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Fraud protection and prevention

Welcome to our fraud protection and prevention center. The safety and security of your accounts is a top priority of ours, and we want to ensure you have the tips and tools you need to help keep you safe from potential fraud.

❗If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, please call us immediately at 800-232-3642.

How Centra works to keep your info safe

We’ve all seen an increase in scam attempts by fraudsters through various forms like phishing, smishing, and spoofing. These bad actors try to impersonate companies (like Centra) and use urgency to get you to give them access to your accounts and sensitive information.

In the midst of all these fraud attempts, Centra takes measures to fight back and protect our Members. For example, Centra works regularly to remove any fraudulent apps and websites trying to impersonate Centra.

Our Members help us, too! Every time you contact us to report suspicious text messages or calls, you’re helping our team identify and take down these fraudsters.

Tips to protect yourself from scammers

Scam attempts can come in various forms. The most common are phishing, smishing, and vishing. Phishing is a form of social engineering that uses malicious links in emails to get your personal information. Smishing is phishing that comes in the form of text messages. Vishing happens through fraudulent phone calls or voicemails where scammers attempt to get you to provide sensitive information over the phone. Learn more about phishing, smishing, and vishing here.

Centra will never call or text you to ask for any personal information, including login information and card numbers. If you receive a call or text from someone who claims to be from Centra, and you weren’t expecting a call or text from us, please call us directly at 800-232-3642 or reach out to us here.

What to do if you think you’re a victim of fraud

We all like to think we’re immune to falling for scams, but don’t feel discouraged if you happen to find yourself a victim of fraud. In 2022, around 30% of adults worldwide encountered phishing scams. Scammers are rapidly adapting and finding new ways to try and get your personal information. It’s important to continuously keep yourself up to date on current trends in fraud attempts and actively use tips shared on this page to help keep your and your loved ones’ personal information secure.

Debit card fraud

If your card is lost, stolen, or you’ve noticed an unauthorized transaction(s), please call 844-698-7052. You can also initiate a transaction dispute or report your card as lost or stolen in digital banking.

As a reminder, Centra sends fraud text alerts from the number 37268. If you receive a text message from this number, it’s not fraudulent and you should reply accordingly. Please know that a Centra Team Member will never contact you to direct you to reply ‘no’ to a fraud text alert.

Credit card fraud

If your card is lost, stolen, or you’ve noticed an unauthorized transaction(s), please call 800-449-7728.

 

For all other forms of fraud, such as check, ACH, wire, loan, or digital banking, please contact us immediately. For check fraud, we recommend filing a police report to provide to our fraud team.

Think you’re a victim of identity theft?

Please refer to our Identity Theft Guide for important information regarding next steps as well as the top three credit bureaus’ contact information.

Download Our Guide

Tips for elders and loved ones

Fraudsters often target older adults because they believe these individuals might have more financial assets and be more susceptible to falling victim to scams. Whether you’ve reached your golden years, or you have older loved ones, it’s important to raise awareness to help avoid potential scams.

Learn More

 

Frequently asked security questions

Is my money safe with Centra?

We want to assure you that as one of the top 200 safest credit unions, we have your back! Not only is Centra a financially strong credit union, but we’re also federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates, charters, and supervises federal credit unions. Click here to learn more.

What do I do if I received an unsolicited or suspicious email claiming to be from Centra Credit Union?

Never respond to or click on any links in a suspicious or unsolicited email. You can call us at 800-232-3642 to report a suspicious email. Click here to learn more about avoiding scams.

What should I do if I think someone has gained unauthorized access to my digital banking?

Change your username and password right away using the links in the digital banking login at the top of the screen. You can also call 800-232-3642 for assistance.

What do I do if I received a suspicious phone call or text claiming to be from Centra Credit Union?

If you ever question the validity of a call or text from someone who says they are a Centra representative, hang up or do not respond to the texts, then call us at 800-232-3642. We will never call you to request your personal information. Click here to learn more. For more ways to stay protected from fraudsters, refer to our Fraud Protection and Prevention center!

What should I do if I think someone has stolen my identity?

If you think someone has stolen your identity, please give us a call at 800-232-3642 or make an appointment to visit your nearest Centra location at your earliest convenience. Click here to learn more about what you can do if you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft.

We value your privacy.

We value the privacy and security of our Members’ information and always ensure we work to keep your information safe. To learn more about how Centra handles your personal and financial information, please review our Privacy Policy.

As a reminder, the security of your accounts is a top priority of ours. Let’s work together to keep your information safe from fraudsters!

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