Fraud and scams continue to evolve, targeting individuals through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, fake websites, and even AI-generated impersonations. The good news is that a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
Simple Ways to Prevent Fraud
Protect Your Online Accounts
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever available.
- Review bank statements and credit reports regularly for unauthorized activity.
- Avoid banking or entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use a trusted VPN.
Protect Your Identity
- Freeze your credit if you are not actively applying for new credit.
- Store sensitive documents in a secure, locked location or encrypted storage.
- Limit the personal information you share on social media.
Stay Safe When Communicating
- Verify unexpected requests by contacting the person or organization through an official phone number or website.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, and emails, especially those requesting money or personal information.
- Never share personal or financial information through unsolicited communications.
- Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown or unexpected senders.
- Be aware of AI and deep-fake scams that can mimic the voices and images of people you know.
- Ignore unexpected package delivery notifications and verify shipment status directly with the carrier.
Protect Your Money
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
- Slow down before making financial decisions involving urgency or pressure.
- Use mobile payment apps and electronic deposits only with trusted individuals and organizations.
- Verify a business’s legitimacy before making payments.
- Use tap-to-pay whenever possible to reduce the risk of card skimming.
- Enable account alerts to help detect suspicious activity quickly.
- Be skeptical of job offers or investments that promise unusually high returns with little effort.
Pro Tips
- Create a family “safe word” to verify emergency requests for money or assistance.
- Use a password manager to securely store and generate unique passwords.
- Review your credit reports regularly to identify unauthorized activity early.
- Restart your mobile device periodically to help reduce certain cyber threats.
- When in doubt, contact companies directly using information from their official websites.
- If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and verify before taking action.
Steps to Take if it Happens to You
1. Contact Your Financial Institutions Immediately
- Report unauthorized transactions.
- Lock or freeze affected accounts and cards.
- Request replacement cards if needed.
2. Change Your Passwords
- Update passwords on any compromised accounts.
- Enable MFA on all important accounts.
3. Freeze Your Credit
- Contact the major credit bureaus and request a credit freeze to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
4. Monitor Your Accounts
- Review bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports frequently.
- Watch for unauthorized transactions or account changes.
5. Report the Fraud
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If identity theft is involved, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery assistance.
- Contact local law enforcement when appropriate.
6. Inform Trusted Contacts
- Let family members or trusted individuals know what happened.
- Alert others if your email, social media, or other accounts may have been compromised.
Remember
Scammers often rely on urgency, fear, or excitement to influence decisions. The best defense is to slow down, verify information, and think before you act. Taking a few preventative steps today can help protect your identity, accounts, and finances tomorrow.
Your Security Is Our Priority
At Honor Credit Union, protecting our members comes first.
Our Security Center offers guidance on fraud prevention, online safety, and safeguarding your financial well‑being.
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