Watch Out For Spooky Scammers
As scams get more sophisticated, it’s never been more important to protect your identity and your money. Whether you’re setting up new accounts, making online purchases, or simply responding to emails and texts, staying a step ahead of the scammers starts with awareness and a few simple precautions. Here are four smart actions you can take today to keep yourself from being an easy target.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account
Are you still using your dog’s name plus “123”? You’re not alone, but hackers are counting on it. Here are some tips to make sure you are protected:
- Use a different password for every online account
- Change your passwords regularly (at least once a year) especially for your financial, email, and social media accounts
- Consider using a password manager to securely store your passwords
- Pause before clicking suspicious emails or texts
Scammers love creating a sense of urgency. For example, if you get a message that says “Act now or your account will be locked,” take a breath and think before you click. If a message is suspicious, always contact the company or person directly and don’t respond through the link or message.
As a reminder, Credit Union of Ohio will never ask for your Online Banking password or your PIN over the phone, text message, or email. Phishing emails and texts are common during the holidays when purchase confirmation and shipping alerts are coming in. Stay alert! - Monitor accounts frequently
Another way to catch fraud fast is by monitoring your accounts frequently and using your financial institution’s account alerts. For example, Credit Union of Ohio members can:
- Use the mobile app to easily access account information on-the-go
- Get text or email alerts for purchases, withdrawals, or login attempts
- Set up low balance alerts, and more
If you’d like to check your current alert settings, login to your account, click the More Tab and then drop down to Alerts.
- Stay informed
Scams are evolving fast, so it’s important to remain informed on the latest techniques bad actors are using. Visit our scam alerts page for information on recent tactics. Fraudsters may be clever, but with the right tools and awareness you can stay one step ahead!
Looking for more resources or help with protecting your identity? Call 800.443.5698, set up an appointment, or stop by your local branch today. At Credit Union of Ohio, we’re here to help keep your information protected and support all your financial needs.