Our Security Spotlight features information about current scams, provides tips to protect yourself from fraud attacks, and offers steps you should take should you fall victim to fraud.

• Zelle Transfer Scam - Do you use Zelle? Recently some users found themselves at the end of a scam when some of the financial institutions offering Zelle were targeted. How? Scammers used a fake text claiming to be from a person's financial institution then stated there was fraud on their account. If the targeted person responded and/or engaged in a conversation, the scammer would request the member's account ID, and then send them a link to click to authenticate their account. What is really happening is the scammer is sending a request for a password change and asking for a verification of this change. If the information is given to the scammer, they can then change the password, and use Zelle to empty out an innocent victim's bank account. The best way to avoid a scam like this is never give out personal information over the phone or through text. Your credit union will never call you and ask for your personal information. Click here to learn more about fraud and scams.

• Health Insurance Scam - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are warning consumers about a new phone scam in which callers attempt to obtain personal or health insurance information. Since mid-December 2020, many people have reported receiving these fraudulent calls. The callers claim they are from a pharmacy network representing Blue Cross or another health plan, and then they offer to mail over-the-counter vitamins, medicine, and ointments to a member’s home at no cost. These phone calls are not part of a Blue Cross or BCN program. They appear to be malicious or fraudulent attempts to gain personal information or health insurance ID numbers to bill for high-cost medication and supplies.  Blue Cross stated that it does not share medical or prescription information with unauthorized third parties, and there was no breach of confidential data. Members of other health plans are also receiving these calls. For more information, click here.

• Gift Card Scams - Gift card scams have been around for a long time and are very popular. Unfortunately, after gift cards have been purchased it is very difficult to get your money back. The reason scammers like gift cards so much is they are not traceable and can be used anywhere they are accepted. If you purchased a gift card, have not given away the PIN or account information on the card, and you are looking to get a refund, you will need to visit the place where the card was purchased. To learn more about gift card scams, click here.

1. Track your information regularly - Track your account information weekly or daily to monitor for fraud on your account. Astera offers text alerts that can notify you the moment your card or account has a charge pending. This can help you hopefully shut down the fraud before it completes.
   
   
2. Knowledge is key to defending yourself - Follow FTC Scams to stay up to date on all the ongoing scams happening around the world. The biggest defense against falling victim to a scam is knowledge. If you know the scam before it’s attempted on you, it’s already game over for the fraudster.
   
   
3. Keep your information up to date - Regularly check that your personal information is up-to-date. Ensuring that your account information is up-to-date can prevent fraud from happening without your knowledge. You always want to make sure any information is being sent to you and not someone else. You can review your personal information by logging into your online banking account. Remember an Astera CU representative will never ask for this information over the phone.
   
   
4. Call immediately if you suspect you're a victim of fraud - If you think you've fallen prey or victim to a scam, one of the first steps to follow is contacting your financial institution(s) and proper law enforcement agencies to make them aware. Once you notify your financial institution your accounts will be shut down and steps will be taken to prevent against continued and/or future loss.

Astera Eservices are a safe and convenient tool for everyone's financial life. Access your accounts 24/7 without stepping foot outside your home.

Some of the essential Eservices we offer are:

• Online Banking - easily manage accounts from the comfort of your home computer, free of charge. Log on to easily check account balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, and more!
• Mobile Banking - same great service that online banking provides, but on the go! Use your tablet or smartphone for instant access to your accounts.
• Bill Pay - avoid making late payments and pay bills from your computer or mobile device. With One-Click Bill Pay, pay your bills faster and easier than ever!
• Remote Deposit Capture - avoid unnecessary trips to the credit union and deposit checks from your phone. It's as easy as taking a picture. Click here to learn more.
• CardNav - take control of your cards with real-time actions and alerts for your Astera debit card. Set budgeting limits that stay within your goals, or set spending restrictions based on range or vendors.

We also offer many other convenient Eservices such as:

• Audio Banking
• Direct Deposit
  
• MoneyDesktop (financial management service)
• Text Message Alerts

Fill out the form below and we will contact you with more information on our E-services!

If you'd like more information on Astera's security services, call us at 800.323.0048, stop into any branch to speak with a member service representative, or visit us at www.AsteraCU.com.