Affinity Resources and Tools to Prevent and Fight Fraud

November 5, 2024

As time goes on, instances of fraud are becoming more common and sophisticated. In 2023, over $10 billion was lost to fraud ¹, underscoring the need for proactive measures. Affinity Federal Credit Union is committed to helping members stay safe by providing a range of fraud prevention resources and personalized support.

Proactive Fraud Alerts and Ongoing Security Measures

One of the first lines of defense against fraud is early detection. Affinity offers customizable account alerts ², notifying you of unusual transactions in real-time. These alerts give members the chance to catch unauthorized activity early, minimizing potential damage and losses. With instant notifications, you can take immediate action, stopping fraud in its tracks.

It’s also important to be proactive to avoid the work of bad actors. Members are encouraged to enable two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of security to online accounts. This simple step significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, as it requires both a password and a secondary form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone. Additionally, Affinity works with trusted third-party identity protection services, offering services such as Cyberscout ³ at no cost. Cyberscout includes one-on-one support with a personal advocate, systematic notification to agencies and businesses, credit report monitoring, and year-long fraud monitoring after an incident of fraud is resolved.

Support When Fraud Occurs

If you suspect fraud, Affinity’s dedicated Member Support Center ⁴ is ready to assist. Our fraud resolution team is trained to guide you through the recovery process, from securing your accounts to advising on the next steps for legal or credit-related actions. Team members offer advice on freezing accounts, resetting security measures, and monitoring your financial statements for further unauthorized activity.

Educational Tools and Fraud Prevention Hub

Preventing fraud starts with awareness. Affinity’s Fraud Prevention Hub ⁵ is an invaluable resource for learning about common scams, such as phishing and smishing, and how to avoid them. The Hub provides up-to-date information on emerging threats and best practices for protecting your financial and personal information. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to fraud before it happens.

As fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s important to have the right resources to protect yourself-. Affinity Federal Credit Union is more than just your financial institution; we are your partner in security. Whether through alerts, ongoing protection services, or personalized fraud recovery support, Affinity is dedicated to safeguarding your financial wellbeing. Explore Affinity’s Fraud Prevention Hub today or contact our Member Support Center at 800-325-0808 to learn more about how we can help protect you from fraud.

This information is for informational purposes only, is intended to provide general guidance, and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person's circumstances differ and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and legal counsel to discuss your particular needs before making any financial or other commitments regarding the matters related to your condition.

¹ Retrieved from: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/ConsumerSentinel/Infographic