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Text Alerts: What You Need to Know

June 24, 2020

Text alerts are a feature in our on-going fraud monitoring program that help keep your card secure with a ton of convenience. And if we have your cell number on file, you’re already enrolled. Here’s how it works:

  1. If we detect suspicious activity on your card, you’ll receive a text message with details about the suspected transaction.
  2. Respond to the text to confirm the transaction or to flag it as fraud.
  3. If confirmed, you’re all set. If you suspect it’s fraud, we’ll send you a number to call for follow-up.

Simple as that.

Avoiding Text Message Fraud

It’s important to be aware that fraudsters will often send emails, voicemails, and texts directly to cardholders, impersonating financial institutions by spoofing phone numbers and contact details. If you respond to these messages, they’ll then ask for personally identifiable information. That’s how they get you.

A phone call from one of our fraud call centers will only include a request for the cardholder ZIP code and no other information—unless the cardholder confirms that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will the cardholder be transferred to an agent, who will ask questions to confirm the cardholder’s identity before going through the transaction history. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly at Columbia Credit Union: 360-891-4000.

Text alerts from Columbia Credit Union will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number. You’ll be prompted to reply with answers such as “Yes,” “No,” Help,” or “Stop.” A link will NEVER be included.