Our fraud protection mission

Monitoring and Early Detection

Best-in-class tools and technology to protect members and their accounts, and preventing fraud before it happens. We’re thinking about so you don’t have to.

Member-First Personalized Support

Patelco provides in-person and virtual fraud support that’s personal, adapted to your style, and protects your present and future financial health and wellbeing.

Account Protection and Recovery

From digital alerts to card management and authentication, we’re committed to helping members easily protect their accounts, and quickly responding in the event of fraud.

Member Education and Resources

We’re focused on researching, collecting and providing you the resources to educate you on fraud trends, recent scams and how to best protect your account.

How we’re delivering fraud protection

Elder fraud protection program

A BankSafe® certified program for elderly members focusing on proactive intervention and escalation. Prevented ~ $5.3 million in potential member losses.

Behavioral monitoring

Establishing an upstream understanding of member account behavior to detect discrepancies stemming from potential unauthorized usage.

AI-driven technology

Developing best-in-class technology that identifies behaviors indicative of fraud and is able to stop bad actors in their tracks.

Identity verification

Identity management capabilities within Online
Banking to prevent fraudulent activity and verify
authentic use.

Front-line training

Consistent training for front-line Patelco staff to ensure they’re up to date on the latest fraud trends and best equipped to address member needs.

Unauthorized charges and disputes

Patelco provides ways to recover funds, dispute charges with merchants, and ensures members feel protected in case of unauthorized activity.

Fraud prevention impact in 2025

5,000+

member fraud cases resolved

$10,000,000

in member losses prevented

97%

fraud issues resolved in 2 days

25,000+

members received our support

Impact on Patelco members

Very nice, helpful and accommodating. Offer to non-members to cash checks drawn from a Patelco account fee-free and minimum verification requirements. And I arrived 8 minutes before closing and they were still open until 6pm, which is the time stated online and did not close 5-10 minutes early like others do! Thank you for a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this credit union.

Tiffany C.
Very nice, helpful and accommodating. Offer to non-members to cash checks drawn from a Patelco account fee-free and minimum verification requirements. And I arrived 8 minutes before closing and they were still open until 6pm, which is the time stated online and did not close 5-10 minutes early like others do! Thank you for a […]

As a married couple looking into homebuying for the first time, we were very hesitant about talking to a financial institution out of concern for being sold on something that wasn't reasonable for our finances or lifestyle…This is a really big deal for us, and we're so grateful to be able to work with a non-profit credit union that's really taking into account the human factor in finances.

Natalie H.
As a married couple looking into homebuying for the first time, we were very hesitant about talking to a financial institution out of concern for being sold on something that wasn’t reasonable for our finances or lifestyle…This is a really big deal for us, and we’re so grateful to be able to work with a […]

Over 14 years ago, I walked into a Patelco branch and it turned out to be the best banking experience of my life. The staff there were incredibly friendly and attentive to their customers. Patelco's fraud protection measures were top-notch. Patelco not only educates its customers but also listens to their needs and works with them to find solutions. Thanks to Patelco's expertise in managing money, I have experienced no overdrafts or other issues with my account. They have truly earned my trust.

Mihdi M.
Over 14 years ago, I walked into a Patelco branch and it turned out to be the best banking experience of my life. The staff there were incredibly friendly and attentive to their customers. Patelco’s fraud protection measures were top-notch. Patelco not only educates its customers but also listens to their needs and works with […]

Way back when the banks were starting to charge fees for everything, I got a letter from my bank telling me that I would be charged to use my debit card! Around the same time, I saw that there was a movement about dropping your bank and going to a credit union to send a message, so I did. I have never looked back and have never regretted this decision. I have lived in 4 different states and still stay with Patelco.

Jennifer E.
Way back when the banks were starting to charge fees for everything, I got a letter from my bank telling me that I would be charged to use my debit card! Around the same time, I saw that there was a movement about dropping your bank and going to a credit union to send a […]

I have been a member of Patelco Credit Union for several years now, and I cannot express enough how pleased I am with the outstanding service I consistently receive...at Patelco, they know me by name when I walk in the door! Overall, Patelco Credit Union, thanks to exceptional team members, has exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Patelco to anyone seeking a banking experience that combines efficiency, expertise, and a personal touch.

Kevin H.
I have been a member of Patelco Credit Union for several years now, and I cannot express enough how pleased I am with the outstanding service I consistently receive…at Patelco, they know me by name when I walk in the door! Overall, Patelco Credit Union, thanks to exceptional team members, has exceeded my expectations. I […]

Image of Tiffany
Image of Natalie H.
Image of mihdi
Image of Jennifer
Image of Kevin

Innovating to keep you safe

Frequently asked questions about fraud

Is it really Patelco calling me?

Fraudsters have become more proficient at faking caller ID – so just because your phone shows Patelco, that doesn’t mean it’s really us.

Red flags include someone calling you to ask information we already know – such as your card number, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, etc. We already have this information and will never call to ask.

When in doubt, disconnect and call us at our known number, 800.358.8228.

Is it safe to share your data with apps?

All sorts of financial services are available to help you manage your finances, and many will require you to share your data with them. Learn more about how data sharing works, what you should consider when asked to share your data, and how to protect your data and accounts. Read more about sharing data on financial apps here.

What are the top scams?

With people using the internet to pretty much do everything, online scams are on the rise. Read more about the top internet scams here.

What are types of social media scams look out for?

All sorts of services are available to help you manage your finances, and many will ask you to share your data with them (like your online banking credentials). Learn more about how data sharing works, what you should consider when asked to share, and how to protect yourself. Read more about social media scams here.

What you can do to protect your account
  • Keep your contact information up to date so we can contact you quickly if we see suspicious activity on your account
  • Sign up for Patelco Online™ or the Mobile App to view account activity
  • Set up Two-Factor Authentication for added security each time you log in
  • Manage account alerts, card alerts and transaction controls
  • Choose SMS (or text message) as your primary alert and notification channel for timely information
  • Designate a Trusted Contact for your account in case we cannot get ahold of you

Hear from real Patelco members on staying safe

Watch Patelco members, Barbara and Elmer, discuss three simple steps to protect your identity and finances.

1

Monitor and Detect

Deploy 24/7 real-time intelligence and intrusion monitoring to identify suspicious activity, and methods to quickly mitigate

2

Monitor and Detect

Deploy 24/7 real-time intelligence and intrusion monitoring to identify suspicious activity, and methods to quickly mitigate

3

Resolve and Support

Securing compromised accounts, blocking unauthorized access, providing clear guidance and restoring account to normal