It’s International Fraud Awareness Week 2024, and there’s no better time to focus on safeguarding your financial accounts from fraud! With online transactions, holiday shopping, and digital payments becoming more popular, the risk of fraud has also increased. At Atomic Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you stay protected. Follow these quick tips to keep your accounts secure!
🔒 Simple Steps to Guard Your Accounts
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Keep Your PIN Private
Never share your PIN with anyone—even friends or family. Treat it like a key to your financial life.
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Secure Your Passwords
Use complex, unique passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider a password manager to keep track of them.
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Install Anti-Virus Software
Protect your devices with anti-virus software and keep it updated. Cybersecurity is your first line of defense against fraudsters.
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Order from Secure Websites
When shopping online, check for the “https” in the URL—this ensures your data is encrypted and secure.
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Track Your Online Orders
Stay on top of your purchases. Unexpected charges could indicate someone has accessed your account.
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Monitor Automatic Payments
Set time aside each month to review automatic charges on your accounts. Unauthorized subscriptions or duplicate payments are red flags.
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Beware of Trial Offers
Limited-time offers can sound tempting, but many come with hidden fees or auto-renewals. Read the fine print!
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Sign Up for a Free Credit Report
Did you know you’re entitled to one free credit report per year? Use it to spot unauthorized activity before it becomes a problem.
💡 Think Before You Click or Share
Phishing emails and texts are one of the most common fraud tactics. Fraudsters may pretend to be your financial institution or offer deals too good to be true. Before clicking on any links or sharing sensitive info:
- Pause and Verify: If it seems suspicious, call us directly.
- Don’t Take the Bait: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information over email or text.
We’re Here to Help!
Fraud can happen to anyone, but with awareness and proactive steps, you can outsmart scammers. If you ever feel unsure about an email, text, or charge on your account, contact Atomic Credit Union immediately.
Together, we can protect your financial future. Let’s make fraud prevention a priority during International Fraud Awareness Week—and beyond!
Stay safe, stay smart!