Keeping Your Accounts Safe and Secure Is Our Highest Priority
Our debit and credit card fraud protection program now comes with an extra layer of security. Fraud alerts will now be provided in real-time via text and email. All Tech CU debit and credit cards are covered by this service, and no enrollment is required.
Please note that under this system, you may be contacted via text and email in real-time and therefore at any time of day. However, voice calls will only occur during the hours of 8am – 9pm.
If you have any questions, see a suspicious transaction on your debit or credit card, or have a lost or stolen card, please call (408) 451-9111 or toll free at (800) 553-0880.
To report a lost or stolen Debit Card after business hours, please call (888) 241-2510.
Always use caution when providing your debit and credit card information and contact us immediately if you suspect your debit card has been stolen or compromised.
FAQs
How does the new fraud alert system work?
When suspicious activity is detected on your Tech CU debit and credit cards, you will receive real-time text alerts:
- If you receive a “fraud alert,” reply “Yes” or “No” to confirm or deny the activity.
- If you reply “No” (i. e. the activity is fraudulent), you will quickly receive a follow up text to let you know that a fraud specialist will call you soon to help protect your account. We will also automatically block your debit or credit card to prevent any additional fraudulent activity.
- If you reply “Yes” (the activity was legitimate), you can continue to use your debit or credit card as normal.
- If you don’t reply to the text within 5 minutes (or your phone number is not a mobile number), we will then attempt to reach you via email.
- If you don’t respond to the email within 5 minutes, we will then try to reach you via telephone call first to your mobile phone, then 5 minutes later to your home phone (landline).
- If you are called, you will be asked to verify your identity by providing your member number, your debit or credit card number, and your social security number. However, you will never be asked to verify a one-time password.
How Is suspicious activity identified?
Transactions are regularly monitored and analyzed using a fraud management solution powered by FICO® Falcon. Each transaction is assigned a rating based on your normal spending patterns. If questionable activity is detected, you are contacted to verify the transaction. In some cases, the transaction may be declined at the point of purchase if the fraud rating is high.
Do Tech CU members have to enroll?
No. Falcon monitors all Tech CU credit and debit cards for fraudulent activity. No enrollment is required.
Is there a fee for the Falcon fraud email and text alerts?
No. All Tech CU credit and debit cards are covered by this service at no cost to the cardholder.
What types of transactions are considered suspicious or fraudulent?
Falcon monitors and analyzes transactions and assigns a rating to the transaction. Based on normal spending patterns, if a questionable transaction is detected, Falcon will contact you to verify the transaction. In some cases, the transaction may be declined at the point of purchase if the fraud rating is high.
Do I need to confirm my contact information?
To ensure we can reach you promptly by text and email if fraudulent activity is suspected, please make sure we have your current contact information on file including cell phone number(s) and email address. You can update your contact information in Online Banking by clicking on the Profile link in the top right. Contact us if you have any changes in this information. Your information will always be kept completely confidential.
Tips for Debit and Credit Card Best Practices
- Review your account statement often (at least monthly), and report unauthorized transactions immediately.
- Report a lost or stolen debit card immediately.
- Do not share your debit card number; PIN, or any personal or financial information through an email, online chat, or unsolicited phone call, email, text, or social media site.
- Only use ATMs that you trust (those associated with a financial institution).
- Consider using credits cards for online and large dollar purchases.
- Consider adding your debit card to a mobile wallet, which you use for online purchases, and use your mobile device for in-person transactions, when possible, instead of your debit card.
- Do not insert your debit card at a gas pump.
- Treat your debit card as you would cash.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Tech CU and our affiliates will NEVER call, email, or text you and ask for your one-time password, PIN, CVV, or online banking login credentials.
We strongly recommend that you regularly monitor your accounts and remain vigilant against cyber criminals and fraudsters. If you suspect any fraudulent transactions or believe you've received a suspicious call, email, or text, please call Tech CU immediately at (800) 553-0880.