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.

• MS Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

• 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, please contact Member Relations with details as soon as possible.

If you'd like to close your card after business hours, call Member Relations and select the appropriate call menu option. You'll be forwarded to 24/7 card assistance. If your card was closed, contact TTCU during business hours to order a replacement card.

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.

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.

Falcon Fraud Protection

With your TTCU debit and credit cards, you get an extra layer of protection against fraud. Falcon Fraud evaluates your transactions and patterns to identify uncharacteristic activity on your card, so you're protected against fraud, identity theft and scams. Cardholders may contact Falcon Fraud at (855) 961-1602.

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?