To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, do not provide personal information, account numbers, banking or credit card numbers, PINs or log-on IDs through email links, social media, or by any unsecured means. If you receive a call or text message stating that it is from Arrowhead Credit Union requesting information, validate it's us by calling (800) 743-7228.

More ways to guard your information

• Create PINs and passwords that do not readily use identifiable information like names, birthdays or phone numbers.
• Get more information and ways to safeguard your passwords.
• Request eStatements from creditors, and pay bills through secure Online Bill Pay.
• Shred sensitive materials, including old receipts, statements, and credit card offers.
• Drop off any outgoing mail containing financial information or checks in a secured mailbox or inside the post office.
• Be wary of disclosing your Social Security number, birthdate, or driver’s license number over the phone, or via email or text.
• Limit the personal information you provide or display on Social Media.

We make it a top priority to keep your account safe by using a top-notch security system. Nevertheless, new scams are happening every day. Keep your information safe by staying informed.

Fraud Text Alerts

Receive a fraud text alert when a transaction on your Arrowhead Visa^® debit and/or credit card is suspected to be fraudulent. Simply reply back by text to verify the transaction.
 

Instantly Get a New Debit Card

If you are ever concerned that your debit card has been compromised, you can always stop into any Arrowhead Branch and we will print you a new card on the spot.

QR Code Scams

• Once you scan a QR code, check the URL to make sure you're at the right website.  A malicious URL may be similar, but with typos or a misplaced letter.
• Be careful when entering login, personal, or financial information on a site you visit from a QR code.
• If scanning a printed QR code, check that the printed copy has not been tampered with, such as with a sticker placed on top of the original code.
• Use your phone's app store for safer app downloads, rather than from a QR code.
• To avoid downloading malware to your device, do not download a QR code scanner app. Most phones have a built-in scanner through the camera app.
• Avoid making payments through a site navigated from a QR code.

Digital Banking Security

Digital banking utilizes state-of-the-art security including multi-factor authentication where you can receive a verification code via email, text, or voice message to ensure that access to your account is authorized. It is also a best practice to enable face/touch ID when logging into our mobile app, as well as to enable text, app, or email alerts to stay informed of activity that occurs on your Arrowhead account(s).

Telephone and Text Message Scams

Fraudsters may attempt to impersonate the credit union or other financial institutions by requesting information via telephone or text message. Be cautious of giving out any personal information to an unsolicited phone call. If you feel a call or text message stating to be from Arrowhead Credit Union is suspicious, call us at (800) 743-7228 to validate it's us.
 

Email and Phishing Scams

It is common for scammers to try and trick people into providing personal information such as usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. These are often fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls intended to look like they were sent from a trusted source. If you receive communication claiming to be from Arrowhead Credit Union, be sure you know it’s from us. If you feel anything is questionable, we encourage you to call us directly at (800) 743-7228 to confirm before clicking or providing any account information.

Check out some practical tips from the FTC to help you identify and avoid phishing attempts and recommendations for what to do if you find yourself the victim of a phishing scam.

Romance Scams

The most successful scams are those that tie into a person's emotions. Fraudsters attempt to gain your trust through social media channels and dating sites while sharing stories of financial hardship. The fraudster then requests their victims to pay them through money wiring, prepaid reload cards, or request access to bank accounts, credit cards, or national identification numbers to help with the supposed financial hardship. Be wary of online relationships, and if you believe you are a victim of such a scam, immediately pause all communication. 

If you feel you've been a victim of fraud, it is important to contact us immediately at (800) 743-7228.

If it is after hours, and you're worried you may have fraud on your Visa^® Debit card, call (800) 847-2911.

Tips to Prevent Fraud

• Never open an email, an attachment, or click on a link from an unknown sender.
• Do not use obvious information for PINs or passwords.
• Continually monitor your account using Online Banking or our Mobile App.
• Shred sensitive documents with financial information such as bills, statements, and receipts.
• Enroll in eStatements in Digital Banking and use Bill Pay.
• Be cautious of giving personal information such as social security number, driver's license number, account number, and birth date when requested by email, phone or text message.
• Review your credit report at least once a year to ensure fraudulent accounts haven't been opened using your information.
• Enable security features on your mobile and electronic devices.

• Have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer; without it, hackers may be able to capture your keystrokes, which could include your Digital Banking account number and password.
• Pay for online purchases with a credit card and never conduct financial transactions on a website or in an app you are unfamiliar with.
• Beware of downloads from unfamiliar websites or emails. Programs that offer music, videos, pictures, games, etc. may also be installing a virus on your computer.
• Frequently look at the URL of the website you are on to make sure it is the domain of the company you are visiting.
• Use caution when using public Wi-Fi. Do not log in to banking or personal websites when connected to public Wi-Fi.
• Log in to your accounts using device security systems such as Touch and Face ID.
• Make sure your device operating system is running on the most recent update.
• Only use Apps you are familiar with.
• Activate your mobile devices's lock screen, pin, fingerprint, or face ID capabilities to keep its contents safe.

Home Network Tips

• Protect your home network by periodically changing your Wi-Fi and router passwords. One way your identity can be stolen by a hacker is by gaining access to your wireless network. Making your personal information and your stored login credentials highly vulnerable. Defend your network with the following username and password safety tips. 

Username Safety Tips

• Do not use easy-to-guess information such as any part of your name, date of birth, telephone number, address, etc.
• Do not use the same Username as your Digital Banking Password.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters in your Username. These types of Usernames are harder to guess. A good rule is not to use any word found in a dictionary. Also, do not use repeated or easily guessed numeric values (e.g., 1111 or 1234).
• Do not write down your Username.
• Do not include your Username in any file, including a word-processing document, web page or an email message. (If anyone else reveals a Username to you, delete the information promptly.)
• Change your Username regularly.
• Do not leave your computer unattended after you log into Digital Banking, and be sure to log out when you're finished.

Password Safety Tips

• Do not use easy-to-guess information such as your name, date of birth, telephone number, address, etc.
• Avoid using your child's or close relative's name and birthday.
• Use a 12 character combination of letters, numbers and special characters in your Password. These types of Passwords are harder to guess. A good rule is not to use any word found in a dictionary. Also, do not use repeated or easily guessed numeric values (e.g., 1111 or 1234).
• Do not write your Password down.
• Do not include your Password in any file, including a word-processing document, web page or an electronic mail message. (If anyone else reveals a password to you, delete the information promptly.)
• Avoid using the same Password on different systems. If an unauthorized user gets your Password, they could gain access to every system on which you're using that Password.
• Change your Password regularly.
• Do not leave your computer unattended after you log in to your accounts, and be sure to lock your screen or log out when you're finished.