PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FRAUD
Follow these guidelines to help protect your accounts from fraudulent activity.
In addition to checking your balance and recent transactions online daily, you can sign up for alerts. By signing up for alerts, you will be contacted by email when specific activity occurs on your accounts, such as a suspicious debit card purchase. Be aware that data rates and fees may apply depending on your particular cellphone provider and plan.
Signing up for paperless bank statements will reduce the risk of your bank account information being stolen from your mailbox. We also recommend shredding existing bank statements and debit card receipts when you're done with them. This will significantly reduce the possibility of having bank account information stolen from your trash.
Use a credit card, ACH,* or verified payment apps* whenever possible since these options offer greater protection against fraud when buying online. Using a debit card for in-person transactions with legitimate merchants is generally considered to be safe, but always safeguard your debit card information.
* ACH is an electronic fund transfer made between banks and credit unions across what is called the Automated Clearing House network.
* Common payment app examples include: Google Pay®, Apple Pay®, and PayPal.®
Bank ATMs tend to have better security (video cameras) at convenience stores, restaurants, and designated bank ATM locations for when you need access to cash withdrawals.
Keeping old debit cards intact puts your information and account at risk. We recommend cutting up debit cards through the number and the chip before discarding to avoid any potential fradulent activity.
Opening a savings account, in addition to a checking account, is a great way to guard against losing all your funds in the event your checking account is compromised. It also promotes financial responsibility while providing a reserve cash resource.
Use firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software on your computer and mobile devices, and regularly update the software to ensure your devices have not been compromised by potential hacking attempts.
Don't perform financial transactions online with your mobile device or computer in a public place or over an unsecured network. Unknown Wi-Fi networks may have compromised security.
Call the bank when you suspect or see any suspicious activity. The sooner the bank is aware of the situation, the greater chance you have in minimizing risk to your account.
When checking your email or doing business online, make sure you know the source is legitimate. An identity thief may set up a “phishing” website that looks identical to your bank or another business where you have an account. These phishing scams are created to access your personal information and attempt accessing your bank account or other accounts. Do not give your debit card or account number to someone who calls asking for the information. This includes clicking on a link that has been sent to you via text message, through email, or social media messaging platforms. These are all some examples of phishing scams to avoid.