Fraud is becoming more and more common. Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new ways to steal your personal and banking information. Protecting your account is our number one priority and education of knowing what to look out for is key. Here are some tips on online security and fraud prevention & what to do if you suspect it.
How you can protect your account
- Sign up for text & email alerts. You will receive alerts of activity on your account, if you do not authorize the transaction contact us immediately. To set this up log in your online banking/mobile app and go to “Messages & Alerts” then “Manage Alerts”. It is important to keep your phone number & email address up to date. If you do not use online banking contact your branch to set this up.
- Never access your online banking when using public wifi.
- Choose difficult to guess passwords & security answers.
- Never write down your login information or pin number.
- Do not use the same passwords for multiple accounts.
- Change your passwords regularly.
- Only use a private, trusted device to access your online credit union account.
- Sign up for Interac e-transfer autodeposit. This ensures the funds are transferred automatically into your account without having to answer a security question. Setting up Interac e-transfer autodeposit is a two step process which can be initiated in the Interac e transfer section of your online banking. Remember to confirm the set up when you receive the confirmation email in your inbox.
- If you are sending an Interac e-transfer do not include the answer to the security question along with the question. Use a question only you and the intended recipient will know. You should advise the recipient using a different, secure method.
- If you are making purchases online only enter your card information on a trusted, secured website with the lock symbol and “https:” appears to the left of the website name.
- Always review your statements and transactions and report any unauthorized transactions to us immediately.
- You should only access your account on a device with a reliable antivirus program & complete all security updates.
- Be aware of common scams. If you receive a call, email or text from an unconfirmed source do not act on it especially if someone is requesting or sending money you were not expecting. Click here for the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre’s information.
- Be aware of the signs of phishing emails. Know what to look out for – check the sender’s email address, check for spelling/language errors, do you know the sender? You should report suspected emails and delete immediately.
- Do not open attachments or click on links where you suspect the email of being fraudulent.
- If you receive a suspicious email mark the email as spam.
What to do if you believe you are a victim of fraud
- Call UECU immediately. If you notice something is wrong or there is an unauthorized transaction, contact us so we can investigate & prevent further transactions.
- Change your login information for all accounts if you think your device has been compromised.
- Have your device professionally cleaned by a reliable source to remove any spyware etc.
- If you believe you are at risk of identity fraud contact Equifax & Transunion. They will create an alert to advise lenders to contact you and confirm the transaction being initiated.
- File a police report.
- Contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.
If you have any questions on the information above, please contact your local branch.
