Fraud Security Tips from FICO - click here
ATM Security
- Keep your PIN a secret and do not write it down with the card.
- Make sure the surroundings are well- lighted .
- Do not start or complete the transaction, if anyone suspicious is around.
- Have your card and paperwork ready before approaching the machine and put your cash away immediately. You can count it in the car or other safe place.
- Make sure to block the view of others behind you when inputting your PIN number.
- Do not give any information to strangers.
- Report any suspicious activity or devices to the ATM operator or police department.
- Consider having another person accompany you to the ATM.
ONLINE Security
- Beware of e-mails that contain urgent requests for personal information.
- Beware of e-mails that are not personalized with your name.
- Don't click on links in an email message to get to any website. Call the company to verify or enter the website manually in your browser. The link could say the correct information, but it directs you to a bogus site.
- If you are submitting credit card information, make sure you are on a secure website. The beginning of the Web address will be https:// not just http://.
- Consider installing scam blocking protection on your browser. This can usually be done through your internet provider.
- Check your online accounts regularly.
- Make sure your browser is up-to-date and security patches are applied.
- Forward suspect phishing emails to reportphising@antiphishing.com and spam@uce.gov.
HOME Security
- Shred all personal information before throwing away. This includes old checks, statements, bills, etc.
- Keep personal information in a locked area.
- Do not allow others access to banking or personal information.
- Follow normal security procedures like locking doors and not allowing strangers in your house.
- Do not give any information to anyone who calls you, no matter what they say you won or what they are selling. You should only give information to people you have contacted and trust.
- Do not leave purses, wallets, etc laying around in plain sight of windows.
CHECK Security
- When paying bills, make sure you use a locked mail box for outgoing mail.
- Do not accept checks for merchandise, if possible. Require cash.
- When writing checks, make sure to fill out all lines completely. You should not leave any room for a criminal to add numbers in front or behind the dollar amounts.
- Remember any check you deposit into an account is your responsibility. If it comes back unpaid, you will be required to pay the funds to the institution. Even if the institution does not place the funds on hold, the check can come back unpaid.
- Make sure unused checks are kept in a secure area.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARD Security
- Report it immediately if your card is lost or stolen. Have the phone numbers to call written somewhere safe.
- Do not give out card numbers over the phone or internet unless you initiated the transaction. See Online tips.
- Watch your statement for transactions that are not yours and report any problems.
- Do not give your PIN number to anyone to use.
The U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website with lots of information on your financial well being. This website has a choice for Privacy, Fraud, and Scams, which contains more information on protecting yourself. Go to: http://www.mymoney.gov/default.shtml.
The U.S. Federal Government also hosts On Guard Online: Your Safety Net which provides tips on how to secure your computer and identity against fraud. Visit On Guard by clicking here.
If you should have any questions regarding these general security tips or the security of your Great Basin Federal Credit Union Account, please contact fraud@greatbasin.org.
