A message from Keith Sultemeier, President and Chief Executive Officer
Published September 24, 2025
Everyone has probably heard a lot about Artificial Intelligence by now, and generally, the stories are one of utopia or tragedy. Although many people have begun to find beneficial ways to incorporate this technology into their daily lives, many of these same benefits can also be used to create more effective scams and cybercrimes. Cyber criminals and fraudsters have begun using AI to automate threats, scale their operations, spread more credible phishing messages and disguise their identities.
Kinecta takes protecting your accounts and personal information very seriously and has systems and processes in place to protect you. However, your education and diligence can enhance these still further and prepare you for when you face threats in other areas of your life.
I’m pleased to share that we recently updated the Security Center on our website to give you more resources and tips to help you identify threats and protect yourself. Here are a few key tips for preventing fraud:
- If anybody is asking for a one-time passcode you received via text or email, it’s a scam! NO AUTHENTIC KINECTA REPRESENTATIVE WILL EVER ASK YOU FOR THAT CODE. Those codes are meant only for the recipient and verify that you are indeed trying to log into your account or authorize a transaction. If you didn’t initiate the login or transaction, either someone is trying to get into your account, or you’re speaking to the criminal. Call us right away.
- Beware of those pressuring you to act urgently. Scammers will usually try to create a sense of urgency to get you to give them what they want. Take a moment in any interaction, especially one that you didn’t initiate, to verify who you’re talking to.
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Fraudsters are experts at using your emotions to manipulate you. Never send money to people you don’t know and trust.
- Online and mobile banking can help. With Kinecta’s digital tools, you can quickly block a card, set up alerts for account activity, set up multi-factor authentication, and even monitor your credit.
- When in doubt, contact us. We’re here to help. If something feels off, it’s better to just give us a call or stop by a branch. Our representatives are trained to recognize fraud and can advise you on how to proceed. If you are victimized, our staff knows what to do to help you get through it.
I encourage you to check out our online resources, which are updated frequently as new threats arise. They cover everything from computer and email safety to ID theft reporting to tips to prevent card fraud.
Thank you for your membership and stay safe.
Keith Sultemeier
President and Chief Executive Officer
Kinecta Federal Credit Union