Theft & Fraud Prevention
Lost/Stolen Cards
Is your card gone for good or just misplaced? You have options.
Spot a Scam
Be cautious! Check the basics before reacting to a possible scam.
Fraud Prevention Tips
Here are some simple steps to protect your loved ones from fraud.
If the Worst Happens...
Don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to limit the damage.
Lost or Stolen Card?
Download the RWCU Card Secure app to freeze / unfreeze your VISA card, or cancel it yourself. You can also check for unauthorized transactions here.
- If you need our assistance to cancel your RWCU credit card, call 1-855-632-9005.
- If you need our assistance to cancel your RWCU check card, call 1-800-472-3272 or stop in our office. We can issue a new card along with a different access code on the spot.
Spot a Scam
Financial fraud is a fast-growing crime, and the schemes get more advanced every year. Can you spot a scam? Even as they change and evolve, there are two timeless truths to help spot a scam.
- Did it arrive in the mail?
Legitimate businesses have to know your address to send you mail, and they have to invest in postage and letterhead. Scammers don’t want to pay to reach you. They will almost always contact you via phone call, text message, or email, as it is a much less expensive option.
- Does it make your heart pound?
Legitimate businesses do NOT want to panic their clients. They’ll find a way to gently tell you big news, whether it’s good or bad. Conversely, scammers want you to react immediately, before you have time to think about your actions. So anything that’s urgent and has your heart racing – be it from fear or joy – is likely to be a scam. Virus on your computer or phone? Accounts being locked? Free gifts or cash coming your way? Be very cautious about taking any action or response.
If it fails these tests…
- NEVER click a link or call a phone number listed in a suspicious email. If the email is bad, then the phone numbers and website links will lead to bad places, too.
- If you receive a suspicious or unsolicited phone call, do NOT reveal any personal information about yourself over the phone. Tell the caller you’re hard of hearing and ask them to mail the information to you. If they ask for an address, hang up.
- Reach out to the company directly by visiting their website, or contact them directly with a phone number or email address from previous correspondence, a statement, or a receipt. If this is a legitimate issue, you should only respond to a phone number or email address that YOU personally looked up and confirmed.
For more advice and helpful tips, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Scam website.
Fraud Prevention Tips
Safely dispose of sensitive information. Shred any papers that include personal or financial information.
Lock your credit. Locking your credit helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports. You simply unlock your account to authorize a background check for a a loan application, then lock it again after. To be fully protected, you must lock with each of the three credit reporting agencies.
This used to be free at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, but at least one service now charges for this service. Nevertheless, it’s still worth the effort to protect yourself or a vulnerable loved one.
Secure your mail. Place outgoing mail in a post office collection box. If you plan on being out of town for more than a couple of days, have the US Post Office hold your mail.
Review account statements. Regularly review statements and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. If they claim to be from a legitimate business, look up the phone number on your own to call them back — do not use the number in the voicemail.
Block unwanted calls and text messages. Utilize apps or services to block spam calls and text messages. Many landline phone services also have options to block spam calls.
Use good spam filters on your email. Talk to your email provider about ways to block spam and phishing attacks in your email folder. You can usually change these settings to tighten security as needed.
Keep your computer clean. Install reputable antivirus software on your computer.
Use a buddy system. Set up an arrangement with someone you trust — a friend, family member, or neighbor. Before taking any action, tell your buddy what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
Red Wing Credit Union Security Tools
-
RWCU Card Secure app. This mobile app allows you to freeze / unfreeze your VISA card, or cancel it yourself. You can also check for unauthorized transactions here. Download the App
- Text alerts from RWCU. If you have a mobile phone on record at RWCU, you will receive text alerts from us for suspicious transactions on your debit and credit cards. These text messages will come from the short code 37268.
- eStatements and Bill Pay. Get your statements and pay bills online instead of sending financial information through the mail.
- Digital Banking Services. Use our online services to check your accounts for suspicious transactions.
If you responded to a scam message and provided confidential account information, please notify Red Wing Credit Union immediately of the scheme. You should also change your account’s PIN, and take any additional action recommended by our staff to protect your account.
Contact the major credit reporting agencies to review your file. You can lock your credit with each of the major credit bureaus, and get a free credit report annually. The three major credit bureaus are:
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-888-4213
Help Red Wing Credit Union Grow
On average, credit union member households in the U.S. save about $159 a year. If you love banking at Red Wing Credit Union, spread the word! Refer a friend or family member to RWCU for a checking account or a loan to earn some cash.
We're a member-owned financial institution right here in Red Wing, Minnesota. Our focus is on people, not on profit.
Red Wing Credit Union
3303 North Service Drive, Red Wing, MN 55066
Ph 651-388-7133 | Fax 651-388-7137
1-888-388-7133 Toll-free
Routing #: 291975423 | NMLS-481010
Lobby Hours: M-F 8:30–4:30, Sat 8:30–Noon
Drive-Thru: M-F 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-Noon
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