Discovering that someone’s used your debit or credit card or tapped into your bank or credit union account without permission is stressful—sometimes even scary. But acting quickly can make a big difference in limiting the damage and protecting yourself going forward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take control after identity theft or financial fraud. For even more actions you should take to help protect your accounts, download our Account Fraud Checklist now.
1. Contact your credit union, bank, or credit card issuer immediately.
The moment you spot suspicious activity, call your financial institution’s fraud department. They can:
- Freeze or lock your accounts to prevent more unauthorized charges.
- Reverse fraudulent transactions if reported quickly.
- Issue you a new card or account number to block future attempts.
Pro tip: Save our phone number, 800.877.2345, in your phone now—so you’re ready if you ever suspect your Debit, Credit Card, or accounts have been compromised. You can also use the Card Controls Tool in Tulee to “Set Alerts” to be notified via your mobile device whenever your Credit Union Debit or Credit Card is used. If you notice suspicious activity, call us immediately.
2. Change your passwords and PINs.
If a criminal gained access to your accounts once, they might try again. Change your online banking and Tulee password, card PIN, and any login connected to your finances. Use:
- Unique passwords for every account.
- At least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols.
- A password manager to keep them secure.
Pro tip: It’s easy to change your PIN using the Card Controls Tool. Log in to Tulee, go to Card Controls, and click “Change PIN” to set or change your PIN. While it might be easy to have one password for multiple accounts and businesses, this also makes it easier for thieves to access those accounts. Be sure to have a unique password for every account, especially for all your financial institutions and debit and credit cards.
3. Place a fraud alert in your credit report.
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—and request a free, one-year fraud alert. Once you place it with one bureau, they’re required to notify the other two. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
4. Check and monitor your credit reports.
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free report from each bureau. Look for:
- Accounts you didn’t open.
- Loans or credit inquiries you didn’t authorize.
- Incorrect personal information.
Pro tip: If you find anything suspicious, dispute it with the credit bureau in writing. Another simple way to keep track of your credit score is to use the Credit Score Tool in Tulee. You can review your FICO® Score monthly for free. There’s no hit to your credit report.
5. Report it to the FTC (and possibly the police).
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They’ll provide:
- An official Identity Theft Report.
- A personalized recovery plan.
If the theft involves larger sums or ongoing criminal activity, consider filing a police report as well—especially if you need proof for creditors or insurance claims.
6. Consider a credit freeze.
Unlike a fraud alert, a credit freeze completely restricts access to your credit file. That means no new credit accounts can be opened in your name unless you lift the freeze. You’ll need to contact each credit bureau separately to set this up. It’s free, and you can unfreeze temporarily if you need new credit.
Pro tip: Freezing your Credit Union Debit and Credit Cards is easy. Log in to Tulee, and click Card Controls. Go to “Freeze Card” and toggle the switch to off to stop your card from being used for future purchases and ATM transactions if you suspect fraud.
7. Keep an eye on everything.
We’d love to tell you once you’ve taken the above steps you’re done. But you must stay vigilant. For at least the next 12 months:
- Check your bank and credit card statements weekly.
- Sign up for transaction alerts so you know when your accounts are used.
- Revisit your credit reports every few months.
Final thoughts.
Identity theft is a headache no one wants, but quick action can help you bounce back faster and protect your future. The key is to act immediately, use all available tools to secure your accounts, and keep monitoring even after the crisis passes. For more information about threats, visit our Security Center and Current Scams pages.
Remember, we will NEVER call or text you for any personal information, username, passwords, or passcodes.
If you receive any call, from any number or person claiming to be an employee of the Credit Union, no matter how urgent or convincing they may be, HANG UP AND CALL US DIRECTLY AT 800.877.2345.
If you receive an email saying your username, password, phone number, email, etc., has been changed and you did not initiate this change, please contact us immediately at 800.877.2345. Do not respond to the email or text as it might be a fraudster trying to trick you into sharing your personal information.
You can send a message via online chat or secure messaging within Tulee at ANY TIME.
And remember—if you’re a Credit Union Member, our team is here to guide you through the process, connect you with resources, and help you feel secure again.
