Tips to Enhance Your Security
At Partners, the safety and security of your personal information and accounts is our first priority – but the very best defense in preventing fraud is for you to be well informed on how to safeguard your data and know the signs of a potential scam.
- Set up Fraud Alerts for your Partners cards and accounts. From online or mobile banking, select “Settings” then "Alerts" to enable alerts, including account, transactions and security alerts
- Create strong passwords and update them often. While it is recommended you create a password that’s a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, we also recommend avoiding any numbers that pertain to you directly, such as your birth date or social security number.
- Disconnect from public wireless networks. Checking your account at your local coffee shop may seem harmless, but it’s one of the easiest ways for scammers to obtain your information. Generally, public Wi-Fi is available to everyone as an unsecured network, which means it’s not secured by a password or any other firewalls.
- Enable biometrics on your mobile device. While Partners does not collect biometric data (fingerprint, face ID), enabling this form of security when logging into important applications, like checking your Partners account balance, will ensure your information is kept safe and prevent hackers from stealing your data.
- Screen your emails and text messages carefully. You might receive emails or text messages that say they’re from your family member, favorite store, or financial institution, but in reality, they’re phishing and smishing scams. Before opening any attachments, look for misspellings that may be prevalent throughout the message.
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account or believe someone may be attempting to steal your account information, please immediately contact the Partners Federal Credit Union member support team at 800.948.6677 to report it.
Current Financial Scams
Be Aware of Fraud After the Fires
After disasters like the recent Los Angeles wildfires, verify charities before donating to ensure your support reaches those truly in need and not scammers.
- Verify Charities – Research organizations through official sources like Charity Navigator or the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization search tool. Avoid urgent pressure to donate and check how funds will be used.
- Check Website URLs – Ensure the site uses “https” and watch for misspellings or misleading domain names.
- Avoid Unsolicited Requests – Do not donate through unexpected phone calls, texts, or emails. Instead, visit the official charity website.
- Use Secure Payment Methods – Legitimate charities do not request donations via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Text-Based Toll Scams
There has been a recent rise in fraudulent text messages claiming outstanding payment is owed for toll road usage. If a Member clicks the link to "pay the toll," the payment card and billing information used could be at risk. These text messages are designed to look like they're from legitimate toll agencies in states you may have recently traveled in, often pressuring you with a sense of urgency for payment. If you're uncertain about an unpaid toll, it's best to contact the toll agency directly to verify.
Zelle Fraud
Recently, Members have reported fraud alert texts about large Zelle® or card transactions. These are NOT from Partners but from fraudsters. Once a Member responds, the fraudster calls or texts, pretending to be from the credit union. They request online banking info, including usernames, passwords, and verification codes—generated by the fraudster accessing the Member’s account. If successful, they transfer money via Zelle®.
- Make sure you know and trust those you send money to. Partners will NEVER ask you to transfer funds via Zelle® to linked accounts, or back to your own account.
- Protect your account by setting up a multifactor identification passcode or PIN.
- Check your bank statements regularly to spot any unauthorized transactions.