Protect Yourself

Securing Your Cards and ATMs

Protect your debit and credit cards from fraudulent activities.

Card and ATM fraud involves unauthorized use of your cards or account information. Fraudsters employ various tactics to gain access to your financial resources, including skimming devices, phishing, and data breaches.

Best Practices to Prevent Card & ATM Fraud

• Safeguard Your PIN: Never share your PIN with anyone and avoid writing it down.
• Inspect ATMs: Look for any unusual attachments or devices on ATM machines before use.
• Use Secure ATMs: Prefer ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas or inside bank branches.
• Monitor Transactions: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately: Contact your credit union right away if your card is lost or stolen.

Recognizing and Responding to ATM and Card Scams

Be aware of the following common scams and know how to respond:

• Skimming Devices: Thieves install devices on ATMs to capture your card information. Always check the card slot and keypad for any suspicious devices.
• Card Trapping: A device traps your card inside the ATM. If your card doesn’t return, contact your bank immediately and do not leave the machine.
• Fake ATMs: Fraudsters may set up fake ATMs that look legitimate to steal your card information.

Protecting Your Online and Mobile Banking

Secure your digital banking activities against cyber threats.

With the increasing reliance on online and mobile banking, safeguarding your digital interactions is paramount. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods to gain unauthorized access to personal and financial information.

Essential Tips for Online & Mobile Security

• Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and banking apps to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Secure Your Devices: Use antivirus software, firewalls, and encrypt sensitive data on your smartphones and computers.
• Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing banking information over unsecured public networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

Avoiding Phishing and Malware Attacks

Phishing and malware are common methods used by fraudsters to steal your information. Here's how to stay protected:

• Verify Email Sources: Only click on links from trusted sources. Hover over links to check their legitimacy before clicking.
• Do Not Download Unverified Attachments: Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages that prompt you to download files.
• Use Anti-Malware Software: Protect your devices with reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs.
• Regular Backups: Regularly back up your data to recover quickly in case of a malware attack.

Preventing Check and Payment Fraud

Secure your check transactions and electronic payments against fraudulent activities.

Check and payment fraud involve unauthorized access and misuse of your payment instruments, including checks, online payments, and mobile payments. Protecting these methods is crucial to maintaining your financial security.

Best Practices for Check Security

• Secure Your Checks: Keep checks in a safe place and avoid leaving them unattended.
• Use High-Security Checks: Opt for checks with security features like watermarks and microprinting to deter forgery.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements for any unauthorized check transactions.
• Reconcile Statements Promptly: Address any discrepancies immediately by contacting your financial institution.

Protecting Electronic Payments

• Use Secure Payment Platforms: Choose reputable and secure payment gateways for online transactions.
• Enable Notifications: Receive alerts for all transactions to stay informed of any unauthorized activities.
• Limit Automatic Payments: Regularly review and update your automatic payment settings to prevent unauthorized charges.
• Verify Payment Requests: Always confirm the legitimacy of payment requests, especially those received via email or phone.

Responding to Payment Fraud

• Contact Your Bank Immediately: If you notice unauthorized payments, notify your bank without delay.
• Report to Authorities: File a report with local law enforcement and relevant financial authorities.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and transactions related to the fraud incident.
• Update Security Measures: Change passwords and enhance security settings to prevent future incidents.

Guarding Against Social Engineering & Scams

Understand and defend against manipulative tactics used by fraudsters to steal your information.

Social engineering scams exploit human psychology to trick individuals into divulging confidential information. These scams can occur via phone calls, emails, text messages, or in-person interactions.

Common Social Engineering Tactics

• Phishing: Fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, prompting you to enter personal information.
• Vishing: Voice phishing scams conducted over the phone to extract personal or financial information.
• Smishing: SMS phishing using text messages to deceive recipients into providing sensitive data.
• Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to obtain private information under false pretenses.
• Tailgating: Gaining unauthorized access to secure areas by following authorized individuals.

Protective Measures Against Social Engineering

• Verify Identities: Always confirm the identity of the person or organization requesting information.
• Be Skeptical: Approach unsolicited communications with caution, especially those requesting sensitive data.
• Limit Information Sharing: Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless absolutely necessary and secure.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scams and share knowledge with family and colleagues.
• Use Secure Channels: When sharing sensitive information, use encrypted and trusted communication methods.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

• Immediate Action: Change your passwords and secure your accounts immediately.
• Notify Your Bank: Inform your financial institutions to monitor and protect your accounts.
• Report the Scam: File a report with local law enforcement and appropriate regulatory bodies.
• Seek Support: Reach out to credit counseling services for assistance in mitigating the impact.