|
It's important for everyone to know how to protect their bank and financial information from scams, even if they're not very familiar with technology. In this blog post, we will discuss how your credit union can assist you and provide tips and strategies to help you keep your sensitive banking information safe. We will also explore the tools offered by St. Anne's Credit Union that can help prevent you from falling victim to scammers and fraudulent schemes.
St. Anne’s Credit Union Fraud Protection Tool List
Stay Informed and Educated
Knowledge is your first line of defense against financial fraud. Stay informed about the latest scam trends and tactics. Regularly read reputable sources, subscribe to newsletters that provide updates on scams, visit St. Anne’s Credit Union’s Security Center regularly and stay aware of common red flags. Educate yourself about the warning signs and techniques used by scammers, empowering yourself to make informed decisions and protect your assets.
Be Skeptical and Question Everything
Develop a healthy skepticism when approached with unsolicited offers, requests for personal information or too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to research and verify any unfamiliar companies, charities or individuals before engaging with them or sharing personal or financial details.
 Protect Personal Banking Information
Guard your personal information diligently. Be cautious when sharing sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, bank account information or credit card numbers. Legitimate local banking institutions and credit unions like St. Anne’s will never request this information through unsolicited calls, emails or messages. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through verified contact information to verify the request. You can verify whether a message came from St. Anne’s Credit Union by calling 1.877.STANNES.
Create Strong Passwords and Follow Secure Online Practices
Maintain strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and avoid using easily guessable information. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security. Be cautious when accessing your bank accounts or making transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure. Regularly update your devices and software to ensure you have the latest security patches. If you bank at St. Anne’s Credit Union, you can even set up SecureAlerts to notify you via text message, push notification, email or secure Online Banking Message when suspicious account activity occurs. Additionally, if you use St. Anne’s Mobile app, you can use the Manage My Cards feature to track where your card information is stored online, report and turn off a lost or stolen card and much more to protect your accounts.
Seek Advice from Trusted Sources
When making financial decisions or seeking advice, consult trusted professionals such as financial advisors, attorneys or family members. These individuals can provide guidance, review documents and offer an objective perspective to help you make informed choices and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Report and Share
If you encounter or suspect financial fraud or a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. Contact your local law enforcement, state attorney general's office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By reporting scams, you help protect others from becoming victims. Share your experiences with friends, family and community groups to raise awareness and prevent others from falling into the same traps.
By staying informed, maintaining a healthy skepticism, protecting personal banking information, practicing secure online habits, seeking advice from trusted sources and reporting scams, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember, your financial well-being is worth protecting, and with the right precautions, you can safeguard your assets and enjoy peace of mind.
Take control of your accounts at St. Anne's Credit Union today!
SET UP SECUREALERTS MANAGE YOUR CARDS
Similar Financial Literacy Content:
|
