Protecting What Matters: Staying Ahead of Fraud

At Kindred Credit Union, we care deeply about the wellbeing of our members. One growing concern is fraud, which can affect anyone (yes, even you), regardless of age or technical know-how. Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, but with knowledge, awareness, and a bit of caution, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How Our Staff Are Trained to Help

Our team members may notice something unusual - perhaps an unexpected large transaction, a new pattern of activity, or something a member says that raises concern. If that happens, our team member may gently ask a few questions to ensure your protection.

Questions might include:

• "Can you tell me a bit more about this transaction?"
• "Was this requested by someone you've met online?"
• "Have you felt pressured or rushed into sending this money?"
• "Have you spoken to anyone else - like family or friends - about this request?"

These questions are never meant to invade your privacy or make you uncomfortable. There is no judgement. Rather, they’re rooted in care. Our role is to be your financial partner and a trusted checkpoint when something doesn’t feel quite right.

We’re In This Together

We all like to think ‘it will never happen to me’. Today’s scams are really clever, and no one is immune – even the most careful among us can be targeted. The good news? We’re watching out with you. The best defence is awareness, openness, and shared vigilance. If something doesn’t seem quite right, we encourage you to speak up. Whether you're unsure about a message, a call, or a transaction, your questions and concerns matter – and we’re trained to help. It's always better to ask. Together, we can protect your hard-earned money so you can focus on what matters most.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Think fraud won’t fool you? So did a lot of good folks. Scammers are getting smarter—but so are we. Let’s stay a step ahead, together. Here are some proactive ways you can reduce your risk:

• Stay informed: Keep up with current fraud trends by visiting trusted sources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
• Pause before you act: Whether it’s a phone call, text, or email - take time to verify.
• Don’t share personal info: Never share your PIN, online banking password, or SIN.
• Use strong passwords: Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts where possible.
• Monitor your accounts: Check your statements regularly for unusual activity.
• Talk to someone you trust: If something seems suspicious, ask a family member, friend, or a Kindred team member for a second opinion.

What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you've fallen victim to fraud, you're not alone – there’s no reason to feel embarrassed; and quick action is important.

1. Contact Kindred immediately: We can help secure your accounts and guide you through next steps.
2. Change your passwords: Especially for email, online banking, and any related services.
3. Report the incident: Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) and your local police.
4. Monitor your credit: You may want to contact a credit bureau to place a fraud alert on your file.
5. Talk to someone: Fraud can take a toll emotionally - please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Kindred team members are happy to discuss what happened.

If you have a big financial decision to make, speak to an expert. The best investment you can make is in yourself – talk to us.

At Kindred, we believe asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness and there is no shame in speaking up. We will listen with compassion, act with urgency, and treat you with the respect you deserve. If you have any questions or concerns, visit your local Kindred branch, give us a call, or explore our online fraud prevention resources.