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Protect yourself from fraud

Protect yourself from fraud

Victims share their stories to help protect you

Grandparent scam awareness and education video

A Meridian Credit Union Member, Phillip, became a victim of the very common "Grandparent Scam" after he answered a call from fraudsters. This is Phillip's story, in his and a family Member's words. We sincerely thank them for agreeing to film this video to help raise awareness about the prevalence of scams currently targeting individuals, so that no one else falls victim to them. We’re committed to helping you spot and avoid fraud, while providing you with access to support.

Length (7:41) Transcript
Hear it for yourself: audio recording of a Grandparent Scam

When it comes to scams, it helps to know who you are up against. The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has released live audio of a Grandparent Scam, to help the public recognize this form of fraud.

Length (4:08) Transcript

How Meridian helps keep you and your money safe

We put the well-being and security of our Members first. That’s why we have a team of expert fraud investigators, who work to detect, prevent, and investigate fraud and ensure our Members’ funds don't end up in the wrong hands. If we ever notice something unusual, we will contact you immediately to determine if there are unauthorized actions associated with your account.

Keeping your online and mobile transactions safe

To keep your online and mobile transactions as safe as possible and guard the privacy and integrity of your information, we:

  • Use strong encryption to make sure that data passing between your device and our web server is secure.
  • Get digital certificates issued by trusted third-party companies so that you know our website is secure and genuine.
  • Log you out of your account automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity.
  • Use firewalls to protect your information with us.

Keeping your cards safe

Members with Meridian debit cards are protected by both Chip-and-PIN technology, and our voluntary endorsement of the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services to protect our Members from losses.

Members using a Meridian VISA card are also protected by Visa’s Zero Liability policy. For example, if someone steals your Visa card number, you pay nothing for their fraudulent activity. This policy applies to any item purchased with your Visa card or card number, including purchases made online.

Helping victims of fraud

In the unlikely event you become a victim of fraud and unauthorized* transactions occur, we will reimburse you 100%, provided you have met your responsibilities. Learn more about our 100% Security Guarantee.

How to protect yourself

You can help protect yourself and other Members from fraud. When it comes to locking down your privacy, security and money, common sense is your first line of defense. Two key elements of protecting yourself from fraud are: strengthening your online security and preventing identify theft.

Online security

Technology makes our lives so much easier - but without proper security habits, it can also be vulnerable to fraud. Make sure you know the basics of strong online security:

  • Keep any software you use up-to-date, including anti-virus programs and firewalls.

  • Always log out of your online banking sessions.

  • Don’t ever share your passwords or security question answers. Make sure that passwords and answers are unique, difficult to guess, and follow best practice guidelines. Tips on creating a strong password.

  • Don’t click on any links in an email from a person or organization you don’t know. Learn more about phishing scams.

  • If you shop online, make sure the site is secure. The URL should have the prefix "https" and show a padlock.

  • Don’t use a public wireless networks to log into any website with sensitive personal information, like Meridian online banking, CRA My Account, or even email.

  • Don’t share any personal information, security answers, or passwords over email. For example, poor email security can leave you open to e-Transfer fraud. Tips on preventing e-Transfer fraud.

Do you have a business to protect?

We have advice on keep your business safe from fraud and scams by securing your policies, payments, accounts, and employee duties to prevent fraud. Here are 9 tips.

What to do if you think you might be a victim of fraud

If you notice an unauthorized transaction, or believe your confidential information may have been stolen or obtained by a fraudulent party either online, by telephone or through any other means, contact your branch or the Contact Centre immediately at 1-866-592-2226.

If you have already clicked on an email link and are now questioning whether it’s valid, or if you believe that fraudsters may have gotten your personal or banking information, please contact your branch or call the Contact Centre immediately at 1-866-592-2226.

To report a fake message posing as Meridian, forward the email, or send a picture of the SMS to OnlineBankingSecurity@meridiancu.ca. Please note that this is an automated mailbox for reporting phishing and website fraud only – we are unable to provide responses from this mailbox.