Protecting You and Your Identity

Spotting and Avoiding Scams!

Scams are always present and changing. With the changing nature of scams anyone is vulnerable and can potentially fall for them in the right circumstances. Below is some information you can use to help guard yourself against scams.

Resources from the Federal Trade Commission: 

• How to Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams

• Gift Card Scams

• Phishing

• Reporting and Recovering from Identity Theft

Resources from Experian:

• How to Stop Scammers From Calling an Elderly Parent

• What to Do if Your Information is Found on the Dark Web

Security Steps

Learn what steps you can take to protect yourself against these threats with the following tips:

Don’t share your secrets. 


Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.


Shred sensitive papers. 


Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.


Keep an eye out for missing mail.


Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.


Use online banking to protect yourself.


Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.


Monitor your credit report.


Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.


Protect your computer.


Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.


Protect your mobile device. 


Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments – especially for senders you don’t know.

Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.




If You Are or Think You May Be A Victim of Identity Theft

• Report lost or stolen credit, debit, or ATM cards to financial institutions immediately - verbally and in writing.
• Contact the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Contact law enforcement and file a police report.
• Report the incident(s) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which keeps track of reported crimes and shares information with law enforcement throughout the country.

If you would like further information or materials on Identity Theft, please visit the FTC website.

7 Tips for Protecting Yourself Online

Though the internet has many advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams. According to Symantec, 12 adults become a victim of cybercrime every second. Union Federal recommends the following tips to keep you safe online:

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
• Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
• Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.
• Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
• Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

10 Ways to Protect Your Mobile Device

Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. Union Federal recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe.

1. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
2. Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
3. Protect your phone from viruses and malicious software, or malware, just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
4. Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
5. Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
6. Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your mobile device.
7. Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
8. Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re punching in sensitive information.
9. Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
10. Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.