Your Security
Stanford FCU exists to improve the financial lives of our members
That starts by ensuring the safety and security of your personal information, your privacy and your accounts. The information and tips below can help protect your identity and your good credit.
Information SFCU never requests
Scammers will reach out to you by phone, email, text and even social media. They can spoof the Stanford FCU phone number or use the Stanford FCU name and logo. They often try to alarm you by telling you that your account or card has been compromised. If you ever get a call that asks for your private financial data you should immediately be suspicious—hang up and call Stanford FCU directly—don’t use the phone number the caller provided, contact Stanford FCU at the main line 888.723.7328opens phone dialer.
Stanford FCU will never call you and ask for…
- Your social security number
- Your account, card or member number
- Your Online or Mobile Banking user ID or password
- Your Security Word or one-time PIN (unless YOU called us, and we’re using the code to confirm your identity)
How to keep yourself safe
Always stay alert. If something seems off, be suspicious and do more research. Whether it’s a romance scam, a fraudster pretending to be the IRS or law enforcement, or someone calling from Amazon, do not ever provide or confirm your personal information, send money or gift cards, or allow a tech support caller to remotely access your computer.
- Shred all documents that contain personal information like your Social Security number and credit card numbers
- Don’t trust checks—scammers will ask you to deposit a large check and tell you to keep part of the money and send them the rest; scammers are also forging official-looking Cashier’s Checks
- If you win a prize or the lottery, you do not have to pay fees or taxes in advance
- Advise us immediately if your personal information was compromised, or if unauthorized transactions appear in your account
- Fraudsters will often steal mail, so sign up for eStatements in Online or Mobile Banking to keep your account information out of the mailbox
Computer security
In addition to the security measures that protect your information and accounts, it’s important that you maintain the security of your devices so that others cannot access your personal and financial information.
- It is recommended to not use a public device to log into Online Banking, as the device may be compromised with malware or a keylogger, which could lead to your Online Banking credentials being compromised.
- Keep your contact information updated so Stanford FCU can contact you if we see anything suspicious
- Update your devices with the latest browsers and operating systems
- Use strong passwords, fingerprint or facial recognition
- Look out for suspicious emails, and don’t click or respond
- Be extra careful online—look for secure websites that start with “https” (not “http”), don’t share too much about yourself on social media, and remember that links in social media can also be harmful
Identity theft
Identity theft continues to threaten millions of U.S. consumers each year. Here are some basic tips to protect yourself and recover from identity theft:
- Ask Stanford FCU to make your verbal SECURITY WORD mandatory. This means you will have to provide the verbal Security Word on file every time you call into Stanford FCU. Never provide your Security Word when someone stating they are with Stanford FCU calls you.
- Visit identitytheft.gov. This website provides guidance for identity theft victims.
- Monitor your credit report to ensure that no one has opened accounts in your name—get a free copy annually at annualcreditreport.com. Because all three credit bureaus participate, you can request one at a time from each bureau to monitor your credit throughout the year.
- Place a free temporary or permanent extended fraud alert or security freeze on your credit files with each of the credit bureaus so no one can open new credit accounts in your name. The security freeze will need to be placed separately with each bureau, whereas the extended fraud alert will only need to be placed with one of the bureaus. You can review the FTC information guide explaining the difference between the Security Freeze and the Extended Fraud Alert to decide which is right for you:
- Visit Equifax or call 800.685.1111opens phone dialer
- Visit Experian or call 888.397.3742opens phone dialer
- Visit TransUnion
- Contact consumer reporting agency ChexSystems to place a security freeze. This will help prevent a fraudster from opening checking/savings accounts in your name.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Sign up for Informed Delivery with the US Post Office – this service will send you a preview of incoming mail to your email.
Card tools
Stanford FCU has services available to protect your debit and credit cards. You’re automatically enrolled to receive fraud alerts via text, email and phone call whenever our automated fraud monitoring system detects suspicious activity. You can also freeze and unfreeze your cards if they’re misplaced or you won’t be using them for a while. All of our debit and credit card management tools are located in Online and Mobile Banking under Services.
Lost or stolen cards
If your card is lost or stolen, please call 888.723.7328opens phone dialer. If you see suspicious or unauthorized charges to your card, you can click on the transaction in Online or Mobile Banking to dispute it.
Let us know before traveling
To avoid card interruptions while traveling, be sure to let us know your travel dates prior to your trip. Log into Online or Mobile Banking, click Services > MORE OPTIONS > Travel Notification and follow the prompts. List all areas you may be visiting, including any layover cities. Once the travel notice is submitted, you’ll receive a secure confirmation message. Please allow one business day for processing. The more advance notice you can provide, the better.
Card security tips
- Treat your card like cash and keep it in a secure location
- Don’t write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your card or keep it with your card
- Don’t lend your card or give your PIN to anyone—not even a Stanford FCU employee
- Use an ATM in a well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery
- Always shield the ATM keypad, so that anyone waiting to use the ATM cannot see you enter your PIN
- Never count cash at the machine; wait until you’re in a secure place
- Always check the total of each transaction before you sign the sales slip, and never sign one without a dollar amount
- Check your monthly statement for accuracy and/or suspicious charges
- Shred your receipts after verifying the transactions
- Keep records of all of your cards, including the contact information for each issuer
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately at 888.723.7328opens phone dialer
- If your card is stolen, notify the police department, as well
