Be Vigilant Against Scams

Scammers are always seeking new ways to defraud victims. Holidays and times of change are fraud opportunities where Saskatchewanians should be vigilant and know how to protect themselves.  

Unfortunately, the holidays are a peak time for a multitude of increasingly sophisticated scams. These can include charity scams, too-good-to-be-true-offers, fake e-transfers on online marketplaces and many more.

In addition to reminding Saskatchewanians to remain vigilant against increased scam activity during the holidays, Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions are also issuing another warning to members and the public.

Scammers will take advantage of merger news

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 will be coming together. On Jan. 1, 2026, Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions will legally amalgamate. 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. That’s why we’re warning the public today ahead of the holidays and the legal merger integration date on Jan. 1, 2026.”

How to protect yourself

Scams are always evolving. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• The three R’s: Protect yourself against fraud schemes by recognizing what different scams look like and when someone is trying to fool you; rejecting the scam and not giving in to fraudsters; and reporting activity you suspect could be fraud or if you believe you or a loved one is a victim of fraud

• Does something feel off? Trust your gut. Stop by your branch to verify information or hang up and dial your contact centre. For example, we do not offer loan applications through social media

• Safeguard your banking credentials: Never enter your banking credentials anywhere except the Conexus, Cornerstone or Synergy Digital Banking Platforms. Download the app or bookmark conexus.ca, cornerstonecu.ca or synergycu.ca. Do not input your information into any link someone has sent you

• Passwords: Create strong passwords and never reuse a password

• Set up alerts: Real-time alerts are a great way to continuously monitor account activity and stop fraud in its tracks

• Be hypervigilant: Fraudsters are hunting for your banking credentials. They will manipulate so victims lower their guard. Watch out for pressure tactics, attempts to circumvent transaction processes and avoid clicking links

Conexus, Cornerstone or Synergy members who believe they may have been the victim of fraud or who encounter any fraudulent activity should contact their credit union and report the incident right away.

Visit the “Stand Against Scams” website for more helpful information.

For more information and to schedule interviews, please contact:
Michael Chmielewski
Media Relations Specialist I Conexus Credit Union
media@conexus.ca I 306-751-8201

About Conexus Credit Union
Conexus has more than 80 years of serving members and giving back to our communities. Conexus manages over $10 billion in assets and has almost 900 employees serving more than 148,000 members across 30 locations in Saskatchewan.

About Cornerstone Credit Union
Cornerstone is the product of many mergers over the years, with the most recent in 2021 with Horizon and Plainsview credit unions. Cornerstone has over $2.7 billion in assets with 15 branches within East-Central Saskatchewan. Cornerstone Credit Union serves over 30,000 members and has an employee base of 280.

About Synergy Credit Union
Synergy is a member-owned financial institution serving over 27,000 members with 12 branches across west-central Saskatchewan. As the fifth-largest credit union in Saskatchewan, Synergy has 238 employees and manages approximately $2.8 billion in assets, standing tall among Canada’s leading credit unions.

© 2026 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. Any reference to “Conexus Credit Union 2006, Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Inc., and Synergy Credit Union Ltd. amalgamated as Conexus Credit Union” is hereby deemed to refer to Conexus Credit Union.