Preventing Fraud 101

Protect Your Finances:

Please note that Emery Federal Credit Union will never call, text or email you asking for any card details or password information.
If you receive an inquiry like this, please contact us at 513.530.9351.

Protecting your finances from fraud is an urgent matter that demands immediate action. Don’t dismiss it as something that only happens to others or think you’re too young to be targeted. Fraudsters spare no one, and the consequences can be devastating. Picture this: falling victim to a phishing scam, your hard-earned money vanishing from your accounts, your creditworthiness shattered, and your personal information exposed to identity thieves.

This nightmare scenario could happen to anyone, regardless of age. It’s time to take a stand against fraud and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to defend your financial fortress.

Ignoring the risks is not an option; be vigilant, stay informed, and act decisively to safeguard your financial well-being. At Emery Federal Credit Union, we’re here to arm you with the essential resources and support to protect what matters most – your money and your future.

This could happen to you!

Learning How to Detect Suspicious Activity

At Emery Federal Credit Union, we value your financial security as much as you do! That’s why we’ve got your back with essential tips and tools to safeguard your hard-earned money from fraudsters.

Preventing fraud is crucial for safeguarding your finances and protecting your personal information. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can avoid significant financial losses, maintain your creditworthiness, and protect yourself from identity theft. Preventing fraud also helps you build trust with your financial institution and saves you time and stress associated with resolving fraudulent activities. Additionally, it safeguards your digital presence, protects your reputation, and ensures the security of your loved ones’ financial well-being. By prioritizing fraud prevention, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on achieving your financial goals without unnecessary worries.

Report Suspicious Activity. If you suspect yourself or somebody you know to be a victim of fraud contact us today at (513) 530-9351 or info@emeryfcu.org.

Simple Steps to Prevent Fraud

1. Set up Account Alerts with Emery's Apps

You can set up alerts through mobile or home banking. These alerts will push to your email and phone number so you can monitor your accounts closely. Learn more about setting up alerts through the app here.

2. Activate Emery's CardNav App

Take charge of your debit and credit cards with ease. Lock or unlock your cards instantly, set custom spending limits, and receive real-time alerts for any suspicious transactions. Plus, you can turn your card on or off if it’s lost or not in use, restrict transactions to specific areas, create custom alerts based on merchant type, amount, and more. With real-time alerts, you can stop unauthorized purchases in their tracks and set spending limits to support your personal finance goals. Download now and unleash the power of card control!

Learn more about Emery CardNav here.

3. Power Up with Identity Protection

Enroll in our Rewards Checking account to access Identity Protection services. Benefit from identity theft monitoring, credit report alerts, and fully managed resolution if the unexpected happens. If suspicious activity happens on your credit report, our team will let you know through both text and email. And if the worst-case scenario happens, we’ll work with you to recover what was lost.

Plus, every month that you remain safe, we’ll send you an update telling you that nothing has changed – for that additional peace of mind.

Learn more about Rewards Checking and how it compares to other checking accounts here.

4. Safeguard Your Personal Information

At Emery Federal Credit Union, we believe in empowering our members with essential knowledge to protect their finances.

  1. Keep it Secret: Your account details and PIN are like your personal treasure. Never share them with anyone, not even your best friend! And never write them down where others can get to them.
  2. Guard Your Info: Be cautious when sharing personal details online. We’ve got your back but be careful out there in cyberspace.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Watch out for suspicious emails, texts, or calls asking for sensitive information or urgent action.

  1. Email Phishing: Example: You receive an email claiming to be from your financial institution, asking you to verify your account details urgently, or else your account will be suspended. Solution: Don’t click any links or provide personal information in response. Instead, directly visit our official website or call our customer support to verify the email’s legitimacy. 
  2. Text Message Phishing (Smishing): Example: You get a text message stating that your debit card has been blocked and you must reply with your account number to unblock it. Solution: Never respond to such texts or provide sensitive data. Contact our official phone number or visit a branch for assistance.
  3. Phone Call Phishing (Vishing): Example: You receive a call from someone claiming to be a rep from your financial institution, asking for your credit card details for a special promotion. Solution: Be cautious of unsolicited calls and never share your personal information over the phone. Instead, hang up and call our verified number to verify the call’s legitimacy.
  4. Fake Websites: Example: You come across a website that looks identical to your financial institution’s official site, but the website address is slightly different. Solution: Always double-check the website address before entering login credentials. Make sure it starts with “https://” and has our official domain. Bookmark our official website for easy access.
  5. Social Media Phishing: Example: You receive a message on social media, claiming you won a prize from your financial institution, but you need to provide personal information to claim it. Solution: Ignore such messages and never share sensitive data through social media platforms. Reach out to us directly to confirm any promotions or offers.

Remember, Emery Federal Credit Union will never ask for your personal information through email, text, or phone calls. If you ever encounter suspicious communication, contact us using our verified contact information to verify its authenticity. Stay vigilant and keep your financial information safe from phishing scams!

Learn more about phishing and see examples here.

6. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Monitoring your accounts regularly is a vital step in safeguarding your finances and protecting yourself from potential fraud. Here’s why staying on top of your account activity is crucial:

  1. Early Detection of Unauthorized Transactions: By checking your statements and transactions regularly, you can quickly spot any unfamiliar charges or suspicious activities. Detecting potential fraud early allows you to take immediate action, minimizing any potential financial losses.
  2. Protecting Your Credit Score: Fraudulent activities, if left unnoticed, can harm your credit score. Reporting and resolving unauthorized transactions promptly can prevent any negative impact on your credit history.
  3. Preventing Further Complications: The longer fraudulent activities go unnoticed, the more complicated the process of resolving the issues can become. By reporting discrepancies promptly, you can prevent further complications and expedite the resolution.
  4. Ensuring Financial Stability: Monitoring your accounts helps maintain a clear understanding of your financial health. By promptly addressing any discrepancies, you ensure the accuracy of your financial records and maintain stability in your financial planning.
  5. Strengthening Cybersecurity Habits: Regularly checking your account statements reinforces the habit of being proactive about cybersecurity. This habit can extend to other aspects of your online presence, enhancing your overall security online.
  6. Prevent “Check Washing”: If you use checks to pay bills or send checks through the mail it may be time to find an alternative. “Check washing” or creating a blank check from a filled check is on the rise. To prevent this, experts recommend not leaving your checks in the mailbox overnight, use Emery’s Bill Pay feature through home and mobile banking, delivering your mail to the post office, and filling out checks with a black gel pen that permeates the fibers of the check. We recommend the Uni-Ball 207.

7. Keep Devices Secure

Lock your devices with a passcode or biometric security, like facial recognition, and only download apps from trusted sources. Install security updates promptly to stay protected.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with two-factor authentication. This ensures only you can access your accounts, even if your login credentials are compromised.

9. Shred Important Documents

Dispose of sensitive paperwork safely by shredding old bank statements, credit card offers, and any documents containing personal information. Emery Federal Credit Union hosts a Shred Day every year. Stay informed of this event and others by keeping up with us on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Also, stay up-to-date by signing up for emails.

10. Stay Informed

Keep up with the latest fraud trends and scams through Emery FCU’s newsletters, social media, and website. Knowledge is power!

11. Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect fraud or encounter anything unusual with your account, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated customer support team immediately at info@emeryfcu.org or (513) 530-9351.

With these proactive measures and Emery FCU’s security features, you can confidently protect your finances and enjoy peace of mind. Spread the word and help your friends and family stay safe too!

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