Website Fraud Protection
Ever wonder how MIT Federal Credit Union ensures the security of your activities when you’re using our online banking service? Check for the lock icon on the left hand side of the URL field at the top of the page. If it's closed, the section of the site you're on is secure or check the URL address of the page. If it includes 'https' rather than just 'http', the page you are on is secure.
Encryption is one of the primary tools we use to ensure internet security. Additionally, password protection is also essential. For added security, your account is automatically locked if an incorrect password is entered more than a certain number of times. All of our systems are secured with multiple layers of encryption, firewalls, screening, and filtering routers, as well as intrusion detection, strict authentication and virus protection.
With Debit Card Fraud Protection - You're protected by FraudWatch® PLUS
Your Mastercard® Debit Card is protected by FraudWatch® PLUS, offering industry-leading protection, around-the-clock monitoring, and communicating with you instantly if fraud or potential fraud is detected.
In addition, we partner with industry leader FALCON Alert System, experienced fraud analysts that work around the clock, watching for suspicious card activity. If potential fraud is detected on your card, they will contact you immediately. A call from "Fraud Prevention Services" or "FALCON," means our watchdogs are doing their job to prevent potential fraud.
Traveler Alerts for MIT FCU Debit Cards
Before you travel abroad, activate Card Control in e-Branch from our mobile app to set travel alerts and have immediate access to activate and deactivate cards right from your smart phone. You may also call us at or complete and submit a Travel Alert Request form. If you do not set up alerts in Card Control, or let us know of travel plans, a transaction 781-423-2022 outside your typical spending pattern may result in a restriction being placed on your card.
Prevent Your Personal Information from Being Lost or Stolen
Identity theft occurs when someone else obtains your name, Social Security Number, and other personal information to gain access to your accounts or set up fake accounts. It can result in loss of funds and a significant amount of time and effort to get things cleared up. MIT Federal Credit Union takes the responsibility of protecting your personal information seriously, and we encourage you to protect your personal information by following these steps.
- Shred all mail or documents with personal information. We hear about data breaches regularly, much of it relating to online data breaches. But human error is also a significant contributor to breaches and the related exposure of your personal information. Services like e-Statements and online bill pay drastically reduce the amount of actual paper traveling around with your personal data, which in turn reduces your risk.
- Be suspicious of e-mails, text messages, and other communications that ask for sensitive personal and account information. If you question the validity of mail, texts, or any communication you receive, whether from MIT FCU or another company, make a quick call to them (not using the number provided since that could also be fake). You can then validify the message directly with the company before giving the requested information. Remember: MIT FCU will NEVER call or e-mail you asking you for your account information. Suspicious about something you received from us? Call our Member Services department at 781.423.202 or e-mail us at info@mitfcu.mit.edu.
- Be cautious when you conduct business. Only reveal personal information that is necessary for your transaction. Our employees at MIT FCU receive ongoing training to use established procedures that monitor activity and help prevent security breaches.
- Don't carry your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate. Keep them in a safe place at home or in a safe/security box. When you're traveling, or just out shopping, only carry the cards you expect to use, or use a wallet pay system and leave your credit cards at home. Also, make a list of your credit cards and emergency phone numbers. This way, if your credit cards are stolen, you'll have immediate access to important phone numbers for reporting purposes. Keep that list in a place separate from your credit cards! When relying on a wallet pay system, remember that not all retailers or countries recognize that system, so have a backup plan or an emergency card with you.
- Monitor your credit report annually for fraudulent activity. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) allows you to receive a free copy of your credit report from each reporting agency (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) every 12 months. You can do this by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com and clicking the "Request your free credit reports" button. Starting in 2020 and running through 2026, everyone in the U.S. can receive an additional six free credit reports per year by visiting the Equifax website or calling 866.349.5191. That's in addition to the three free reports which are available through www.annualcreditreport.com. From Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. To read more visit The Fair Credit Reporting Act page. Protect your mobile device. To ensure that data accessed through your mobile device is secure, especially if the device is misplaced, stolen, or compromised, we recommend the following:
- Use a PIN with a combination of letters, numbers and special characters
- The timeout option for the PIN should be selected
- Passwords should be changed periodically, such as every three months
- If possible, enable encryption on the device
- Install anti-virus software
Contact Information to Protect Your Identity
- Sign up for MITFCU e-Statements and e-Bills
- Report a lost or stolen MITFCU ATM or Debit Card: 800.264.5578 (701.461.0621 internationally)
- For ALL Visa inquiries, contact Elan Financial Services: 800.558.3424 / International: 701.461.1556
- Obtain your credit report each year: annualcreditreport.com or 877.322.8228
- Equifax Fraud Line: 800.525.6285
- Experian Fraud Line: 800.397.3742
- Transunion Fraud Line: 800.680.7289
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Fraud Line: 877.IDTHEFT
For up to date information on scams, fraud, and other illegal activities, visit our Fraud Page.
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