The 2×2 System is where you set aside two hours on the calendar two times a month to complete a predetermined financial task. This modest but consistent effort can help you sustain financial health and build wealth in bite-sized chunks. To view November’s blog covering employee benefits and using your flex spending account (FSA) funds, click here. We hope this month’s information on scams and ideas for increasing your online security is beneficial.
December Session 1: Research the latest scams.
It’s a sad reality, but fraud spikes around the holidays. And with new insidious tactics constantly popping up, even the savviest of consumers can be victimized. Use your time in this session to do a search engine query for the latest scams.
Tip: Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to catch intrusions into your accounts before they happen. Usually, your best bet is to monitor your credit and checking accounts closely for criminal invasions and then take the appropriate steps to block their access. A simple way to help you stay updated on the latest scams is to visit the Current Scams page on our website.
December Session 2: Increase your online security.
Now that you’re building a fortress around your accounts and data, it’s time to take additional digital steps to bulk up your defenses. In this vulnerable time of year, remember to:
- Run antivirus software on your computer.
- Change all your passwords and store them in a secure place.
- Create unique, complex, long passwords with a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters where allowed. Don’t use words found in a dictionary, your name, birthdays, or easily identifiable information. Don’t use the same password for multiple websites.
- Use multi-factor authentication on all your devices.
- Use only secure sites with an “https” address for shopping.
- Instead of clicking on links in emails, visit sites where you do business at a link you know to be legitimate.
Tip: The holidays bring travel. Avoid sharing your travel plans on social media. Believe it or not, some people use this information to break into homes when they know occupants are away. Even a “Can’t wait to see you on Thursday” message could tip off a potential criminal. However, when you know you’ll be travelling, submit a travel notification to us; this will help us identify transactions you make outside your normal use area so we won’t deny a Credit Union Credit Card or Debit Card transaction. You can alert us via our travel notification page on our website.
Final thoughts.
Scammers don’t take time off during the holiday season. Doing some research using the resources above helps you stay current on the latest techniques bad actors are using to target consumers. Remember, if an email, text, or phone call seems suspicious, don’t respond or share any information, and contact the business directly using information you know is valid. For more tips to improve your security know-how, read our blog on 5 common scams and tips for staying safe. And finally, we will never call or text you for personal information, username, passwords, or passcodes. If you receive a text or call from any number or person claiming to be an employee of the Credit Union, no matter how urgent or convincing they may be, hang up and call us directly at 800.877.2345.
This article was developed in partnership with our friends at Balance Pro.
