Protect Yourself
There are no typical victims of fraud and with today’s technology these creative scammers can be anywhere. The good news is – you’re in charge of your money and your safety.
Here are a few tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
- Keep Personal Information Confidential. Do not give personal information over the phone, through email or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact and know who you’re dealing with.
- Keep your Personal Information Safe. An identity thief will pick through your garbage or recycling bins, so be sure to shred unwanted personal documents such as transaction records, insurance forms, financial statements, cheques, copies of credit applications, etc.
- Keep your Computer Safe. Protect your computer with a good firewall and anti-virus, anti-malware software. Don’t try, don’t buy, and don’t reply to spam or emails that ask for your banking information. Be wary of online offers from web sites you don’t know.
- Protect your PIN and Passwords. Do not reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone, including employees of your financial institution, family members and friends. When conducting a transaction at an ATM or retail (point-of sale) location, keep your Member Card or Credit Card within sight and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Don’t be a Victim of Cheque Fraud. If someone sends you a cheque and asks you to deposit the cheque into your account and then forward most of the funds by wire transfer or money order, watch out, you may become the victim of cheque fraud!
- Protect your Log On Information for Online Banking. Never share you password with anyone. Select a password that is easy to memorize but difficult to guess and change it in Online Banking on a regular basis.
Watch Out for Scams
Top 5 Scams
1. Top Emotional Scam - Charity Fundraising
Canadians are incredible generous, and when a natural disaster of tragedy strikes we are quick to open our wallets to those in need. But Beware! There are many fraudulent websites that pop-up to take advantage of your emotional state. Sometimes they look pretty legit. always donate to a charity that your know well and even stick with ones that you have donated to in the page.
2. Identity Theft - Remote Computer Repair
Someone contracts you claiming to be from a well-known software company such as Microsoft. They tell you that your computer is infected and they need remove access to fix it. They could be trying to download malware onto your computer so they can teal your identity. Never give someone remote access to your computer if you did not initiate contract using official information listed on the legitimate company website.
3. Social Media Scams - Fake Friend Request
Someone who you don't know, or even a legitimate 'friend' that was already your 'Facebook friend' sends you another friend request. These people could be trying to access the personals information on your profile or posts and could even post links that will infect your computer in order to steal your identity. If you are having doubts about how legit the request or link is , the safest bet is to not accept the friend request. always think before you click.
4. Utilities Scams - Fake Billing
You get a call from someone claiming to be a utility company, and they are using aggressive and threatening language. They demand your send them money immediately or else they will cut off service, and usually they want money through a Gift Card. Utility companies never conduct business in this way or demand payment in the way. If you are suspicious, hang-up and contact the utility company using legitimate contract information found on your bill.
5. Romance Scams - Online Dating
These are a lot of online dating sites out there, and there's also a lot of scammers preying on people's emotional states. Some red flags with online dating are if a person shows outward emotion way too soon, is from the same location but is always 'always on business', immediately wants to take the conservation onto email of other private messaging, or starts taking about personal financial hardships way too soon. the best rule of thumb is to never give your personal information of send money to someone that you've never met in person.
Report Fraud
If you suspect your account has been compromised, please report it to us by calling 780-826-3377.