Fraud Awareness Week: Protecting Your Finances from Scams

At Service One Credit Union, your financial safety is our top priority. During Fraud Awareness Week, we want to empower you with the tools and knowledge to recognize and prevent fraud, keeping your hard-earned money secure.

Common Types of Fraud:

Fraudsters are constantly developing new schemes to deceive people. Here are a few common types of fraud to be aware of:

  1. Phishing Scams: Fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses through email, text, or phone calls to trick you into giving out personal information like account numbers or passwords.

  2. Identity Theft: Scammers steal your personal information to open accounts, make purchases, or take out loans in your name.

  3. Card Skimming: Devices attached to ATMs or payment terminals capture your card information, which scammers then use to create duplicate cards.

  4. Online Shopping Scams: Fake websites and social media ads lure you into purchasing products that never arrive, or steal your payment details.

  5. Loan and Investment Scams: Fraudsters offer fake loans or “get rich quick” investment opportunities, often asking for upfront fees or personal information.

How to Protect Yourself:

Here are some tips to safeguard your finances from fraud:

  1.   Stay Vigilant: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Verify the source before responding.

  2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit accounts for suspicious activity. Early detection can prevent larger losses.

  3. Use Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all your accounts, and change them regularly. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

  4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: Public networks can be unsafe for online banking or shopping. Always use a secure connection when accessing sensitive information.

  5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud on your account, contact Service One Credit Union immediately. We’re here to help protect your assets.

 

What We Do to Protect You:

At Service One, we take fraud prevention seriously. Our advanced security measures include:

  1. Real-time Fraud Monitoring: We continuously monitor for suspicious account activity.

  2. Secure Online Banking: Our online and mobile banking platforms are equipped with encryption and multi-factor authentication to keep your information safe.

  3. Educational Resources: We provide ongoing fraud prevention tips and alerts to keep you informed.

 

Take Action Now:

Fraud Awareness Week is the perfect time to review your financial security practices. Stay informed, stay alert, and help protect yourself and your community from scams. If you have any concerns, contact Service One at 270-796-8500.