Get texts about suspicious account activity
First Education has partnered with smsGuardian to send text messages when activity on your account indicates possible fraud. smsGuardian is a free service but message and data rates may apply.
smsGuardian FAQ
How does smsGuardian work?
If activity triggers the warning system, you will be sent a text message with a code. If the transaction is correct, you can ignore the message. If the transaction is fraudulent, please respond with the code within 12 hours. Our fraud analysts will take care of the issue immediately. Should the best course of action be to block the card, you will receive a notification on your mobile device, letting you know. If you don’t want the service anymore, simply respond with “STOP.”
What activity will trigger an alert?
The following activities could potentially trigger a warning:
- Purchases made without card present
- International Authorizations
- Authorizations greater than $500
- Declined Authorizations
- Eight or more Transactions in 24 hours
What information will be in the alert?
The text alert will include the credit union’s name, the last 4-digits of the card number, the merchant name, transaction amount and the alpha/numeric Code. Depending on the type of alert, the text may have additional verbiage such as if it was done via the internet.
How do I sign up for smsGuardian?
To sign up and to view important terms and conditions, click here.
Once you sign on to the website, you will enter your card or cards (you can enroll as many as you like), answer the authentication questions, followed by the enrollment criteria for the card, and verify the Terms & Conditions & Service Usage Guide. To enroll a device for the card, go to the “Device/Create Device” tab. Enter the 10-digit mobile device number and click “Submit.” You will be provided a message to send to 27576. You will then receive a confirmation message.
Can I stop the service once I sign up for it?
If you decide this service isn’t for you, you may discontinue the receipt of alerts immediately by texting the word “STOP” in reply to a Guardian Alert or unsubscribe on the website.
