Protecting Yourself From Fraud: What Every Royal Member Should Know

At Royal Credit Union, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. In a world where fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, we want to make sure you feel informed and empowered to recognize potential threats and respond with confidence. Here’s what to know and what to do if you ever suspect fraud.

If You Suspect Fraud

If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your Royal accounts or believe your identity may be compromised, contact us right away so that we can take immediate steps to help protect your accounts.

You can find our official phone number on our website, the Royal mobile app, and your account statement. In general, be sure to always use trusted sources to find a business's contact information and avoid relying on the first result in a web search as scammers often use lookalike listings.

How Royal Communicates With You

• We will never call to ask for sensitive personal details like your Social Security Number, debit card PIN, or your online banking username and password.
• If we do reach out for personal details pertaining to a loan or other transaction-related need, it will be via a secure and encrypted email.
• We do not send links in text messages. If you receive a text that appears to be from Royal and includes a link, do not click it. Report it as spam and delete the message.

If You Receive A Suspicious Call

• Never share personal or financial information if you're unsure who’s calling.
• If a caller claiming to be a Royal team member feels suspicious, hang up and call us back using our official number(800-341-9911). Ending a suspicious call and contacting us directly helpsprotect both you and fellow Royal Members. You can also report fraud to theFederal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What To Do If You've Already Shared Information

If you've given out sensitive information, it’s important that you remain calm and act quickly. Contact us immediately so we can take the appropriate protective measures, such as:

• Locking your online banking access so you can reset your login credentials.
• Updating passwords across your banking and other accounts.
• Reviewing and disputing unauthorized transactions.
• Blocking and reissuing debit or credit cards with new numbers.
• Opening new deposit accounts with new account numbers.
• Adding a verbal password to your account for future verification.
• Placing fraud alerts or credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax).

Tips To Prevent Fraud

Here are steps you can take to protect your identity and accounts:

• Verify before you share. Always confirm the identity of the caller or sender using official contact information – never the information provided in a suspicious message.
• Never share sensitive information. Avoid disclosing personal or financial details over the phone, email, or text. If you must send personal information for legitimate purposes, be sure to use a secure method. Learn about secure data transmission and email encryption here.
• Watch for urgency and threats. Scammers often try to rush or scare you. Pause and verify before taking action.
• Check emails carefully. Look for poor grammar, unexpected or unusual sender names, or suspicious links. Even if a message looks polished, when in doubt, don’t click any links and go directly to our website.
• Stay alert to evolving scams. Technology and AI can make scams harder to spot. Lean on trusted friends, family, or Royal to assess unusual requests.
• Report quickly. Timely reporting reduces the risk of further damage. Contact Royal and regulatory bodies like the FTC if you suspect fraud.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds a second layer of protection by requiring a code sent via text, phone call, email, or app notification in addition to your login credentials.
• Keep your contact information up to date. Ensure your contact information is current so Royal can alert you promptly about suspicious activity or account updates.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Frequent review of your statements and transaction history helps you catch unauthorized activity quickly. You can also set up real-time alerts for added security.

We’re Here To Help

If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help ensure your accounts and personal information remain secure.