Security & Fraud Center

We’re constantly evolving our efforts to help keep you safer. Our people-first philosophy and cutting-edge fraud prevention features combine to give you more peace of mind.  

• Account protection: We offer around-the-clock fraud monitoring. Know that if your debit or credit card is lost or stolen, you won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized charges.  

• Fraud safety features: Empower FCU has enhanced security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), requiring extra verification to protect your account, as well as voice authentication, which leverages your unique voice to help safeguard your information.  

• NCUA insurance: Deposits at Empower FCU are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).  

• With two-factor authentication (2FA), consider using a 2FA app—Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, or Twilio Authy—for maximum protection. These are free to use. Do not download or trust any authenticator app that lists ‘in-app’ purchases or advertisements; these are not legitimate. You can also choose SMS/text or email as your preferred 2FA option, but a 2FA app is widely considered the most secure.  

• Enroll in voice authentication for your Empower FCU accounts to provide extra, unique-to-you-and-only-you protection.  

• Secure your email with strong, unique passwords. You can also use a 2FA app to help protect your email accounts.  

• Stay up to date on different types of scams: From phishing and vishing to spoofing and more, keeping knowledgeable about fraud—and how to protect yourself—gives you an added advantage.  

• Monitor your accounts for suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity: It’s as simple as logging into your accounts regularly to confirm you recognize transactions. 

Receive a message you’re not sure about? If you're in doubt about any Empower FCU-related message, do these three things: Stop, close the message, and call us. 

Tip: Texts from a full ten-digit number are likely a scam.  Any ten-digit number can be very easily spoofed, so don’t trust texts coming from Empower FCU’s real phone numbers: 315-477-2200 or 800-462-5000. 

Messages coming from short codes 86975, 40852, or 43783 are almost certainly legitimate.  

Also key: Never respond to an alert or email using the contact information or instructions contained in the alert. Always go to the company’s trusted website or phone number. (For example, you can use the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card).  

If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a message, call, or email, or you believe you may have fallen victim to fraud, let us know ASAP. We’re here to help you. Call us directly at 315-477-2200 or 800-462-5000.