Conexus - Fight fraud with these four tips

Conexus Credit Union encourages members to learn about Fraud Prevention Month and to never share one-time passwords

[Regina, Saskatchewan March 2, 2026] - Recent estimates measure daily scam attempts in Canada in the billions, according to the Stand Against Scams campaign.

Every March in Canada is Fraud Prevention Month. Conexus encourages all Saskatchewanians to practice the “three r’s” of recognizing, rejecting and reporting fraud year-round.

To that end, here are four practices Conexus is emphasizing during #FPM2026 this year.

#1: Never share one-time passwords with anyone

Just like how one should never share their banking PIN, username or password, never share one-time passwords with anyone.

Organizations issue one-time passwords as a part of what is called two-factor authentication, which adds a second layer of protection. This practice reduces fraud attempt risks and helps maintain security. A key component of this practice is never sharing this one-time password with anyone.

Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions do not ask for your banking credentials, neither requesting a login password nor a one-time password. Hang up immediately if someone asks for these details. Never enter your banking credentials anywhere except the Conexus, Cornerstone or Synergy Digital Banking Platforms. Download the app or bookmark conexus.ca, cornerstonecu.com or synergycu.ca. Do not input your information into any link someone has sent you.

#2: Be vigilant, especially during times of change such as a merger

Times of change at Saskatchewan institutions present scammers from around the world with opportunities to defraud local residents.

After a successful member merger vote in 2025, three Saskatchewan credit unions are coming together. On Jan. 1, 2026, Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions legally amalgamated. Members will continue to bank as they do now until further changes are announced. Then, the process of integration will begin.

“Scammers are already masquerading as your credit union and other financial institutions to defraud you,” says Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Mark Millham. “Unfortunately, we fully expect these scams based around our merger news to increase.”

#3: Know that romance and investment scams are often linked

Scammers are expert manipulators. They prey on victims by exploiting natural tendencies in human nature, such as the desire for connection and for a solid investment return.

One scam that takes advantage of both these tendencies is when scammers link romance and investment scams.

Saskatchewan’s Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority explains this scam as “a type of long-term investment fraud where scammers build trust with their victims over time, often through social media or messaging apps. They may try to befriend the victim, develop an online romance with them or pretend to be a legitimate investment advisor. Eventually, the scammer will recommend putting money into an investment opportunity, promising high returns. The scammer will show fake gains on these investments to encourage the victim to invest more. Once the victim has invested a significant amount or asks for a withdrawal, the scammer disappears with the money.”

Watch out for investment returns that seem too good to be true. Scammers may even send some money back as a “return” or “dividend” to gain further trust as well as more of the victim’s money.

To get sound investing advice, members are encouraged to talk to their credit union becoming Conexus Credit Union and Thrive Wealth Management today.

#4: Report anything suspicious

Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy members who believe they may have been the victim of fraud or who encounter any fraudulent activity should contact their respective credit union right away to report the incident. Here are the links make these reports at Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy.

The sooner that a member’s credit union learns about scams or fraudulent sites, the better.

Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy employees are also trained to spot patterns and to talk to members about potential fraud. Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Mark Millham explains the importance of these questions.

“When we ask members authentication questions in branch or over the phone, we are genuinely trying to help you and to prevent fraud,” emphasizes Millham. “One red flag we would like to share for everyone is to watch out if you or someone you know is ever coached to lie to a financial institution about what this money is for. This request should be reported right away to both your financial institution and, most likely, the police.”

Fraud Prevention Month

March presents everyone with a great opportunity to learn more about fraud prevention. Share these learnings and resources to help friends, family, colleagues and loved ones watch out for fraud.

Get more information by visiting these and other trusted resources:

For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:

Michael Chmielewski
Media Relations Specialist | Conexus Credit Union
media@conexus.ca | 306-751-8201

About Conexus Credit Union

Effective January 1, 2026, Conexus Credit Union 2006, Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Limited, and Synergy Credit Union Ltd. amalgamated as Conexus Credit Union. We’re a forward-thinking, Saskatchewan-based credit union committed to our members and their success. We’re a member-owned cooperative with deep roots in communities throughout the province. With over $16 billion in assets under management, Conexus Credit Union will serve more than 200,000 members, through 57 branches, across 50 communities and unite 1,400 employees across Saskatchewan. This merger continues the legacy of three successful organizations, rooted in cooperative values and a shared vision of member and community empowerment.