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Security and Fraud
Prevention Center

 

Together we can help keep your accounts safe.

How BankFund
protects you.

See how we are working
continuously to make your
banking safer.

Learn More

How you can protect
your accounts.

Learn how you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud and identity theft.

Protect Yourself

Learn more
about threats.

Take a closer look at some
recent scams so you
can be prepared.

Scams

 

 

Fraudulent activity is on the rise.

If it happens to you, the sooner you report it the better.
Contact us today so we can help.

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Report it
online with our
chat tool
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Send a secure
message using 
Digital Banking
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Call member
services at
202-212-6400

 

Decorative Image To report a lost or stolen card
Call 800-928-7328 in the U.S. or
View international toll-free numbers.

 

How to protect yourself before sharing personal information:

 

  • 1

    Set up alerts for account activity
    Alerts provide timely notifications whenever suspicious activity occurs on your accounts.

  • 2

    Add 2-factor authentication
    Set up additional account verification safeguards to prevent unauthorized logins.

  • 3

    Choose strong passwords
    Use at least 12 characters with a mixture of special characters and numbers.

  • 4

    Keep contact information updated

    Make sure your accounts are up-to-date with your most recent address and email.

  • 5

    Go paperless with eStatements

    Sign up for eStatements to prevent mail fraud or statement theft.

  • 6

    Use the latest browsers and verify URLs

    Watch out for URLs that aren't secure and keep your browsers and operating system updated.

  The latest scams to be aware of

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ACH Fraud
Scams

ACH fraud is on the rise. Please keep your account number safe and be very careful when sharing this information.

ACH Fraud

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Common Types of Identity Theft

There are many ways that scammers can attempt to steal your identity. Learn more to keep yourself safe.

Identity Theft

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Website
Phishing Scams

Fake webpages are often used to steal and capture personal and financial information from you.

Website Phishing

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Beware of
Amazon Scams

Scammers will do (and say) just about anything to trick you into believing them — including acting like they are Amazon.

Amazon Scams

We take our commitment to safeguarding your finances seriously. Here are just a few of the ways we’re working to protect you.

Fraud Detection and Alerts decorative image

We continuously monitor your accounts in search of suspicious activity. If our systems identify something that doesn’t seem right, we can inform you via text, email or phone call. We also give you the ability to set up custom alerts on ALL of your BankFund account features and products for added peace of mind.

Data Encryption

When you log in to Digital Banking and our BankFund mobile app, your sensitive information is converted into a coded format to ensure that it’s protected and only accessible by authorized people. 

Secure Technology

From two-factor authentication and biometric logins to regular enhancements to our systems and protocols, we are continuously evaluating our systems and implementing updates to proactively address threats before they can affect you.  

BankFund Voice ID

By measuring more than 100 different characteristics of your voice, our system creates a “voiceprint” unique to you. Once your voiceprint is on file, your identity can be securely verified each time you call us. It’s fast, easy, and a reliable way to confirm your identity. 

Credit Card Fraud Monitoring

Our advanced systems give us the ability to identify suspicious credit card activity in real time. And we’ve developed tools so you can monitor your cards, too. With the BFSFCU Cards App, you can set up alerts, lock and unlock your cards, and more! Scammers will attempt to access to your cards in numerous ways, so we’re always on the lookout for unusual activity. 



Learn more about threats.
To help protect yourself from fraud and keep your financial and personal information safe,
it’s always smart to stay informed about the latest methods being used by fraudsters. 

 

 
 

 

Use Alerts for Account Activity decorative image

Automatic alerts make it easy to keep an eye on changes to your accounts. You can receive a push notification, text or email whenever a specific type of activity occurs, including:

  • Balance changes
  • Transactions
  • Withdrawal confirmations
  • Loan payments

Set Up Alerts Now
  1. Log in to Digital Banking or our mobile app
  2. Select your name from the drop-down menu (top right corner)
  3. Under “Settings” click or tap on “Manage Alerts”
  4. Select ‘Manage Recipients’ to decide how alert notifications are to be received – via text or email
Go Paperless with eStatements decorative image


Unlike paper statements that arrive in the mail and can easily be delivered to the wrong address, lost or stolen, eStatements are encrypted and password protected to keep your sensitive information safer. Plus, you don’t have to make room to file them away – or dispose of them properly.


Sign up for Free eStatements now

  1. Log in to Digital Banking or our mobile app
  2. Select the “Self Service” menu
  3. Click or tap on the eStatement Enrollment link

 

Add Two-Factor Authentication


If your password provides one way to authenticate your identity, “two-factor” authentication adds an additional level of security by requiring that you enter a unique code delivered via text or email after you start the login process.


Choose Strong Passwords

A strong password is an important “first line of defense” against unauthorized access to your accounts. Choose your passwords wisely – and don’t forget to change them regularly.


Use these guidelines for strong passwords

  • Use at least 12 characters with a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters (#, $, ^, &,!,?, {, >, etc.)
  • Avoid passwords based on personal information such as birthdays, home addresses, and pet’s names
  • Consider using a “passphrase” based on words so that your password is more memorable while still strong. For example, start with the sentence "My children John and Mary are 12 and 16 years old." Then use the first letters of the words, characters and the numbers to create the password: McJ&Ma12&16yo
  • Don’t reuse passwords you’ve used on other accounts
  • Change your passwords regularly

 

Use the latest browsers and verify URLs

Most people are handling more of their everyday finances online these days – so it’s more important than ever to take steps to reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.


Be careful when using public Wi-Fi
  • Do not access your personal or financial information when using public Wi-Fi as it is not secure
  • Only log into secure sites with URLs that start with https:// or have a padlock symbol
  • Don’t stay permanently signed into accounts
  • Change your device’s setting so it does not automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi
  • Use your mobile data instead of Wi-Fi because it is usually encrypted

Secure your Home Network
  • Encrypt your network to scramble the information being shared
  • Change your router’s preset passwords to something unique and secure
  • Protect each device that is connected to your router
  • Regularly update your security software, operating system, browsers and apps
 
Keep Contact
Information Updated

One of the simplest and yet most important things you can do to protect yourself from fraud is to make sure the information associated with your BankFund accounts is current and accurate. That way we can notify you about suspicious transactions and help prevent authorized access or identity theft.


Confirm or update your contact information now
  1. Log in to Digital Banking or our mobile app
  2. Click your name in the upper right-hand corner
  3. Select Profile
  4. Choose the contact method you want to confirm/update
 
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Spoofing Financial Institutions

Fraudsters send emails falsely claiming to be from a legitimate company in hopes of luring consumers to a "spoofed" website.

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Protect yourself Online

Learn how to reduce the risk that someone will illegally gain access to your private information or
financial accounts.

stealing card information

Fraud Prevention Tips

Follow these tips to stay safe and on top of your accounts. 


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Prevent Identity Theft

Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Man on laptop

What to do if you're a victim of Identity Theft

Learn how to report a theft of
your identity.

stealing card information

Common Methods used to Steal your Identity

Learn about common ways your  personal information can be stolen.

 

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Mail Safety

Learn tips on how to prevent your mail and financial information from being intercepted.

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Mortgage Solicitations

BankFund will never send mailers requesting members take immediate action regarding their loans.

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Protect your Debit and Credit Cards

Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft.

 

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Send Money

Use Zelle® to send money to friends and family, regardless of where they bank.

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Fraud Prevention Tips for Students

Keeping your money safe is our top priority, but you play a key role by making sound decisions.

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Using Checks Safely

Learn the precautions to take when writing and sending checks.


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ATM Security

Learn how to protect yourself when using an ATM.

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7 Tips for a Safe Trip

How to protect your accounts for a worry-free vacation!

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What would a Scammer Say?

Protect yourself from fraud by recognizing the tactics scammers use.

 

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Shopping Online Safely

Shopping online can make you an easy target for scammers, consider our tips on how to do so safely!

 
 
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Website Phishing Scams

Fake webpages are often used to steal and capture personal and financial information from you.

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ACH Fraud

ACH fraud is on the rise. Please keep your account number safe and be very careful when sharing this information.

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Amazon Scams

Amazon has been targeted as a favorite to impersonate by fraudsters due to its widespread popularity amongst consumers.

 

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Gift Card Payment Scams

Gift cards are the most common payment method that scammers seek from their targets, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Cryptocurrency Scams

Scammers have turned their attention to cryptocurrencies for one simple reason: payments made in cryptocurrency are difficult to trace.

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What To Do if Scammed

Learn about next steps if you believe you were scammed, gave out personal info or access to devices.

 

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Romance Scams

As more people turn to online dating websites, apps, and social media platforms, scammers have also found these avenues to be lucrative in exploiting individuals.

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Job Scams

Job scams can take many forms, but they all prey on the vulnerability of job seekers.

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Online Investment Scams

Online investing has become quite common, but if you are contacted with an investment opportunity that seems too good to be true, it’s likely
a scam.

 

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Real Estate and Mortgage Wire Scams

One of the latest schemes involves targeting individuals who are in the midst of purchasing a home.

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Phone Scams

Phone calls from fraudsters are more than just an annoying nuisance, they are one of the most dangerous type of scams.

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IRS and Tax Scams

Have you, or someone you know, received a call from the IRS or the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking for money? Very likely those calls were made by crooks.

 

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Computer Repair and Tech Support Scams

These are most often executed in one of two ways – through unsolicited phone calls or from pop-up warnings on computers. 

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Charity Scams

By doing your research, you can protect yourself from falling victim to a charity or donation scam and ensure that funds are going to the people that need it.

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Advance Fee Scams

Victims are asked to make a small advance or upfront payment for goods, services or financial gain that promises a significant reward that never materializes.


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Check Scams

Fake checks are used in many types of scams and the best way to protect yourself is to stay vigilant.

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Common Email Scams

Fraudsters send emails pretending to be from legitimate institutions and request sensitive information.

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PayPal Scams

Legitimate companies, like PayPal, will never rush or threaten you, or ask for your personal information. 

 

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Text Scams

Fraudsters are posing as legitimate entities and sending text messages to obtain your financial information.

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How to Help a Victim of a Scam

Learn how to help if you suspect someone you know of being scammed.