is fraudulent.  

All our cards are covered under Zero Liabiity† provided that you notify the Credit Union promptly.  

  1. Log into online banking.
  2. Click on “Card Services" in the left-hand menu and select “Card On/Off.”
  3. Toggle the switch next to the missing card to “Off.” If you able to locate your card quickly, you can switch it back on and avoid the hassle of having a new card reissued.
  4. If you're unable to locate the card, see the question below about missing debit or credit cards.
  5. Remember: If you turn off your debit card, you can turn it on briefly to access emergency cash from an ATM and turn it right back off until it can be replaced.

Use the "Card On/Off" function (see card on/off question above) to immediately prevent further transactions.  If you're unable to locate the card, call the Member Advocacy Center at (800) 533-0035 or click on the "Chat with us" button in the lower right corner to request a new one.

Use the "Card On/Off" function (see card on/off question above) to immediately prevent further transactions.  If you're unable to locate the card, call the credit card vendor at (866) 820-3792 to request a new one. 

The Member Advocacy Center is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Central Time Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time Saturday. If fraud occurs outside business hours, don’t panic. You can still follow the prompts to report a lost or stolen card.  Our debit cards are protected with Visa’s Zero Liability* coverage for unauthorized transactions, so make certain to contact the department on the next business day. You can also email us at members@aacreditunion.org or send a secure message via online banking.  A Credit Union representative will get back to you in a timely manner.

  1. Contact the Credit Union as soon as possible by phone, email or live chat.
  2. Use the “Card On/Off” function.
  3. Change your log-in information as soon as possible.

The Credit Union has a dedicated team of fraud specialists that assist with detecting fraudulent behavior and working directly with members.  Each member’s situation is unique, and if needed, the specialist will reach out to you in a timely manner to provide guidance and next steps. 

Protect yourself against Fraud

Be vigilant and proactive

  • Report any suspicious activity ASAP.
  • If you lose your card, use our card on/off function until the card can be closed by the Credit Union.
    • Simply log into online banking, click on “Card Services" in the left-hand menu and select “Card On/Off.” Toggle the switch next to the missing card to “Off.” If you locate your card later, you can switch the card back on and avoid the hassle of having new cards reissued.
    • Remember: If you turn off your debit card, you can turn it on briefly to access emergency cash from an ATM and turn it right back off until it can be replaced.
  • Set up automatic alerts on your account.
    • Set up an alert that will notify you when your checking account balance gets low. Simply log into online banking, click on the “Settings” in the left-hand menu and select “Account Alerts.” You can then toggle on whichever alerts you’d like to receive.

Protect your Information:

  • Never give out your personal information including account info, secure access code, online banking Information or passwords.
  • Your log-in ID shouldn't contain any personal identifying information, such as your member number, phone number or name.
  • Create strong and secure passwords.
  • Shred sensitive documents.
  • Monitor your credit report regularly.
    • Sign up for free credit monitoring by logging in to your Credit Union account through online banking or your mobile app.◊
    • Once there, click on "Financial Wellness" then "Credit Score and Report" to sign up today.

When using your phone:

  • Always use security features (facial recognition, fingerprints, passwords) for all online applications such as Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, etc.
  • Never provide your credit card number, CVV code, address, or expiration date over a text message.
  • Always lock your phone.
  • Hang up on robocalls.
  • Notify us immediately if you lose your phone and you have mobile wallet payments attached to applications.

When using the internet:

  • Avoid opening or clicking on links in suspicious emails and texts.
  • Be cautious when “googling” a number. A lot of scammers make fraudulent sites with numbers directly to them.

Gift Card Safety

  • Never use a gift card to pay for a service or information.
    • For example: if you are shopping at Target, it’s OK to use a Target gift card, but don’t give out that gift card number to anyone else claiming they need it.
  • Never send money to a merchant so they can refund you.

Be vigilant and proactive

  • Report any suspicious activity ASAP.
  • If you lose your card, use our card on/off function until the card can be closed by the Credit Union.
    • Simply log into online banking, click on “Card Services" in the left-hand menu and select “Card On/Off.” Toggle the switch next to the missing card to “Off.” If you locate your card later, you can switch the card back on and avoid the hassle of having new cards reissued.
    • Remember: If you turn off your debit card, you can turn it on briefly to access emergency cash from an ATM and turn it right back off until it can be replaced.
  • Set up automatic alerts on your account.
    • Set up an alert that will notify you when your checking account balance gets low. Simply log into online banking, click on the “Settings” in the left-hand menu and select “Account Alerts.” You can then toggle on whichever alerts you’d like to receive.

Protect your Information:

  • Never give out your personal information including account info, secure access code, online banking Information or passwords.
  • Your log-in ID shouldn't contain any personal identifying information, such as your member number, phone number or name.
  • Create strong and secure passwords.
  • Shred sensitive documents.
  • Monitor your credit report regularly.
    • Sign up for free credit monitoring by logging in to your Credit Union account through online banking or your mobile app.◊
    • Once there, click on "Financial Wellness" then "Credit Score and Report" to sign up today.

When using your phone:

  • Always use security features (facial recognition, fingerprints, passwords) for all online applications such as Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, etc.
  • Never provide your credit card number, CVV code, address, or expiration date over a text message.
  • Always lock your phone.
  • Hang up on robocalls.
  • Notify us immediately if you lose your phone and you have mobile wallet payments attached to applications.

When using the internet:

  • Avoid opening or clicking on links in suspicious emails and texts.
  • Be cautious when “googling” a number. A lot of scammers make fraudulent sites with numbers directly to them.

Gift Card Safety

  • Never use a gift card to pay for a service or information.
    • For example: if you are shopping at Target, it’s OK to use a Target gift card, but don’t give out that gift card number to anyone else claiming they need it.
  • Never send money to a merchant so they can refund you.

ADVICE, TIPS, NEWS

Fight back on Phone Scammers

If you’re like most Americans with a cellphone, receiving spam calls and robocalls has become a daily occurrence. The surprising part of these day-to-day intrusions? They may be even more pervasive than you think.

Learn how to fight back on phone scammers

Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps are on the Rise

P2P payments are an electronic transaction that allow individuals to pay others through an online or mobile app using their banking account or card information. Unfortunately, they're also a new way for fraudsters to scam you out of personal financial information. But with awareness and a few tips, using P2P payment options can be as secure as using your debit card

Read about Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps 

Social Securitiy Scams

There has been a recent uptick in scammers pretending to be government employees. These calls, texts or emails typically present a problem with your Social Security Number (SSN) or account and ask you to pay a fine or debt with nontraditional forms of payment such as gift cards, wire transfers or internet currency. They can also request mailing cash to take care of the fine. The scam can escalate quickly if you ask questions or refuse the statements, leading to threats of arrest or other legal action.

Learn more about Avoiding Social Security Scams

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† Visa's Zero Liability Policy covers U.S.-issued cards and does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify issuer promptly of any unauthorized use on their card. Consult issuer for additional details or visit Visa.com/security.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.