Guest columnist – Tim Kosak

While I was busy working in my yard on a Sunday afternoon, a scammer had been busy racking up charges on my Consumers credit card. I was completely unaware – until I received a call from the credit union to verify some suspicious activity. Thanks to a vigilant fraud detection system, Consumers stopped over $3,500 in bogus transactions before they even posted to my account!

In my role as VP of consumer lending, I talk with members daily about services they can use to protect themselves from fraud and scams. Just as it did for me, it’s good to know that Consumers has your back when it comes to fighting fraud:

• When Consumers suspects fraud, we call the member right away (even after hours!) to verify a charge or multiple charges. If you miss the call and get a voice message, call back as soon possible.
• Consumers will never ask for personal information such as your full Social Security or PIN number. If the credit union is calling you, we already have this information. Makes sense, right? If someone is asking for these details, hang up and call Consumers at 800.991.2221.
• If a potentially fraudulent transaction is attempted on your account and Consumers can’t reach you, use of your credit or debit account will be unavailable until we verify the transaction with you by phone. (Be sure to keep your contact information up to date in case we need to reach you!)
• If fraud does happen members can get a new instant issue debit card at any Consumers office.

The best thing about the Consumers fraud detection system is that it saved me from so much hassle. I didn’t have to dispute anything because we caught it before the charges went through. After this experience I feel safer than ever at Consumers!