Apple Federal Credit Union

There is a well known fraud scheme where small amounts usually 0.13 to 0.23 cents is initially withdrawn from customers checking accounts utilizing there debit card info (they don't have to have your card) Once that charge goes through without problems they follow up with larger withdraw of cash few days later. Most financial institutions recognize these schemes and do not authorize the debits. I had 0.23cent withdraw show up on my AFCU checking account on 11/20/2008. Luckily I caught it the very day AFCU debited my checking and I cancelled my debit cards. When I called AFCU customer service call center to get info regarding this transaction and Adele Services which is who the debit was credited to, the representative said she had no access to anymore information than I did regarding the debit. When I asked to speak to someone that would be able to give me more information about the transaction, she transferred me to the customer service call center manager. He informed me there was no one that could give me any information about the transaction and they were aware of the scheme but had nothing in place to flag or prevent authorization of the debits. When I asked to speak to someone in the fraud dept to report the fraudulent debit on my account he informed me they didn't really have a fraud dept, but I could go on-line and print out a fraud report and fax it to them. This form required personal information including my AFCU account number and DEBIT card number, and they want me to fax it to where! Since they don't have a fraud dept. (scary....isn't this exactly what they tell you not to do in order to protect your identity) When I asked to speak to someone in the dept that would be receiving my personal information, was told there wasn't really a designated dept or person for that either that I could speak with. When I asked to speak to anyone involved in the process, I was told they didn't really have anyone for that either. I then asked if I could speak to whomever he reported to and was told she was in a meeting but I could leave a message. When I asked approximately when she was due to be out of this meeting, I was told there was nothing else he could do for me and he hung up! Instead of Insufficient protection I should have titled this no protection!

This bank has a little better than average rates and the people are very friendly. However, there are only a few branches, and at least the one in Falls Church closes at 5 and is not open on the weekend.

......to the area,I made a withdraw there and they were very kind and pointed out to me where the nearest bank was that I could go cash the check at.They were also very kind to my daughter,when she mentioned that she had lost her pencil,they gave her one as well as a AFCU sticker.