Important Update as of September 8, 2023
We’d like all our members to be aware of a new text message scam currently targeting SAFE Credit Union members.
Scammers are sending text messages that state the member’s online account is locked out and they need to reset their username and password. Some of the text messages also say that suspicious activity or charges have occurred on the account. The text includes a link that goes to a spoofed site with “SAFE” branding. When people go to the fraudulent site and either input or reset their username and password, the scammers can take over their SAFE Credit Union accounts.
SAFE will NEVER send a text message, email, or call you and ask you to reset your username and password or for a one-time authorization code.
If you receive a text or other communication from someone saying they are from SAFE, please contact us at (800) SEE-SAFE to verify whether the information is accurate.
If you have received a text from a scammer and went to the fraudulent link and provided your login credentials, contact us immediately at (800) SEE-SAFE. You can also set alerts on your accounts in Online Banking and through the SAFE Mobile App.
Please be aware of the following security measures to help protect you against fraud:
- SAFE will never ask you for confidential information like your username and password or ask you to provide the SAFE CU one-time verification code to gain access to your accounts when we reach out to you.
- SAFE will never ask you to send money to reverse fraud on your account or resolve an issue. If you receive a call, text, or email that appears to come from SAFE asking you to wire money or send a payment to reverse fraud on your account, it’s a scam.
- If something seems suspicious, you can verify that you're speaking with SAFE by hanging up or ignoring the text or email and calling us at (800) 733-7233.
Important update as of May 25, 2023
As you’re aware, SAFE continuously monitors our systems and services to provide the utmost security for your accounts and information. We ensure that all our systems adhere to the highest and most up-to-date security standards, including two-factor authentication and other measures.
However, scammers use methods to trick credit union members and banking customers into inadvertently providing access to their accounts. This trend continues to grow, and SAFE is taking measures to reduce the risk of financial loss to our members.
Effective Thursday, May 25, 2023, SAFE is changing the Maximum Transaction Limit through SAFE Pay, our person-to-person money transfer system, to $1,500 a day.
We understand this may be an inconvenience to you and we don’t make this decision lightly. We will continue to assess our transaction limits and make changes with the intent to provide the greatest convenience and lowest risk to you.
We need your help to stop these scammers. Please be aware of the following security measures to help protect you against fraud:
- SAFE will never ask you for confidential information like your username and password or ask you to provide the SAFE CU one-time verification code to gain access to your accounts when we reach out to you.
- SAFE’s fraud monitoring calls begin with an automated system before transitioning to a live agent while spoofed calls from fraudsters begin with a live person.
- SAFE will never ask you to send money to reverse fraud on your account or resolve an issue. If you receive a call, text, or email that appears to come from SAFE asking you to wire money or send a payment to reverse fraud on your account, it’s a scam.
- Know who you are talking to. If something seems suspicious, you can verify that you're speaking with SAFE by hanging up and calling us at (800) 733-7233.
Bottom line: Never give your username, passwords, or one-time verification code or other access codes to anyone.
We thank you for banking with SAFE. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 733-7233.
Recent phone scam targeting SAFE members
SAFE members -- be on the lookout for this targeted phone scam.
The scammers call or text members and spoof SAFE’s number (800-733-7233) and claim to be from our fraud department. They ask for members’ usernames and passwords or the one-time authentication code generated for two-factor authentication. The scammers then either activate members’ Samsung Pay and conduct fraudulent card transactions or attempt to transfer money out of the members’ account. Scammers have also requested members to send them money via gift cards.
SAFE takes this activity seriously and wants to help our members keep their personal and account information secure.
We’re here to help
If you notice suspicious activity on your accounts, please contact us at (800) 733-7233 or use our Live Chat function on our website safecu.org.
You can start a dispute on card transactions through Online Banking and the SAFE Mobile App or calling us.
Report fraud to the authorities
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforces federal consumer financial laws.
- The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers from fraud and deceptive practices and has more details on other scams.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigates fraud and scams committed over phone and text, such as phishing. You can file a report through their Consumer Complaint Center.
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