At PCU, your security is important to us. As your credit union it is important to us to keep you informed about the risks to your financial well-being. Although we can't be there to protect you at all times, we can arm you with the information you need to safeguard yourself.

Identity theft is a serious crime and it is growing at an alarming rate. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information without your consent and uses it to commit fraud or theft. Identity thieves can steal your information in any number of ways including; stealing directly from you, posing as your credit union or employer, hacking into non-secure websites or emails, going through your garbage, and even obtaining your P.I.N. by looking over your shoulder.

One of the largest cyber scams we are facing today is called "phishing". "Phishers" send fraudulent emails posing as your financial institution and ask you to confirm personal information such as credit card, social insurance card, or bank account numbers and passwords. Once identity thieves obtain your personal information, it may then be used to open new accounts, withdraw cash, make purchases, redirect your mail, or even to obtain new credit cards in your name.

What PCU Is Doing To Protect You:

Protecting your personal information and providing a secure banking experience for our members is our top priority.

• Regular monitoring of member accounts to check for irregular activity.
• PCU Debit and Credit Cards contain only the minimum amount of information necessary to make a transaction.
• Members are supplied with Personal Identity Numbers to access their personal cards and accounts.
• Your P.I.N. is automatically scrambled once it has been entered at an ATM or Point-of-Sale location before it is submitted through the network.
• Use of the latest technology available to ensure you have access to secure online transactions.
• Remember, PCU will never send you a letter, email, or any form of correspondence that requests confirmation of your personal information through these methods.

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself:

The most important defense you can use is knowledge. Here are some of the measures you can take to protect yourself.

• When banking online, ensure secure online transactions by looking for either a URL that begins with https://, or an icon of a closed lock, or unbroken key in the corner of the screen.
• If you are redirected to another site, where you are asked to provide or confirm personal information, don't bite.
• Email is not secure. Avoid submitting personal information such as passwords or login information through email.
• Take advantage of ATM P.I.N. pad shields, or use your hand or body to protect your pin from onlookers.
• Be wary of ATM tampering. If an ATM looks like it has been vandalized or tampered with, don't use it.
• Memorize your P.I.N., and if you must write it down, don't keep it on you. Don't disclose your number to anyone.
• When making Point-of-Sales (debit) purchases, check that the card you get back is your own. And don't let your card be swiped twice.
• Always know where your card is, especially when conducting transactions. Ensure you have your card before leaving the ATM.
• If you notice any irregular transactions on your accounts, contact your credit union immediately.

What to Do If You've Been Hooked.

If you believe that you have been a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to minimize damage and help prevent any further fraud or theft.

• Contact PCU immediately. The sooner we know, the quicker we can stop all activity on your account and begin investigating the incident.
• Contact your credit card issuers.
• Contact your local police department. Report the incident, and ask for the documentation number for your personal records. Submit a copy of this report to your credit union and credit card company.

Lost or Stolen Card?

Please contact PCU imediately. The sooner we know your card has been lost or stolen, the quicker we can stop all activity on your account and begin investigating the incident.

PCU Contact Information:
Contact your local branch. To find a branch near you. 
Contact Centre at 1.877.588.7223, Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 8am-2pm
For after hours support call 1.888.277.1043

For more information on Identity Theft, visit the government of Canada website.