Access Credit Union has recently become aware of active phone call scams where fraudsters are posing as Access Credit Union representatives. Adam Monteith, Chief Marketing Officer at Access Credit Union, is spearheading a campaign to educate the public on how to identify and prevent scams. He reminds us that Access Credit Union will never ask members to share digital banking passwords or authentication codes. If you receive a call from Access Credit Union that sounds suspicious or doesn’t seem right, do not hesitate to end the call and contact Access Credit Union directly at 1-800-264-2926.
Southern Manitoba residents are being urged to stay vigilant as fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated methods to target their personal and financial information. Monteith emphasized that protecting oneself begins with understanding the tactics used by fraudsters. “Financial institutions, including Access Credit Union, will never call you asking for personal banking information,” Monteith said. “You shouldn’t have to prove who you are—the caller should prove who they are.”
Key tips to stay safe
Monteith outlined three critical steps for avoiding fraud:
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Verify the caller: Be cautious of any unsolicited calls. Financial institutions will not ask for personal details over the phone.
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Don’t be afraid to be firm: Trust your instincts. If you’re uncomfortable or suspicious, hang up immediately. Legitimate organizations understand the importance of caution.
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Take action safely: If you suspect fraud, contact your financial institutions directly through official channels or visit a local branch.
Fraudulent call tactics
Fraudsters often pose as representatives from a financial institution’s fraud department, claiming there is suspicious activity on the victim’s account. Their goal is to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information. Monteith warned against sharing account details, saying, “Your bank already has this information. They don’t need you to repeat it.”
If fraud is confirmed, financial institutions like Access Credit Union will typically notify customers through secure means and may provide a callback number to verify the legitimacy of the communication.
Support for victims
For those who have already fallen victim, Monteith’s advice is clear: act quickly and don’t feel ashamed. “This is happening everywhere. You are a victim, and there’s no reason to shy away from working with law enforcement or your bank to resolve the issue,” he said.
Victims should immediately contact their financial institution and report the incident to local authorities, such as the RCMP.
A call to action
Monteith closed with a heartfelt appeal: “It’s important to protect yourself and those around you. Fraud can happen to anyone, but by staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can shut down these scammers together.”
Access Credit Union encourages Southern Manitoba residents to share this message widely, ensuring more people are equipped to recognize and prevent fraud before it’s too late.
With files from Robyn Wiebe