Financial Wellness Minute: Fraud Protection

Protection of your financial information is a priority for your financial institutions, but there are ways for you to be proactive in guarding your information yourself. No matter what type of device you are using, by following these general security practices will be additional protection:

1. Avoid connecting to public wireless networks while doing your banking.
2. Avoid charging your phone at charging kiosks such as at an airport; invest in a portal charging device and carry it with you.
3. Do not interact or respond to unfamiliar phone numbers; if it is important, they will leave a message.
4. Never send money or account information to someone you don't personally know or only met online.
5. Be suspicious of " I am in trouble" phone calls from family members or people you know. Artificial Intelligence can voice generate "fake" voices very easily now that sound like your loved one. Consider a family ‘code word or phrase' to assure they are who they are.
6. Be alert to card skimmers that are attached to card readers. Common places these are found are ATMs, gas pumps and restaurants.
7. Keep your security software and devices updated with the most recent versions.
8. Utilize account alerts for withdrawals, online transactions, international purchases and other types of transactions.

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