Protect Yourself from Fraud: Tips for Staying Safe
Jul 11, 2024Fraud Prevention
With technology being such a big part of our lives, it's important to know how to protect yourself from fraud. Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people, so staying informed can help you avoid their traps. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe from fraud:
Keep Your Information Safe
Never Give Out Your Online Banking Passwords or PIN: Your bank will never ask you to verify your full credit card number, passwords, or PINs over the phone or through email. If someone asks for this information, it's a scam.
Protect Personal Information: Don't share your social security number, bank account numbers, or other personal details with people you don't know. Be cautious about sharing information even with people you do know if the situation seems suspicious.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Jury Duty Scams: In this scam, someone calls you pretending to be a court official, saying you missed jury duty and need to pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest. Remember, courts do not call people to demand payment or personal information.
Phone Scams: Scammers might call pretending to be from a trusted organization like the IRS or your bank, saying there's an urgent problem. They may ask for personal information or demand immediate payment. Always verify by contacting the organization directly using a number you trust, not the one provided by the caller.
Phishing Scams: These scams use emails or texts to trick you into clicking on a link and entering personal information on a fake website. Always verify the sender before clicking on links or opening attachments.
Tech Support Scams: Scammers pretend to be tech support from companies like Microsoft, claiming your computer has a virus. They might ask for remote access to your computer or payment for unnecessary services. Legitimate companies don’t make unsolicited tech support calls.
Imposter Scams: Someone pretends to be a friend, family member, or official, asking for money or personal information. Always double-check by contacting the person or organization directly before taking any action.
Protect Yourself Online
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
Use Strong Passwords: Create passwords that are hard to guess. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
Keep Software Updated: Make sure your computer and phone software is up to date to protect against the latest security threats.
Check Your Credit Report Regularly: Doing so will allow you to stay aware of new lines of credit that may have been opened fraudulently in your name, or any change in activity on your credit report.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Report It: Report the fraud to HAPO’s Fraud Department. We are here for you and will work with you through the situation at hand. Also, it's important to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
Freeze Your Credit: If you suspect your information has been stolen, consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Staying informed and cautious can help protect you from fraud. Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before you trust.
Jennifer Kasparek
Content Contributor | HAPO Community Credit Union