Phishing Scams
Phishing emails and phone calls from spoof numbers are becoming increasingly common as scammers come up with ways to pass off as trusted organizations.
Tax-Related Scams
If you receive a phone call from “the IRS” that doesn’t seem quite right, it may be a tax-related scam in an attempt to get your banking information.
Online Purchase Scams
Ever purchased something from an online shop only to never actually receive it? Scammers are now creating fake e-commerce stores to swindle consumers.
Cryptocurrency Scams
As cryptocurrency grows in popularity, more scams pop up, often involving fake prizes, contests, giveaways, or early investment opportunities.
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Don’t Trust Public Networks
Avoid accessing your account from a shared computer or over an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network that’s easy to hack.
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Keep Your Software Up to Date
Make sure to update your computer software regularly to ensure you have the best protection in place to protect against emerging threats.
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Use Antimalware Software
One of the best ways to protect yourself from cybersecurity threats is by using antivirus and antimalware software from a reliable company.
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Securely Monitor Your Account
One of the best and easiest ways to prevent fraud is to review your account online and look for any unusual activity or unauthorized transactions.
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Change Your Passwords Often
Change your online credentials often and consider investing in a password manager tool such as LastPass to protect your accounts.
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Customize Reminders and Alerts
Receive digital alerts on your account balance, get reminders about upcoming bills, and monitor suspicious transactions.
If you receive a message from someone you don’t recognize congratulating you for winning a free prize or sweepstakes, it’s likely a scam.
Keep an eye out for any emails or phone calls from charities that you don’t recognize looking for donations. They are likely not as honest as they seem.
Common Security FAQ's
1. How can I avoid getting scammed?
The best way to avoid online scams is to use common sense and be cautious about where you share personal information. If you receive a request for personal information, think carefully before responding—even if it looks legitimate.
2. How can I secure my bank account?
You can secure your bank account by monitoring your transactions, setting up custom alerts, changing your password often, safeguarding your physical card, and being mindful of where you share your private information.
3. What should I do if I’m the victim of a scam?
If you suspect you’re the victim of an online scam, change your account passwords, contact us (or whoever you bank with), and report the scam to the FTC. You may also opt to freeze your credit to be as proactive as possible.
4. Where can I learn more about recent scams?
A number of credible agencies offer online resources to help consumers protect themselves from scams, such as FTC Scam Alerts and the BBB Scam Tracker. You can also subscribe to the iQ blog for regular updates.
5. Am I considered at high risk of being scammed?
Although older adults often fall prey to scams, these days nearly everyone is at risk in some way, shape, or form. That’s why it’s important to be diligent about your online security as well as any common or recent scams.
6. How did scammers get my personal information?
There are a number of ways scammers can access your personal information, from credit card skimming and phishing attempts to compromised passwords and website security breaches.
7. What are some security red flags to watch out for?
Some red flags to look out for include unsecured websites, typosquatting, suspicious links or attachments, attempts to access your personal information, and almost anything that just seems too good to be true.
8. Can iQ Credit Union help me if I suspect fraud?
iQ offers identity theft recovery services at no additional cost to all primary account holders. If you are a victim of or suspect identity theft for any reason, simply let us know and we’ll put you in touch with a professional recovery advocate.