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Fraud prevention starts with awareness

From phishing to identity theft, fraud is constantly evolving. Explore practical tips and trusted tools to protect yourself with support from ACU.

We are committed to your financial wellbeing. By providing education and awareness, we want to ensure that you're protected against fraudulent activities and scams.

Here you'll find information on protecting your privacy and security, and reporting fraud when you see it.

ACU will never

Ask for your PIN or password by email, phone or text.

Ask you to move your money to protect it.

Send links asking you to update account information by email or text.

Report a scam: If you think you’ve been targeted or your account may be compromised, contact us immediately.

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What is ACU doing to protect members?

We are committed to protecting members through education and awareness of frauds and scams. 

Common types of fraud

Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to target individuals and businesses. Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for:

Phishing and Smishing

Fraudulent emails and text messages that try to trick you into giving up personal information.

Phone scams

Calls pretending to be from government agencies or financial institutions.

Card skimming

Devices placed on ATMs or payment terminals that steal your card details.

Online purchase scams

Fake websites or listings offering deals that are too good to be true.

Identity theft

Criminals use your personal details to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit fraud in your name.

Investment or Crypto scams

Promises of high returns that pressure you to invest quickly without full transparency.

Everyday actions to reduce your risk

  • Don’t click on links or attachments in unexpected emails or texts.
  • Never share your online banking password or one-time security codes.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
  • Use secure Wi-Fi and keep your devices’ software up to date.
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10 tips on how to protect yourself from fraud

Protect your passwords

Never share your passwords. Download a password manager app to your smartphone to keep your passwords safe. If you've written them down, lock them away. Even better — don't write them down at all.

Use strong passwords

A strong password provides essential protection from financial fraud and identity theft. One of the most common ways hackers break into computers is by guessing passwords. Simple and commonly used passwords make it easy for intruders to gain access and control of your computer.

If you need help creating a strong password, there are password generator apps and sites that can help you do this.

Change your passwords regularly

Sometimes, hackers and other criminals will harvest information they plan use later. Change your passwords regularly to block this type of activity.

Don’t use search to get to online banking

Never use Google, Bing or any other search engine to get to your online banking tab. Fraudsters are highly skilled at replicating financial institutions’ pages, and when you enter your username and password on a fake site, you’re handing them full access.

Use two- or multi-factor authentication, including biometric access

Don’t rely on your username and password only, especially when entering banking or other sites that contain account and personal information. Stay secure by taking advantage of all available options to authenticate your identity.

Use built-in security features of your smartphone

Smartphones include security options, like 2-factor authentication, biometric authentication, screen lock, and phone encryption.

If you lose your phone, take immediate action. To learn how to lock a device visit our digital banking security page.

Protect your personal identity

Don't expect your recycling boxes or garbage bins to hide your personal information. Use a paper shredder or some other means to safely dispose of your personal data.

Shared Wi-Fi is one way fraudsters can steal your identity. To protect yourself, disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you are not using it. When you leave your device open by default, your data is vulnerable to access by others, without your knowledge or consent, when you pass by cafés and other places offering open, public wireless networks.

Familiarize yourself with fraud tactics

You may already be aware of how fraudsters work, but new methods show up all the time. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is an excellent resource to help you stay updated on the latest scams and frauds occurring in Canada. They also provide a helpful list on how to recognize a fraud attempt.

Use only approved programs and applications

Only download programs and applications from your trusted sources, like the AppStore or Google Play. Never download an app attached to an email.

Set up security alerts on digital banking (online and app)

We encourage you to set up alerts that notify you by email and/or text whenever there is activity on your accounts—logins, transfers, withdrawals, etc. Criminal count on their victims being unaware—remain aware with alerts and keep your accounts safe and secure. To learn how to set up your alerts visit our digital banking security page. 

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How ACU helps you bank safer

Your banking is protected by secure tools, encryption, and privacy controls.

We have policies and practices in place to safeguard and maintain the accuracy and security of the information we collect. ACU meets or exceeds all privacy standards established by industry guidelines, provincial legislation, the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and all other applicable laws.

 

Privacy standards

To learn what measures we take to protect your privacy, see safeguarding your personal information.

Safe online forms

All forms on our website are encrypted, so no information can be intercepted as the form is transmitted to us.

Secure email

Email encryption involves encrypting, or disguising, the content of email messages in order to protect potentially sensitive information, including personal or financial details, from being read by anyone other than intended recipients.

Online banking security

When you use online banking, we activate security features that ensure that you are conducting your banking in a safe and private online environment. See internet security for details.

Security alerts

If you bank online, you can set up alerts that notify you by email or text message when there is unauthorized access or activity on your accounts. This is an excellent way to make sure your account is safe and secure. To learn how to set up your alerts visit our digital banking security page.

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120-Day login requirement for security

To help protect your account, ACU requires members to log in to online banking or the mobile app at least once every 120 days. If no login activity is detected during that time, your digital access will be locked for security purposes. You’ll need to contact us to restore access.

If you suspect fraud or notice suspicious activity on your account, contact us right away. The sooner we know, the faster we can act to protect your money and information.

How to report if you’ve become a victim of fraud

If you are a victim of a scam or fraud and have suffered property or monetary loss, contact the ACU Member Communication Centre at 204-958-8588 
(toll-free only available in North America 1-877-958-8588) and the Winnipeg Police service at 204-986-6222.

Even attempted frauds and scams need to be reported. Please call us if you’re aware of an attempted fraud on your ACU accounts.

You can also report attempted frauds and scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — www.antifraudcentre.ca — or 1-888-495-8501.

Have questions? We're here to help.

Whether you're looking for more information or need guidance on your next financial move, our team is ready to support you. Reach out and let us know how we can assist.

Contact us