What Is Fraud?

Fraud is any act of deception used to gain money, personal information, or access to your accounts without your permission. Fraudsters may pretend to be trusted organizations, businesses, or individuals in order to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Fraud can happen to anyone, and it often occurs through everyday communication channels like phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, or websites.

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How Fraud Happens

Fraudsters use a variety of techniques to exploit trust and urgency. Common methods include:

• Pretending to be a financial institution, government agency, or well‑known company
• Creating urgent situations that pressure you to act quickly
• Asking for personal details such as passwords, PINs, or one‑time verification codes
• Requesting payment through unusual methods such as gift cards or e‑transfers
• Offering deals, prizes, or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true

Their goal is to get you to act before you have time to question the request.

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Types of Information Fraudsters Target

Fraudsters may try to obtain:

• Online banking usernames and passwords
• Debit or credit card numbers
• PINs and verification codes
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Personal details such as your address, date of birth, or answers to security questions

Once this information is compromised, it can be used to access accounts or commit identity theft.

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Why Awareness Matters

Understanding what fraud looks like is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. Being informed helps you recognize warning signs, pause before responding, and avoid costly mistakes.

Fraud is constantly changing but awareness is your best defence.

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Remember

Prairie Pride Credit Union will never ask you to share your PIN, full password, or one‑time verification codes by email, text, or phone.

If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and contact us directly using trusted contact information.

Fraudsters can be very convincing, here are some basic tips on how to protect yourself;

Protecting yourself from fraud starts with awareness and a few simple habits. While fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, staying informed and cautious can significantly reduce your risk.

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Be Cautious with Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive information such as:

• Online banking passwords
• PINs or one‑time verification codes
• Debit or credit card numbers
• Social Insurance Numbers

Prairie Pride Credit Union will never request this information by email, text, or unsolicited phone call.

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Think Before You Click

Fraudulent emails, texts, and messages often appear legitimate.

• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages
• Be wary of poor spelling, generic greetings, or unfamiliar sender addresses
• If a message creates urgency or pressure, pause and verify before acting

When in doubt, contact the organization directly using trusted contact information.

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Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Review your bank and card statements often to ensure all transactions are familiar.

• Report any suspicious or unauthorized activity immediately
• Set up account alerts when available for added protection

Early detection can help minimize potential losses.

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Use Strong Security Practices

Good digital habits help protect your financial information:

• Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and other accounts
• Avoid public or shared computers for financial transactions
• Keep your devices updated with the latest security software

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Be Alert to Common Scams

Fraudsters often rely on urgency or emotion to get results.

Be cautious of:

• Requests for immediate payment
• Pressure to keep information secret
• Payments requested through gift cards, e‑transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Offers that seem too good to be true

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.

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What to Do If You’re Unsure

If you receive a suspicious message or notice unusual account activity:

• Stop and do not respond
• Contact Prairie Pride Credit Union directly
• Report the incident as soon as possible

We’re here to help you protect your accounts and your peace of mind.

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Remember

Staying informed is your best defence against fraud. Taking a moment to verify requests and being cautious with personal information can make all the difference.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out.

We’re always happy to help.

Fraudsters can get to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, a scam or cybercrime, please contact your local police as soon as possible. 

In addition to calling the police, please let us know, if you have not done so already.

We also recommend that you report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This report can be done online or by calling the toll-free line at 1-888-495-8501.