The AmFirst Fraud Alerts service helps protect our members’ debit cards from fraudulent transactions.
This program allows two-way messaging between AmFirst and members in near real time – members will receive a text alert or push notification (if you are using the AmFirst Alerts mobile app) asking if a suspected fraudulent transaction is authorized or not. If so, the card will remain active. If not, the card will be blocked immediately.
Just use your card as normal and look out for alerts. Once you receive an alert, make sure the information included on it is accurate. It is important that we have your correct contact information on your account in order to best protect you from fraudulent card activity.
We will attempt to contact you using text messages, emails and phone calls. You must have a valid mobile phone number, home phone number and email address with AmFirst.
The SMS text alerts will come from the number 47334 (AmFirst Alerts). Phone calls will come from (844) 331-9932. Be sure to save both of these numbers in your contact list so you will recognize them when they call.
The text alerts will be sent to the phone number listed as your mobile number on your checking account. Automated voice calls will go to the number listed as the home number on your account. In many cases, you may receive a call and text alert if we detect fraud on your debit card. Only one mobile number can be linked to an individual user. We use the primary member’s mobile number listed on your account.
You must respond to the text message you received or call the number on the email to resolve the fraudulent activity on your account. You will not be able to respond to an email to deactivate your card due to fraud.
The email messages will come from Alerts@Amfirst.org, and emails will go to the primary email address we have on our system currently associated with your account.
Alerts will contain the merchant’s name, dollar amount in most cases, and the last 4 digits of your debit card. SMS messages will ask, “Did you authorize”. You should respond with a “YES” or “NO”. Notifications within the AmFirst Alerts mobile app will display a “Accept” and “Reject” button to press.
We will treat the suspected transaction as fraud and block your card from further use until we hear from you. There may be times when we may leave the card active until we hear from you.
Some merchants, such as gas stations, hotels, car rental agencies, etc. send over an authorization amount to make sure the card is valid. After the transaction is final, the dollar amount is likely to be different. For example, a gas station may choose to send an authorization amount of $1 (or $100), but your actual gas purchase was $17.96. In some cases, we will notify you that a transaction was made with a “PENDING” dollar amount listed or the amount may reflect the amount the merchant sent to us to authorize.
Alerts usually arrive within a minute of the suspected transaction. However, timing could vary due to your mobile provider’s network accessibility.
If you receive an alert asking you to verify a transaction, respond immediately to indicate if the transaction was authorized by you. If you receive an automated phone call, respond to the prompts appropriately. If you are alerted of a transaction that you did not make, call the number on the alert immediately to speak to a representative and review your transactions to determine if any are fraud.
We will never ask you to text us your account number, personal identification such as your birthdate or Social Security number, or other personal information such as your mother’s maiden name or address. If you ever receive a text message asking for your account numbers or other personal information, please do not respond.
Please call our Call Center (205-320-4000 or toll-free 1-800-633-8431) if your contact information needs to be updated. You can also update your information within our online banking system.
