Credit & Debit Card Security

RTFCU & You: Fighting Fraud Together

At RTFCU, we use industry-leading technology to protect your account against fraud. This technology enables us to monitor your account 24/7 and respond immediately to any suspicious charges.

Protecting Your Account with Falcon

If a transaction is made with your credit or debit card that appears to fall outside of your usual spending pattern, an alert is created by Falcon. A fraud analyst or automated voice system will then contact you by phone to verify whether you authorized the transaction. As part of the verification process, you will be asked to confirm the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If we’re unable to reach you, a decision may be made on your behalf to block future transactions until you can be reached for confirmation.

For an even deeper layer of protection, we also utilize Falcon Fraud Manager. This technology combines advanced fraud detection capabilities and 24/7 case management services, dramatically reducing the risk of fraud. Falcon scores every transaction based on current fraud trends and your spending patterns to identify high-risk transactions.

How You Can Help

To ensure that this process is as effective as possible, it is important that you provide us with your most up-to-date phone numbers. You can also call Falcon 24/7 at (800) 437-9392 to verify transactions. And to avoid interruptions on your account, contact us at (315) 336-7810 if you are planning to use your card out of the area or make any unusual purchases.

Protecting Your Account with Verified by Visa

We also offer Verified by Visa, a free, user-friendly service that confirms your identity with an extra password when you make an online transaction.

How You Can Help

Register for this service online at https://usa.visa.com/personal/security/vbv/index.jsp/ or when checking out with participating online merchants. Once your registration is activated, your card number will be recognized whenever you shop at a participating Verified by Visa merchant.

Identifying and Preventing Fraud

Fighting fraud is ongoing battle…and as a cardholder, you’re the most powerful weapon against it! By being aware and proactive, you can help us identify and prevent fraud.

How You Can Help

Here are 15 quick, easy steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Stay informed about the types of fraud.
2. Close all unused card accounts.
3. Review your credit report frequently.
4. Review all monthly statements for fraudulent activity.
5. Keep your personal records in a secure location.
6. Destroy all pre-approved applications, and don’t provide personal information on solicitations.
7. Don’t provide account numbers over the phone unless you’re sure of the caller’s identity.
8. Know when to expect new cards, and report immediately if they’re not received.
9. Carry only the cards you use frequently, and don’t write your PIN on your card.
10. Keep a list of account numbers and lost/stolen contact numbers in a safe location.
11. Do not leave your card(s) with another person.
12. Use one card for online purchases and keep a record of all transactions.
13. When providing information online, make sure the website is secure.
14. Pick up mail promptly and report any mail theft to a local postal inspector.
15. When traveling, inform your credit union and ask the post office to hold your mail.