Fraudsters count on you being busy. Here is how to stay one step ahead.

Fraudsters target people who are busy, distracted or trusting. Firefighters fit all three. Firefighters First takes your financial security seriously, and this section covers what you need to know, what to watch for and exactly what to do if something goes wrong. Because staying protected should not require you to slow down.

Fraud is getting harder to spot. Here is what it looks like.

Fraud is any attempt to deceive you into giving up your money, personal information or account access. It comes in many forms, and it’s getting harder to spot every year.

Phishing.

Fake emails, texts or websites designed to steal your login credentials or personal information.

Identity theft.

When someone uses your personal information to open accounts, take out loans or make purchases in your name.

Account takeover.

When a fraudster gains access to your existing accounts by stealing your password or bypassing your security.

Data compromise.

When your personal information is exposed through a breach at a company or institution you do business with.

Scam calls and text.

Imposters who claim to be from your bank, the IRS or even Firefighters First to get you to share sensitive information.

Fraud rarely announces itself. Here is what to slow down for.

The signs are not always obvious. Here are the red flags worth paying attention to before something goes wrong.

  • A link asks you to verify your account.
  • Someone claims to be from Firefighters First and asks for your PIN.
  • A charge appears you do not recognize.
  • Mail or statements stop arriving.
  • You are denied credit unexpectedly.
  • You get a notice for an account you never opened.

Think something went wrong? Here is what to do right now.

Act fast and follow these four steps. The sooner you respond, the better your chances.

Contact Firefighters First.

Contact us so we can act on your behalf right away.

Go deeper on the topics that matter.

Everything you need to know about fraud.

What should I do the moment I suspect fraud on my account?

Move quickly but don’t panic. Log in to Online Banking or Mobile Banking and review your recent transactions. Lock your debit or credit card immediately if you believe your card has been compromised. Then contact us so we can flag your account, walk you through next steps and open a case if needed. The faster you act, the better the outcome.

Will Firefighters First refund me if I’m a victim of fraud?

In many cases, yes. Federal protections exist for unauthorized transactions on both debit and credit cards, and Firefighters First takes every fraud claim seriously. The specifics depend on the type of fraud, when it was reported and the circumstances involved. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review your case and let you know what to expect.

How do I dispute a charge I don’t recognize?

Start by contacting us or visiting a branch. You can also initiate a dispute through Online Banking. Have the transaction details ready, including the date, amount and merchant name if visible. We’ll investigate the charge and keep you updated throughout the process. If the transaction is confirmed as unauthorized, we’ll work to resolve it as quickly as possible.

What’s the difference between fraud and identity theft?

Fraud is when someone makes unauthorized transactions using your existing account or card information. Identity theft goes a step further. It’s when someone uses your personal information, like your Social Security number, date of birth or address, to open new accounts, apply for loans or commit crimes in your name. Both are serious, but they require different responses.

Learn about Identity Theft »

How long does a fraud investigation take?

It depends on the complexity of the case. For straightforward unauthorized card transactions, provisional credit is often issued within a few business days while the investigation is ongoing. More complex cases involving identity theft or account takeover may take longer. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and let you know what we need from you to move things forward.

Can I still access my account while a fraud claim is being investigated?

In most cases, yes. Depending on the nature of the fraud, we may need to take certain actions on your account to protect it, such as reissuing your card or temporarily restricting specific transactions. Our team will walk you through exactly what to expect when you contact us. We’ll do everything we can to minimize any disruption to your access during the process.

What is a fraud alert, and should I place one on my credit?

A fraud alert is a notice you can place on your credit file that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. If you suspect your personal information has been exposed or stolen, placing a fraud alert is a smart precaution. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus to request it, and they are required to notify the others.

A fraud alert is free and lasts one year. If you’ve confirmed identity theft, you may also want to consider a credit freeze, which provides stronger protection by blocking new credit from being opened entirely.