TDECU Member Security Program
Automated alerts for suspicious card activity
TDECU partners with Falcon Fraud to provide added security to all your TDECU debit card transactions. With Falcon Fraud Protection, fraudulent activity can be stopped before you become aware of it.
If suspicious activity occurs on your account, Falcon Fraud will immediately contact you to verify the suspicious charge. As an added security measure, Falcon Fraud greatly reduces your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft and debit card fraud.
If a transaction falls outside your normal spending patterns, Falcon Fraud will contact you one of two ways:
- If you have a mobile phone number on file with us, Falcon will send you fraud alerts via text message.1
- If you do not have a mobile phone number on file with us, Falcon will call you at the home phone number associated with your account.
If you need to update your contact information, please log in to TDECU Digital Banking and access the “Profile” option. You can also call us at (800) 839-1154 or visit your nearest TDECU Member Center.
Once you inform Falcon Fraud the transaction in question is unauthorized, we will immediately block your card. You will then need to contact TDECU so we can help with next steps, including the dispute process and options for issuing you a new debit card.
Please note that Falcon Fraud will verify your identity but will never ask you for your full debit card number, expiration date, or the security code on the back of your card.
Falcon Fraud Protection Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign up for Falcon Fraud Protection?
No. TDECU provides all Members this valuable service to monitor and secure their transactions free of charge. You do not need to enroll or call to sign up.
How do I know Falcon Fraud is working on my accounts?
Falcon Fraud conducts over 15,000 calculations in milliseconds when your card is swiped to detect any potential fraud and is working 24/7. If there is suspicion of fraud, Falcon Fraud will contact you immediately to verify your identity and make sure the charges are legitimate. It is very important to store Falcon Fraud’s phone number in your phone.
What if I miss a call from Falcon Fraud?
If you miss the call from Falcon Fraud, they will leave a message with call-back information. If a charge is highly suspect for fraud, they will immediately suspend activity on your card. This has saved people thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges.
Will I be asked to provide private information to Falcon Fraud?
No, Falcon Fraud will never ask for your Social Security number or other sensitive personal information. Instead, they will verify your address. Please be sure to maintain and update your address with TDECU to avoid any confusion. If your address or phone number has changed, please call Member Care at (800) 839-1154.
TDECU credit and debit card chip technology
Advanced security for all your in-store purchases
At TDECU, we are committed to your financial security. One way we uphold that commitment is by embedding all our debit and credit cards with secure microchip technology. Our cards feature an EMV chip — the global standard in card security.
EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard®, Visa®. The three companies started the chip initiative to provide a more secure and dynamic way to store data, and to protect consumers against different forms of fraud, including card skimmers.
EMV Chip Card Frequently Asked Questions
- Insert the chip end of your TDECU card into the chip-enabled terminal with the chip facing up.
- Keep your card in the terminal throughout the transaction and follow the prompts on screen. If you remove your card too soon, your purchase will be canceled.
- Remove your card from the terminal when prompted and take your receipt. You may need to sign for your purchase.
What is a chip-enabled credit or debit card?
A chip-enabled credit or debit card features EMV technology, which is an embedded microchip that provides an extra layer of protection against fraud. The embedded chip is commonly used in place of the card’s magnetic stripe when making in-store purchases.
Your TDECU credit or debit card will have a small metal square on the front, right above the card number. This small square is the EMV chip.
What is EMV?
EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, Visa® after the three companies came together to develop the gold standard for card security and verification. EMV chips create dynamic data each time you complete a transaction with your card, making it almost impossible for a counterfeiter to clone your card.
How are chip-enabled cards more secure than magnetic stripe cards?
Magnetic stripes on traditional credit and debit cards store unchanging data. If that data is breached, it may expose sensitive card and cardholder information necessary to make purchases. That makes traditional cards prime targets for counterfeiters.
When a chip-enabled card is used for payment, the chip and payment terminal work together to create a unique transaction code that cannot be used again. If someone were able to gain access and attempted to use the unique code for a subsequent purchase, the transaction would be denied.
Does chip-enabled card technology protect against all fraud?
No. While this technology is the global standard for card security, thieves will continue to look for new ways to commit fraud. When a chip-enabled card is used for payment, the chip and payment terminal work together to create a unique transaction code that cannot be used again. If someone were able to gain access and attempted to use the unique code for a subsequent purchase, the transaction would be denied. EMV chip-enabled card technology, however, will not protect against fraudulent activity in instances of non-present card transactions, including purchases made over the phone and online. As your credit union, TDECU will continue to employ the most sophisticated fraud prevention tools available to ensure the integrity of your account(s).
Is it true that chip card information can be stolen with an RFID scanner?
No. Information contained in the chip cannot be stolen with an RFID scanner. The chip creates a unique code each time it is used and must be in contact with the terminal to complete the transaction. This makes it much more difficult for criminals to duplicate and use your card to commit fraud.
Is a PIN required to complete a transaction with a chip-enabled debit card?
Yes, sometimes. This depends on the merchant, so it is important for you to know the PIN associated with your chip-enabled credit or debit card. Credit card PINs are required for cash advances at ATMs.
How will I know whether I need to swipe or insert my chip-enabled debit card when making an in-store purchase?
This depends on the merchant. If the merchant terminal accepts chip-enabled cards, you will insert your chip-enabled debit card into the card slot where it will remain during the transaction. If you try to swipe your chip-enabled card using the magnetic stripe at chip-enabled terminals, your card will be denied.
How do I pay for a purchase at a chip terminal?
Follow these easy steps to pay at a chip-enabled terminal:
What should I do when I receive my TDECU chip-enabled card?
For debit cards, call (855) 898-7287 to activate your card and follow the prompts to create your own personal PIN if you so choose. Also, remember to sign the back of your card once your card is activated.
For credit cards, call the phone number listed on your new card to complete the activation process. Also, remember to sign the back of your card once your card is activated.
Will I receive a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) for my TDECU chip-enabled card?
For debit cards, you will receive a PIN in the mail a few days after you receive your card. If you create your PIN at the time of activation you can disregard the PIN mailed to you. If not, you should use the PIN you received in the mail.
For credit cards, please call (888) 886-0083 to request a PIN.
Will I be able to change my PIN at a later time?
Yes. For debit cards, call (855) 898-7287 and select the option to “Change Your PIN”.
For credit cards, please call (888) 886-0083 to request your PIN.
SMS Terms and Conditions: Messaging frequency depends on account activity. For more information, text HELP to 32874. To cancel fraud text messaging services at any time, reply STOP to any alert from your mobile device.
For Fraud Alerts support, call (800) 839-1154. By giving us your mobile number, you agree that Fraud Alerts text messaging is authorized to notify you of suspected incidents of financial or identity fraud.
HELP instructions: Text HELP to 32874 for help or call TDECU at (800) 839-1154.
STOP instructions: Text STOP to 32874 to cancel.
1Release of Liability: Alerts sent via SMS may not be delivered to you if your phone is not in the range of a transmission site, or if sufficient network capacity is not available at a particular time. Even within coverage, factors beyond the control of your carrier may interfere with messages delivery for which the carrier is not responsible. Your cell phone carrier does not guarantee that alerts will be delivered.