How Protecting Yourself Helps Your Credit Union Protect You
Fraud is everywhere these days — from phishing emails to unexpected credit card charges — and it can feel overwhelming to keep up. At Canopy Credit Union, our top priority is keeping your money safe. The great news is that your funds are federally insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA). But here’s the truth: protecting your accounts is a team effort. If sensitive information — like your credit card number, PIN, or wire instructions — is shared willingly, those funds are no longer insured. Once that information is disclosed, your credit union’s ability to safeguard your money becomes very limited.
That’s why taking steps to safeguard your personal information is vital. By being skeptical and protective of your information, your credit union can do more to keep your funds secure — and respond quickly when fraudsters attack.
Why Your Vigilance Matters
Fraudsters are clever, and the methods they use evolve constantly. But there’s power in prevention. By practicing good digital hygiene — like not sharing sensitive information or account details, monitoring account activity, and reporting suspicious contact immediately — you make it harder for fraudsters to access your funds. And when they can’t, our systems and team can work more effectively to stop threats before they reach your accounts.
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself
Be Skeptical: Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technology — like AI — to mimic voices, emails, and phone numbers. Even if a call appears to come from Canopy or sounds like a family member, it could be a scammer pretending to be someone you trust. The safest approach is to hang up and call the number yourself to verify the caller’s identity.
Know the Signs: Scammers know the easiest way to lower your guard is by pulling on your heartstrings. Whether through fear or empathy, they rely on urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. The smartest move you can make is to pause before responding. If your hesitation makes the caller push harder, take it as a red flag. Some scammers will even go as far as pretending to be a loved one in distress.
Empower Yourself to Say NO: This can be tough, especially if you’re naturally polite. It’s common to second-guess yourself when a caller asks for your credit card or account information. Remember: it’s okay to say no. Hang up, call Canopy at 509.328.2900, and confirm whether the call was legitimate. We will never be upset with you for doing this — your information’s safety is our top priority. The only person who will be unhappy is a scammer — and that’s exactly how it should be.
Never Share Personal Information: Canopy will never ask for your card information, PIN, or account details via email, text, or phone. If anyone requests this information, they are a scammer. Hang up and alert Canopy immediately. Your funds are federally insured as long as you don’t willingly share account or card information. Once you disclose this information to someone else, we cannot guarantee its security.
Report Suspicious Activity: Fraud can be stressful, and it’s common to feel shame or guilt if you suspect you’ve been targeted. Please know that Canopy is here to help, not judge. Sharing your experience allows us to secure your account and protect your funds more effectively. Provide as much clear, accurate information as possible — we can act faster and more decisively when we have the full picture.
Tools and Tips to Stay Safe
- Set Up Online Banking and Download Canopy’s Mobile App
With online and mobile banking, you can keep a close eye on your accounts anytime, anywhere. Sign up for fraud text alerts, track charges in real time, and manage your cards with just a few taps. If you ever spot suspicious activity, you can even freeze your card instantly for peace of mind. - Use Two-Factor Authentication
Adding Two-Factor Authentication creates an extra layer of protection for your accounts. When enabled, you’ll confirm your identity through a text or email code in addition to your password — making it much harder for fraudsters to break in, even if they steal your credentials. - Meet with a Financial Coach
If the worst happens and fraud impacts your finances, you don’t have to face it alone. Canopy’s certified financial coaches can help you create a plan — whether that means covering expenses while waiting on insured funds, rebuilding savings, or strengthening your safety net for the future. You can register for an appointment here.
Working Together Makes a Difference
Every member who takes these precautions strengthens our collective security. When fraud attempts are caught early, we can act faster, minimize risk, and protect all our members from potential harm. It’s a ripple effect — your vigilance protects you and our Canopy community.
At Canopy Credit Union, we’re more than a financial institution — we’re a community. And like any strong community, we thrive when we look out for one another. Protecting your information isn’t just good for you; it’s good for all of us.