Scammers are always on the hunt for new ways to trick unsuspecting individuals out of their money or personal information. They are getting more and more sophisticated and the tools they use look and sound very authentic. But with a little awareness and some simple precautions, you can stay a step ahead. Here are a few tips to protect yourself — at home, online, and on the go.
Online Security
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments
Phone & Texts
• Never share personal info over the phone with unknown callers
• Be cautious of urgent sounding robocalls or text messages
• Don’t respond to messages asking for account verification unless you initiated the request
• Never share personal info over the phone with unknown callers
• Be cautious of urgent sounding robocalls or text messages
• Don’t respond to messages asking for account verification unless you initiated the request
Financial Safety
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly
• Set up account alerts for unusual activity
• Use secure, trusted websites for online purchases
• Shred financial documents before discarding
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly
• Set up account alerts for unusual activity
• Use secure, trusted websites for online purchases
• Shred financial documents before discarding
Other Steps to Take
If you haven’t checked your credit report in a while, get a free copy at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you are active on social media, check your account settings to see what is visible to the public. You cannot be too cautious!
And if it sounds too good to be true…
…it probably is! Any opportunity that presents itself that sounds like the deal of a lifetime is very, very likely fake. The same is true on the opposite end. If you receive a phone call or text or letter threatening legal action or arrest for an outstanding debt or balance, do not panic. Contact your bank or financial institution through a trusted and verified phone number. Stay safe everyone!