Fraud poses a grave threat to financial security and peace of mind. With an increasingly digital age, it is easier and easier to slip up and have vital personal information leaked. It is vital to understand what fraud is, how to prevent it, and what to do if you fall victim. This article, How to Prevent and Detect Fraud, will explore what steps you can take to secure yourself against fraud and what to do if you fall victim. 

Preventing Fraud

1. Stay Informed
   • Follow reputable sources that report on the latest scams and fraud techniques
   • Hackers are constantly changing their methods, so it is important to stay updated so you can detect suspicious activity if it arises.
2. Only Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
   • Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. 
   • Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. 
   • The longer your password, the better. Consider using a memorable phrase as your password.
     • Click to Test The Security Of Your Password: https://www.security.org/how-secure-is-my-password/
3. Multi-Factor Authentication:
   • Enable multi-factor authentication for your email, financial, and social media accounts.
   • This ensures that even if your password is compromised, an additional layer of security is in place.
4. Be Cautious with Emails and Links:
   • Before clicking on any links or downloading attachments, verify the sender’s email address. 
   • If you receive unsolicited emails asking for personal information or payments, contact the organization directly using official contact information to confirm its legitimacy.
5.  Secure Wi-Fi Networks:
   • Use a strong and unique password for your home Wi-Fi network. 
   • Avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to hacking. 
   • Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security when using public networks.

Detecting Fraud

1. Review Account Statements:
   • When reviewing your account statements, check for any unusual withdrawals, purchases, or transfers.
   • Pay attention to unfamiliar merchant names or locations.
   • Report any discrepancies promptly.
2. Set Up Account Alerts
   • UCCU, as well as many other banks, allow you to set up account alerts. This is a way to stay on top of the activity in your account. You can customize these alerts, so you only get notifications on what you want to know!
   • Click Below To Set Up Alerts: https://www.uccu.com/personal/solutions/alerts/
3. Check Your Credit Reports:
   • Get one free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
   • Review them for inaccuracies, unfamiliar accounts, or credit inquiries you didn’t initiate. 
   • Dispute any errors you find.

In the event that you fall victim to fraud, UCCU has a team of restoration experts ready to help you, free of charge. Your financial security is our highest priority and we are dedicated to helped you restore security and peace of mind.

To learn more about reporting fraud click the link below:

What If You Fall Victim?

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