In today's digital age, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. By following a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to account fraud and ensure the security of your online transactions.
1. Safeguard Personal Information: Protect your personal and financial information. Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your credit union account numbers, passwords, or PINs with anyone.
2. Create Strong and Unique Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
4. Be Cautious with Emails and Phone Calls: Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information or account details. Legitimate financial institutions generally won't request sensitive information through these channels. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
5. Verify Website Security: Ensure that you are using secure websites for online banking by checking for a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and the "https://" prefix in the website URL. The "s" in "https" indicates a secure connection.
6. Watch Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your accounts and credit card statements. Review transactions regularly to identify any unauthorized or suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your credit union immediately.
7. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing your financial accounts or conducting financial transactions using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks may be insecure, and your information could be intercepted by hackers. Instead, use a secure and private network, such as your mobile data or a trusted home network.
8. Use Trusted Devices and Networks: Whenever possible, use devices and networks that you trust for online banking. Avoid using public computers or shared devices for financial transactions.
If you experience or think you have been affected by financial fraud, don't hesitate to reach out to the HealthShare Credit Union Team for assistance. At HealthShare, we're committed to your safety. Safeguarding your personal and financial information is our top priority. Stay vigilant and follow these steps to protect yourself from financial fraud.
