Fraud Prevention Tips

We have recently been made aware of a new caller ID spoofing scam impacting our members. Please stay alert and avoid becoming a victim of this scam. This scam involves fraudsters pretending to be calling from your financial institution by manipulating the Caller ID (or spoofing). They may say that there has been a breach in your account and ask for online banking credentials or other Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Fraudsters have become increasingly adept at getting cardholders to share the information they need to commit fraud by posing as financial institution call center agents, or by sending text messages that look like they are coming from your institution, warning of suspicious transaction activities. If at any point you (a cardholder) is uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us immediately.
Regularly check your account(s) online for suspicious transactions, but especially if you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received.
American First will NEVER ask you for sensitive personal identification information (PII) via email, phone, or social media. If you suspect fraud or spam, please notify us right away at 800-290-1112.

Update your contact information by calling us or updating your settings in Online Banking so we can notify you immediately if we detect unusual or suspicious activity on your account.
Use the American First Mobile app to view your account activity and check your balance on the go.
Send a secure message in Online Banking if you have any questions regarding your account.
View your statements regularly by going paperless and enrolling for free e-Statements.

Be aware. Legitimate businesses do not make unsolicited calls for personal, sensitive information like full social security number, full bank account number, debit or credit card numbers, CVV or PIN.
Check email addresses. Spot a phishing email by verifying the sender's email address. Scammers will misspell, add characters, and simulate names in email addresses and domains. Do not click on links if you are suspicious.
American First would never call you to ask for your personal identifying information, or PII, such as account number, PIN, SSN, user ID or password(s), and we would never send a link by text or email to request this information.
Please call us at 800-290-1112 right away if you have any doubts, suspect someone has impersonated a Credit Union representative, or if you have recently provided this information by phone, email, or text.

Always log out of online banking or the mobile application when you are not using it. Do not save your login credentials (email, banking, social media, etc.) on any public computer or leave the computer unattended.
Make sure you are visiting secure sites by looking for the lock icon in the address bar.
Install anti-virus software on your computer.
Do not share your device especially when you are automatically logged on to your email or bank account.

Text alerts will never include a link to be clicked. We will only provide information about the suspicious card transaction(s).
Be aware of common scams! Fraudsters may pose as a contact center agent and ask a cardholder to verify a fake transaction. When the cardholder responds no, the fraudster then says the current card will be blocked and a new one will be issued, but they need the old card's PIN. This is fraud and a contact center agent will never ask for your PIN,
Regularly check your account activity using Mobile Banking or Online Banking. It's convenient and provides peace of mind to prove that your account is only your activity and transactions.
Contact us at 800-290-1112 or contactus@amerfirst.org if you received a voice or text message from American First and are not sure how to respond.
Sign up your American First debit and credit cards for no-cost Mastercard ID Theft Protection to receive:
- 24/7 Certified Identity Theft Resolution Specialists
- Comprehensive Identity Monitoring
- Online Fraud Alert Placement
- Suspicious Activity Alerts

If you feel that you've become a victim of fraud or identity theft, please act swiftly.

Report the identity theft to us immediately
Use your mobile device to immediately turn your card off
Cancel your card(s) to prevent further fraud transactions
Balance your account for accuracy
If you would like to dispute a charge or report fraud on your American First debit or credit cards, fill out the necessary forms and mail or fax back to us.

There are three major credit bureaus you can call to ask for a "fraud alert" to be placed on your credit or order copies of your credit report to review your full credit history.
- Experian: (888) 397-3742
- Equifax: (800) 525-6285
- TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
File a report to Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
File a police report and send a copy to your creditors

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