Co-Op Shared Branch Network recently shared instances in Michigan of reported fraudsters impersonating members and attempting to change personal information on member accounts to gain access to personal information and online accounts.  Securing your personal information requires vigilance by Dakota West and its members.  45% of fraud victims detect the activity themselves.

At Dakota West, we already take steps to ensure requests to change personal information come directly from our members.  To update your personal information (address, phone number, email address) members need to visit a branch in person, complete DocuSign verification sent to the email on the account, or log in to your online access to authenticate your identify through the three-tiered verification system.

Members should also be alert to scams that attempt to obtain personal information from you via text or phone.  When Dakota West sends alerts regarding potentially fraudulent activity on your account, we do not include requests for your personal information, such as card numbers, PINs, CVV codes, or expiration dates.  To learn what types of messages our members can expect from us, please review our Debit and Credit Card Security Services information.

As a best practice, if ever you question if someone identifying themselves as being associated with your credit union or financial institution by email, text, or phone, call Dakota West directly at 800.411.7590.  Do not click on email links to websites or to phone numbers within emails or text messages.  Never share personal information about yourself or your accounts.  We continue to do all we can to protect you and your information, and want to make sure you are equipped to protect yourself, too.