Secure your account and your future.
Technology has made it easier then ever to manage your financial accounts and personal information. It has also opened the door for identity theft, phishing, and fraud if you're not careful.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to help protect your personal information.
Beware of suspicious callers.
- If someone calls you claiming to be a family member or friend in need of money, pay attention to detail. If their voice doesn't sound the same, or their story doesn't quite make sense, the person on the other end of the phone may not be who you think they are. Make sure they are who they say they are before attempting to help them with money in any way.
Use caution with remote computers or device support.
- If someone calls you, or you get a pop-up on your computer or mobile device saying you need to fix your your device and you aren't aware that you have a problem, this is likely a phishing attempt. Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer or mobile device in attempt to fix if you are unsure of the problem. If you do allow someone remote access, do not provide them any sensitive information like your Debit/Credit Card Number, your Checking or Savings Account number, or your Social Security Number.
When the sale sounds too good to be true.
- If you have an item listed for sale online and someone distant reaches out in an attempt to purchase it, and they request that you pay the shipper, the deal may not be as good as you think it is. In cases like this, the "buyer" will usually send you a fraudulent check that you will need to deposit or cash to pay the shipper with and then have you send their item to them.
- The same goes when the "buyer" also mails you a check for an item for you to simply mail them back, the check they are using may be fraudulent, With the many different forms of payments, it is likely that someone isn't going to actually mail you a check from another state for an item.