Fraud Prevention Tips
Fraudsters will use all kinds of tricks to get you to give out your personal and financial data, fake emails and websites designed to look authentic, even phone calls and text messages. Use the tips below to keep your personal information safe.
Trona Valley FCU will never ask you for the following information:
- Email, call, or text you for your online banking password, PIN or challenge question answers.
- Direct you to a website that asks you to update your personal account information.
- Email, call, or text you for computer software updates.
- Email, call or text you about a problem with your account and ask for your full account number, routing number, or debit card number.
If such communication seems questionable, report it to us at 800-331-6268. Review your account on a regular basis and report anything suspicious to us immediately.
Safeguard Your Information
- Never provide confidential information, such as Social Security Number or Date of Birth, to someone unless you have initiated the contact.
- If you are contacted by phone or email and asked to confirm your confidential information, do not respond. Contact us immediately at 800-331-6268 or send us a notification on our website: www.tronavalley.com. Do not use the phone number provided in the email correspondence or that the caller provides to you.
- Do not share passwords or your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone.
- When completing online applications or making purchases, ensure the website is utilizing encryption and the page shows as “https”.
- Do not record your Social Security number on a check, traveler’s check, gift certificates, etc., unless required by law.
- Do not share confidential information such as your Date of Birth or Address on social media. Fraudsters can obtain this information and begin to build a “synthetic ID” to commit fraud.
- If possible, go to the United States Postal Service and put your mail in their drop box. We highly recommend not putting it in your mailbox at home as fraudsters can steal your mail and obtain your name, address, routing number, and account number off of your check.
Eliminate Paper
- Utilize electronic options, such as Direct Deposit, eStatements or Bill Pay to reduce paper with your personal information printed on it which could be stolen in the mail.
- Watch for the signs of identity theft such as receiving bills in the mail for things you didn’t authorize.
- Utilize a shredder to render paper bills and statements unreadable.
Secure Your Computer & Mobile Device(s)
- Employ strong passwords and PINs on all devices.
- Engage auto-lock features on devices.
- Change passwords regularly and never share them with anyone.
- Do not allow your computer or mobile device to save passwords.
- Do not click on links embedded in emails or text messages that look suspicious.
- Ensure your device is equipped with Anti-Virus, Firewall, or other computer security features.
- Keep your operating system and software up to date by installing updates as soon as possible.
Spot Phishing Attempts
Criminals “phish” for your personal information. Phishing can take place via phone calls, emails, text messages, visiting your place of business or by directing you to a phony website that claims to be a legitimate business.
Criminals attempt to trick us into believing the communications we are seeing, or hearing, are from someone we can trust. They disguise their emails and text messages to look as though they’re from a legitimate business. Often, they employ some type of scare tactic to entice you to open the communication and/or provide account information. For example, emails and text messages may state they are from:
- UPS claiming there is a “problem with your shipment.”
- A financial institution claiming there is a “problem with your banking account.”
- The Better Business Bureau stating “A complaint has been filed against you.”
- Court system stating that “You have been served with a subpoena.”
Another trick will be to make something sound easy, such as “complete this quick survey.”
If you receive a phone call, email, text message, or visit to your place of business that you question, take the time to validate the communication before taking any action requested. Do not use the contact information provided in the email, text message, or by the individual. Instead, use the number advertised on the company’s statement or website.
Protect Against Malware
Malware is generally a computer virus or spyware intended to harm your computer. Computers become infected with malware through several mechanisms – sharing files on USB drives or DVD’s, opening suspicious e-mail attachments, clicking on links in e-mails, or visiting websites that are themselves infected with malware. Malware can also arrive with downloaded files, such as music or videos from peer-to-peer file sharing networks, or simply by visiting a website that has been hacked and infected.
Any website that is not properly secured can be hacked and infected with malware that could infect your computer. You will not likely receive any warning that malware is being downloaded onto your computer. In most cases, the website owners themselves do not know their sites have fallen victim to dispersing criminal malware.
Don't Become a Money Mule
Money mules are victims who become a middleman for the laundering of illegal or stolen funds. The victim is lured by an easy way to make large sums of money. Criminals then ask for the funds to be sent to another recipient, who is often the criminal. The layering of transactions helps to mask the criminal’s identity. The money mule may keep a commission for performing the transfer or wire. The victims of these scams are often left financially responsible for returning the stolen funds.
Common signs of a money mule scam:
- Overseas companies requesting money transfer agents in the United States.
- Opening new bank accounts to receive money from someone you don’t know.
- Accepting large sums of money into your personal bank account for a new job.
- Transferring or wiring funds out of your personal bank account to people you do not know.
Looking for More Information?
If you are a victim of financial fraud: File a fraud report through the Federal Trade Commission. That's the agency tasked with shutting down scammers. They use these fraud reports to help them build their cases. If you're a victim of identity theft, report your case at IdentityTheft.gov. Consider filing a report with your local law enforcement. They may not investigate your case, but the report could help you dispute fraudulent transactions.
NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY ALLIANCE (NCSA)
A nonprofit, public-private partnership focused on promoting cyber security, safety awareness and safe online behavior.
NCUA FRAUD PREVENTION CENTER
A resource provided by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) to educate and protect consumers.
Order your FREE Annual Credit Report at sites such as: annualcreditreport.com
MAJOR CREDIT BUREAU PHONE NUMBERS
Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 800-680-7289