Great NorthWest FCU provides a 24/7 fraud monitoring service to better protect our members from fraudulent activity. 


They may contact you regarding suspicious transactions from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The following are examples only but are typically the most common reasons that will trigger a phone call. 


  1. The frequency of transactions. Example: If you only use your card once a day every day and then there are several charges within a twenty-four-hour period. 
  2. The time of the transaction(s). Example: If you only use your card between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, then there is a transaction that occurs at 10:30 PM. (Call will not go out until after 9:00 AM the following morning.)
  3. Where the transaction(s) occur. Example: If you use your card regularly for everyday purchases, but no big-ticket items, then there is a transaction for $1200.00.
  4. The transaction type. Example: If you use your card here, there, and everywhere but only at brick and mortar locations, then there is a transaction conducted online. 

Note: 

  • The analyst will not ask for complete information, only partial social security number and partial card number. 
  • The analyst will review the transactions in question after verification. 
  • Analysts will block the card if fraud is confirmed, any further action including new card orders and disputes must be followed up with the credit union directly. 

In addition to the phone calls from Visa Fraud Prevention Services, we also have a system that monitors activity in REAL-TIME.  Where VFPS may call you after the transaction happens to confirm whether the transaction was legitimate or not, this system will stop the suspicious transactions from being authorized. It is a minute-by-minute monitor and stays on top of current fraud trends. There are situations of "false positives" where a legitimate transaction may be denied. In this case, contact the Card Department to suppress monitoring to allow you to re-initiate the transaction for approval.