Fraud & Security Center

Fraud Prevention Month Tips 

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to steal personal and financial information, but you can take steps to protect yourself. In honor of Fraud Prevention Month, we’re sharing essential tips to help keep your accounts and identity secure. Stay informed and safeguard your finances by following these best practices...and for even more fraud prevention tips, be sure to follow us on social media!

  1. Don't overshare online – be cautious about sharing details on social media that fraudsters can use to guess security questions 

  2. Shred Sensitive Documents – bank statements, credit card offers, and other sensitive documents with personal info should be shredded before disposal. 

  3. Use secure Wi-Fi – Avoid logging into banking accounts or other personal accounts on public, unsecure Wi-Fi networks. These are easier for hackers to access and exploit.

  4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by enabling MFA. This makes it harder for fraudsters to gain access even if they have your password.

  5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly – Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions. Report anything unusual immediately

  6. Think Before You Click – Avoid click on suspicious links in emails or texts. Phishing scams often disguise themselves as legitimate institutions. 

  7. Be Aware of Urgent Requests – Scammers create a sense of urgency to trick you. Verify an unexpected financial requests before acting.  

  8. Limit Your Debit Card Use Online – Credit cards often offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Use credit cards for online shopping whenever possible.

  9. Keep Your Devices Secure and Updated – Protect your phone and computer with strong passwords and install the latest software updates. Keeping your devices updated ensures you have the latest security patches to defend against fraud and hacking attempts.

  10. Freeze Your Credit When Not in Use – If you’re not applying for credit, consider freezing your credit with major bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

 

Educate Yourself

Some guidelines to follow as you arm yourself against Fraud:

  • Your financial institution will never call you to request information you received via text (SMS) or pressure you to reset your online banking login password.
  • Never trust caller ID; Caller ID may be modified to show your financial institution’s name and number.
  • Only call your institution from the phone numbers available on their public website.
  • Never provide your online banking login credentials, one-time password, account number, or personal information by email or text, or phone call. Using their published phone number, reach out to your financial institution to confirm that the request is legitimate.
  • Never give information over the phone if you receive a call stating that a transaction is canceled, even if the caller claims to be from your financial institution. Once again, contact your financial institution using a published phone number to inquire about the transaction.
  • Never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
  • Do not respond to texts, calls or emails for one-time passcode authorizations that you did not request or validate the login.

 

Fraud Alert: Credit Union Phone Spoofing Notice

We have experienced an increased reports of fraudsters spoofing Neighbors Credit Union phone numbers on calls and text messages impersonating employees. Their intent is to obtain your personal identification and account information to steal your identity and/or have access to your money.

If you receive a phone call/text from Neighbors Credit Union asking you for any personal identification, online banking information or account information it is most likely an impostor fraudulently representing a credit union employee. Even if the call/text appears to be coming from our 314-892-5400 number, hang up and call the credit union directly to ensure you are speaking with an authorized credit union representative.  

AS A GENERAL GUIDELINE, BE HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS ANYTIME YOU ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE, MESSENGER OR EMAIL.

If you have given out your personal information on an unsolicited phone call or text message, please call us at 314-892-5400.