According to the National Council of Identity Theft Protection, 33% of Americans have faced some kind of identity theft attempt.*
At Bay Atlantic FCU, our top priority is your financial security. To help protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity. When a transaction is flagged, your card is temporarily frozen and you will receive an automated Fraud Detection call.
Why was my transaction flagged?
Sudden Change in Location
A transaction originating from outside of your general area can be an indication of a stolen card or identity fraud, including online purchases from a company based in another state or country.
Sudden String of Costly Purchases
Large transactions, especially several in a row, can be a sign of fraud. Criminals often try to run through purchases and withdrawals quickly before their activity is detected. This is why our system responds quickly.
Patterns Matching Fraud Trends
Our system utilizes fraud trends and data from around the world to identify suspicious patterns. Because of this algorithm, common transactions may sometimes be flagged. Rest assured, this is done for your protection.
What happens on a Fraud Detection Call?
You will receive an automated call from the Fraud Detection hotline
You will be asked to verify your three most recent transactions using the keypad
If any of the transactions are fraudulent, the temporary freeze will be kept on your account. You will be directed to contact the credit union during business hours so we may issue a new card. New cards can be printed in our main office for your convenience.
If all three transactions are legitimate, the temporary freeze will be lifted from your account and you may continue using your card normally.
The automated call will also provide you with a toll free number in case you have any additional questions.
If you miss the Fraud Detection call, the automated system will leave a voicemail with a callback and case reference number. You can call the hotline directly and complete the verification process as outlined above.
I never received the Fraud Detection call.
Our automated system calls the primary phone number we have on file for your account. In the event the number is incorrect or outdated, you will not receive the call. Additionally, if your voicemail is full or not set up, the automated system cannot leave a message with your case reference number.
If this happens, or you do not complete the transaction verification for any reason, you will need to speak with a member service representative for assistance. They will be able to either remove the freeze or handle replacing your debit card.
What can I do to help?
Monitor Transaction History
It is always in good practice to review your transactions and report any suspicious activity to the credit union immediately.
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure we have your current contact information so we can get in touch as quickly as possible when fraud is suspected.
Remember to Submit Travel Notices
If you know you are going to be travelling, it's in your best interest to submit a travel notice for your account(s).
Travel notices can be submitted through the Mobiliti Mobile App using our new CardSpotlight feature. To learn more about CardSpotlight, click here.
*Source: 2023 Identity Theft Facts and Statistics published by National Council on Identity Theft Protection on 6/22/23 (http://www.identitytheft.org/statistics)