Malware Viruses

 

Some criminals are looking for ways to steal your personal information. Malware viruses infect your personal computer and collect sensitive information. These pesky viruses wait for you to access a particular website or even your banking site. Once you're logged in, the virus delivers your personal information to the criminal for later processing.

If you receive an unsolicited pop-up while signing onto a website or secure account, close the window and do not enter any personal information. If you think your computer has a malware virus, take steps to search and remove the malware before proceeding.

 

Browser Security

 

Your Internet browsers is a key part of keeping your online financial experience and information safe. With each new release, browsers become more secure. No matter what browser you use, make sure you have the latest version installed.

Microsoft operating systems browsers:

• MS Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

Apple operating systems browsers:

• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Google Chrome

 

If You Suspect Identity Theft

 

If you’re concerned that you might be a victim of identity theft, the first step is to contact your financial institutions immediately. As a TTCU member, you can call (918) 749-8828 or email us the details. Use the following if after hours:

• Lost/stolen Visa® debit card: (800) 791-2525
• Lost/stolen Visa Platinum credit card: (800) 237-6211
• Lost/stolen Visa CashBack credit card: (866) 547-9129

Next, contact one of the three major credit bureaus about placing a fraud alert on your file. This will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name.

Credit bureau fraud division contact information:

• Equifax: 800-262-7438, P.O. Box 740041, Atlanta, GA 30374
• TransUnion: 800-680-7289, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
• Experian: 888-397-3742, P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013

Finally, submit an identity theft report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local police department. The FTC can be reached by calling 877-IDTHEFT or online.

 

Protect Devices & Network

 

• Change the default name and password on your WIFI router
• Keep your devices updated
• Use a firewall and antivirus software
• Frequently backup any external hard drives or cloud storage
• Set up parental controls to block adult or malicious content

 

Password Tips

 

• Use a unique and different password for each website
• Consider using a password manager to store and remember passwords
• The longer the password, the more secure it is

 

Social Media Safety

 

Here are some great ways to be safe while using social media.

• Never accept friend requests or connections from strangers
• Use a multifactor authentication
• Don’t share personal details

 

Phishing

 

Always be on the lookout for phishing emails, which appear to be from familiar and reputable companies, like TTCU. The email message will warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. Use caution with any links that ask you to update or provide account information.

The goal of phishing is to persuade you to share sensitive information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft against you. If you question the legitimacy of an email, contact the company directly. Never click the link or use the information provided in the questionable email.

Criminals attempt this same scam using telephone calls - sometimes called vishing. Beware of phone calls telling you your credit card has been used illegally. If someone asks you to give or confirm credit card or personal information, hang up and report the attempt.

TTCU will never reach out to you to verify sensitive or private information via email or phone. Remember, legitimate companies already have the information they need to do business with you. If you are in doubt about any communication from TTCU, call us before you act.

 

Check Fraud

 

Here's how you can help prevent check fraud:

• Keep your checks safe. Even one check can cause problems.
• Reconcile your account at least monthly with your physical or online bank statements.
• Never write your PIN directly on your card, checkbook or wallet. If you must write it down, keep it separate and in a different location than your card.
• Don’t throw away old checks and bank statements; shred them. If you're tired of paper statements, sign up for e-Statements. See all your statements in online banking.
• Fill out checks completely so they can't be altered. Use a pigmented gel pen (like a UniBall 207 Gel Pen) to prevent “check washing.” Check washing is the process of erasing details from checks to allow them to be rewritten for criminal purposes.
• Verify individuals requesting payments over the phone before giving them your account information. Be certain you know who is receiving it and why.
• To prevent mail theft, take outgoing mail directly to the post office rather than placing it in your personal mailbox for pick-up.
• Make sure to provide updated contact information for all of your accounts.

 

FraudWatch Plus

 

We help protect you against fraud with around-the-clock monitoring - 24 hours, seven-days-a-week. FraudWatch monitors unusual activity on your Visa® Debit Card so you're protected against fraud, identity theft and scams.

FraudWatch Plus evaluates your transactions and patterns to identify uncharacteristic activity on your card. If detected, Fraud Prevention Services will contact you to verify the transaction. If they're unable to reach you, your card may be deactivated depending on the activity that has occurred. Fraud Prevention Services' toll-free number is (866)842-5208.

 

Detecting Phishing Emails

 

If you suspect an email might be a phishing attempt, ask yourself these questions.

• Is it written with a sense of urgency?
• Does the message contain misleading links or poor spelling and grammar?
• Is the email asking you for sensitive or personal information?
• Does the email contain unrealistic threats or a request for money?
• Does it appear to be from a government agency?