As we observe International Fraud Awareness Week (November 12-18), it presents an excellent opportunity to explore various prevalent scams and effective strategies for steering clear of them. Additionally, if you find yourself ensnared by a scam, Advia is here to guide you on the necessary steps forward, serving as your trusted fraud prevention expert.
What are Some Common Scams to be Aware of - This Week and Always?
In an era dominated by digital transactions and interconnected financial systems, scams have evolved into sophisticated schemes that target unsuspecting individuals. Below, we have listed a variety of common scams to be on the lookout for.
- Phishing Scams: Phishing involves fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity - typically by phone call, text message or email.
- Card Skimming: Card skimming occurs when devices are placed on ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to capture card information. Take a moment to inspect card readers for abnormalities and report suspicious activities promptly.
- Social Engineering: Social engineering tactics exploit human psychology to trick individuals into divulging confidential information. Always take steps to verify requests for personal or financial information.
- Tech Support Scams: Tech support scams involve fraudsters posing as technical support representatives to gain access to your computer. Seek technical support only from reputable sources.
- Lottery or Prize Scams: Scams claiming you've won a lottery or prize - requesting upfront fees or personal information.
Protect Yourself from Scams:
Staying informed and proactive is crucial in safeguarding your hard-earned assets. At Advia, we are here to point out trending scams and to help you prevent them from impacting your life. Here are ways to protect yourself from scams:
- Education is Key: Stay informed about the latest scams and tactics employed by fraudsters. Regularly check our blog, newsletters, and website for updates on emerging threats.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. This additional step helps safeguard your information even if your password is compromised.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Routinely review your account and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to receive instant notifications of suspicious activity.
- Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact Advia Credit Union immediately. Prompt reporting allows us to take swift action to protect your accounts and investigate potential security breaches.
Introducing Our New Card Management Tool:
Another way to further protect yourself from scammers is through a new Card Management tool we have introduced, accessible through Digital Banking. This tool empowers you to take control of your card security by offering features such as:
- Card Lock/Unlock: Instantly lock or unlock your card through our mobile app or online banking, providing an immediate response to potential threats.
- Transaction Alerts: Receive real-time alerts for every transaction, enabling you to spot and report unauthorized activities promptly.
- Spending Limits: Set customized spending limits to add an extra layer of protection against large or unusual transactions.
- And more! Visit here to discover what our new Card Management tool can do for you.
What Do I Do if I've Fallen Victim to a Scammer?
At Advia, we take member financial safekeeping and identity protection seriously. When a member visits or calls, we take steps to confirm their identity before providing financial assistance. Our Digital Banking solutions provide state of-the-art layers of account security, including secure access code protection and other strong password requirements.
If you feel that you've been a victim of fraud, please contact us immediately. We also recommend reporting suspected fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
We're Here for You
Please know that you are not alone in navigating the complexities of fraud prevention and recovery. At Advia, we are not just a financial institution; we are your dedicated partners in securing your financial well-being. Our commitment extends beyond providing banking services - we are here to inform, protect, and assist you.
Whether it's staying informed about the latest scams through our educational resources, leveraging our advanced card management tools for added protection, or seeking help in the unfortunate event of falling victim to fraud, we stand by you every step of the way.
To stay on top of our latest Fraud Related blogs, visit here. To learn more about International Fraud Awareness Week, visit here.