A current scam: Fraudulent text messages
ACT 1st FCU along with many other financial institutions, is currently receiving reports regarding fraudulent text messages being sent to both their members and non-members.
These messages falsely claim to be from ACT 1st FCU and may mention that an account has been disabled, a deposit has been scheduled, or that fraudulent activity has been noted. The text then asks the recipient to click on a link to view, confirm, or verify this activity.
When the recipient clicks on the link, they will be taken to a deceptive login webpage that appears to be an authentic Digital Banking login page. If an individual enters their banking login details on this deceptive page, the fraudsters gain unauthorized access to their genuine account information.
If you happen to receive a text message that seems suspicious, with the sender claiming to be ACT 1st FCU, do not respond to or click on links in the message. Instead, delete the message and block the sender.
Note: ACT 1st FCU does send reminders and account alerts via text message. However, they will only come from the following numbers:
○ Fraud Detection Center SMS text message short code (33072) click here for more info
○ Fraud Detection Center email address noreply@enfactnotification.com
○ 301-729-8015 ACT 1st FCU Member Service Department
○ 301-882-8269 ACT 1st FCU Lending Department
○ 301-245-7688 ACT 1st FCU Marketing Department
○ 301-882-8274 ACT 1st FCU Collections Department
Texts sent from other numbers are not legitimate ACT 1st FCU texts. If you ever receive a text that claims to be from ACT 1st FCU, and you are unsure of its legitimacy, please contact us.
Fraud poses a threat to the security of your account.
Utilize the following information to learn what you can do to ensure you’re protected.
How to lower your risk of being scammed
While we have resources to protect you, we still want to make sure you know what to do if a scammer targets you.
○ Do not respond to or click links in texts from unverified numbers that claim to be from ACT 1st FCU. ACT 1st FCU sends text reminders and alerts from the following:
– Fraud Detection Center SMS text message short code (33072) click here for more info
– Fraud Detection Center email address noreply@enfactnotification.com
– 301-729-8015 ACT 1st Member Service Department
– 301-882-8269 ACT 1st Lending Department
– 301-245-7688 ACT 1st Marketing Department
– 301-882-8274 ACT 1st Collections Department
Texts from other numbers are not legitimate ACT 1st FCU texts.
○ Know that ACT 1st FCU will never call and ask for your personal information or account information.
○ Do not share your verification code unless YOU called ACT 1st FCU.
○ If a caller pressures you into giving up personal information, hang up immediately.
○ Caller IDs can be faked. If you’re skeptical, hang up and call us directly.
○ Scammers are sophisticated and sound legit. If you’re unsure, call us directly.
○ Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Valid callers will leave a message.
○ Do not respond to unverified text messages asking you to call your financial institution.
○ Review your account statements. Call us if you notice any unauthorized activity.
○ Register for Digital Banking or download the ACT 1st FCU App to customize alerts and monitor your account activity.
How to protect yourself from fraud
We offer several features to help you monitor your account(s) so you can take quick action to reduce or avoid fraudulent activity, including:
○ Online Banking and our mobile app: Sign up and log in frequently to monitor for suspicious activity.
○ Debit Card Controls: Effortlessly track your expenses and prevent fraudulent activities by having full control over the management of your debit card.
○ Alerts: When making high-risk transactions with your ACT 1st FCU debit card, you may need to enter a passcode sent to your mobile phone. Input the passcode in the pop-up box on the screen to proceed with the payment.
○ eStatements: Receive paperless, secure statements through Online Banking or our mobile app instantly. No shredding necessary!
○ Debit and credit card activity: Report a lost or stolen card. Simply call: 1-800-472-3272 for your ACT 1st FCU debit card or call: 1-800-558-3424 for your ACT 1st FCU credit card.
Change your passwords regularly
You can use How Secure Is My Password.net or Passwordmeter.com to rate the strength of your passwords.
Read our blog post “From Passwords to Privacy: Master Your Digital Defense” here.
Prepare for travel
Before traveling:
○ Ensure we have your current contact information, especially phone, email, and mailing address.
○ Save our Fraud Detection Center short code (33072) in your phone contacts.
○ Pack two types of cards in case one does not work or is not accepted.
○ Buy foreign currency or travelers checks before you leave.
○ Set up Alerts in digital banking.
○ Review your credit card’s guide to benefits if you’d want to learn more about your travel protections & policies. Click here to review.
While traveling:
○ Instead of swiping your card at a point of sale, you should insert your chip or use or tap-to-pay whenever possible.
○ Have a backup plan and carry multiple forms of payment. Foreign banking systems can be very different from ours.
○ Monitor your accounts in digital banking for any unusual activity, and always review your statement.
○ Lost or stolen card? Call our lost/stolen support line: Debit Card: 1-800-472-3272 or Credit Card: 1-800-558-3424.
Remember, we will never call you and ask you for your PIN, digital banking password, or Secure Access Code.
How do I know if a text message is legitimate?
Here’s a complete list of authentic numbers used for text messages and transaction verifications:
○ 301-729-8015 ACT 1st FCU Member Service Department
○ 301-882-8269 ACT 1st FCU Lending Department
○ 301-245-7688 ACT 1st FCU Marketing Department
○ 301-882-8274 ACT 1st FCU Collections Department
If you’re ever unsure if a text message or phone call is legitimate, do not respond or click on anything.
Instead, call 301-729-8015 to verify the information.
Are you concerned about fraud or want to report a scam?
Learn more about fraud tactics here. Please contact us if you believe you have received a suspicious email, text message, or phone call from ACT 1st Federal Credit Union, or if you provided any of your personal information including your account number.
You may contact a representative in our Contact Center during normal business hours at
301-729-8015. If you’d like to report any card related fraud, please call 1-833-735-1891.
