Fraud: Protecting Your Card Information

Protecting Your Debit and Credit Cards

Using your debit or credit card to shop online or pay bills can be convenient, but it’s important to stay alert. Data breaches and fraud can expose your personal information, but with a few proactive steps, you can reduce your risk and protect your accounts.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Review your statements often, especially if you have access to online or mobile banking. Look for any unfamiliar transactions and report suspicious activity to your card issuer or financial institution right away. Acting quickly can help limit the damage.

Take Action If You Suspect Fraud
If you think your card number has been compromised, contact your credit card company or financial institution immediately. You can request a new card or change your PIN for added security.

Set Up Alerts for Extra Protection
Most financial institutions, including Sierra Central, offer email or text alerts that notify you of unusual activity—such as large purchases, online or international transactions, or low balance warnings. These alerts can be an early signal that something isn’t right.

Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
If you're concerned about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. A fraud alert lasts for one year and makes it harder for new accounts to be opened in your name without your knowledge. You're also entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau. Review them carefully and report anything you don’t recognize.

‍

How to Avoid Text Scams

Criminals may utilize text messages such as "Did You Just Charge$3,178 on Your Credit Card? Reply Yes or No" in an attempt to steal personal information. Take steps to protect yourself by adhering to the following best practices: 

Never click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think the text might be legitimate, contact the credit union or other company using a phone number or website you know is real. NEVER use the contact information provided in the text message.
Filter unwanted texts. Your phone may have an option to filter and block spam or messages from unknown senders. [See FTC’s resource below on How to Block Unwanted Calls]  
Never give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Honest organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for personal information, such as Social Security number, credit union account information, or credit card numbers.

‍

Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
If your card number is ever stolen, it can be stressful, but spotting the issue early makes all the difference. Staying informed and taking swift action are the best ways to keep your finances secure.
Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — about the text. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.

For more information, please refer to the following resources: 

‍
How to Block Unwanted Calls, Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice.

Letter to the FCC on the Matter of Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages, CUNA and eight other financial organizations.

IYKYK: The top text scams of 2022, Federal Trade Commission, Data Spotlight, June 2023