Automated Fraud Alerts
Accelerated. Automated.
Your Best Defense Against Fraud.
We are constantly monitoring Credit and Debit card transactions to identify and prevent fraud on your account. 1st Community Credit Union is committed to providing our members the best fraud-fighting tools to strengthen our defenses and help our members take immediate action against fraud. Should we identify suspicious transactions on your account, we will attempt to contact you about the activity via SMS text, via phone, or by email to determine if a transaction was authorized by you.
This is a free service, and is offered in addition to the Automated Fraud Alert digital calls/voice messages to the Home phone. The advantage of adding the text, mobile calls, and emails is the speed of the response time in verifying the transaction. If you made the purchase and you respond as such, the verification that the transaction is not fraudulent will go a long way toward preventing unnecessary blocking of your card, OR if you did not make the purchase your card can be blocked quickly to prevent further fraud and limit the hassle of disputing multiple transactions.
You do not need to register for this service, but we ask that Credit Card and Debit Card holders please notify 1st CCU when you change your mobile phone number, cell service provider, or email address so we can keep your contact information up-to-date in our computer system. Help us help you prevent fraud!
Thank you for being a member and allowing us to secure your account!
IMPORTANT: Please remember that when you receive a 1st CCU Automated Fraud Alert we will never ask you to provide your account info, passwords, or other sensitive information. The Fraud Alert you receive will ask if you made a specific purchase transaction. You will only need to respond with a simple Yes (Y) or No (N) to the text, email or voice message, and we will take the appropriate action (See the sample text images below). If you aren't certain if the message is authentic, please contact 1st Community Credit Union at 888-706-1228 to learn more.
The free text displays the transaction amount, last four digits of the card number, and abbreviated merchant information.
- If you did authorize the transaction you should reply with a simple "Y" text
- If you didn't do the transaction you should reply with "N"
- If you respond to the text with a "Y" you will receive the confirmation text shown below:
- If you respond with "N" you will receive the text shown at bottom left confirming that your card has been blocked to prevent further fraudulent use, and directing you to call the toll-free number to speak with a Card Services agent regarding the fraud.
- Digital Calls Are The Second Step, and Email Is The Third Step:
- If the text message is not answered within 30 minutes, a digital call is made to the mobile phone and a message is left if not answered.
- If no response is received within 30 minutes, a call is made to the home phone.
- If no response is received to any of the above attempts, an email is sent to the email address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How does it work?
A text message and/or pre-recorded voice call may be sent to your mobile device when there is a suspicious transaction(s) identified. Simply reply to the text to confirm whether or not you recognize the transaction(s). If you do not recognize the transaction(s), you will receive a text asking you to call 888-918-7313 for further assistance. There will be a block placed on your card to protect you from further fraud until you call us. If you reply to the text that you recognize the transaction(s), your card will remain available for use.
If you do not reply to the text within 30 minutes, a pre-recorded voice call may be attempted to your mobile device and home number listed on your account. If you receive a pre-recorded call, please listen to the prompts provided to review and respond to the validity of each transaction that is presented during the call. An email will also be sent to the address on file to confirm transactions on the account. You can also call us at any time to validate the transactions or if you have any concerns about the message you received.
Q: What is an SMS text?
SMS stands for Short Message Service and is also commonly referred to as a “text message.” With an SMS, you can send a message of up to 160 characters to another device. Longer messages will automatically be split up into several parts. Most mobile phones support this type of text messaging.
Q: Why do I receive multiple messages with Pg 1/2, Pg 2/2?
Most SMS messages have a maximum length of 160 characters per message. Some alerts may require multiple messages to provide you with all the necessary information. All SMS messages are paid for by 1st Community Credit Union and you will not be charged for any text message alerts.
Q: How do I register?
There’s no need to register for automated fraud alerts. As a member of 1st Community Credit Union you are automatically eligible to receive fraud alerts via SMS, phone or email. Please make sure to review and update your contact information so that you will receive alerts should there be any suspicious transactions on your account.
Q: How much does it cost to use this service?
There’s no cost to use the automated fraud alerts service. 1st CCU pays for all costs associated with sending and delivering the SMS fraud alert messages to your mobile device. This service is provided to you free of charge.
Q: Is this service safe and secure?
Yes! Your security is our first priority! Our fraud alert messages will simply ask you to reply Y or N to confirm charges. We will never ask for your account number, card number, PIN number, or any other personal information via text message. If you ever receive a text message asking for any personal or identifying information, please do not respond. Call 1st Community Credit Union at 888-706-1228 immediately to report the fraudulent text message.
Q: What if I do not have text messaging?
You will still receive automated fraud alerts via phone and email. A text messaging plan is not required, but is a great way to receive fraud alerts about your 1st CCU account.
Q: What number will the fraud alert come from?
SMS fraud alerts will come from 919-37. You may want to save this number in your contacts with a name you will recognize for future alerts. We recommend ‘CU Fraud Alerts’. Fraud alert messages sent from this number will also be labeled with the Credit Union’s name.
Q: If my mobile number changes, what do I do?
Please update your contact information as soon as possible so that alerts will be sent to the proper number on file. You will still receive alerts on your home phone number or email, if that information is on file. Accurate contact information is important so that we can reach you in the event we identify suspicious transactions on your account.
Q: How do I opt-out of text alerts?
To opt-out of text alerts, simply reply STOP to any text alert. You will no longer receive fraud alerts via SMS message. You may also opt-out by calling the number provided on the back of your card and asking to be opted out of Automated Fraud Alerts messages.
Q: What happens if the transaction in question in the fraud alert is legitimate?
If you recognize all of the transactions present in the fraud alert. Simply reply “Y”, to confirm the activity as valid. Your card will automatically be unblocked and no further action is required. You may now complete any purchases that may have been declined.
Q: Are the text commands case-sensitive?
No. Commands can be sent as upper-case, lower-case or a mixture of both.