Stay safe by protecting your identity and avoiding being a victim of identity theft. Here are a few ways you can prevent fraud:
Online Marketplaces: Use caution while shopping on online marketplaces. If you are buying direct from a person and paying in cash, you won’t have the same purchase protection you would get when buying from a reputable retailer or using a credit card.
Passwords: Do not share passwords, PIN numbers or financial information by phone, email, or text.
Buying and Selling: Be cautious of deals that are too good to be true. Scammers will set up fake online stores and "sell" items through a reputable website. You could wind up paying for a product and get nothing in return.
Skimming Devices: To protect yourself from skimming devices, stay vigilant when using ATMs and gas pumps. Examine the card reader carefully to see if there are any attachments or unfamiliar objects. Be wary of keypads that are loose, have moving edges, or appear tampered with. If you notice any damage or anything that seems out of place, do not use the machine. Trust your instincts; your caution could prevent potential fraud.
Digital Banking: Do not share your MyCoVantage credentials with anyone. This information doesn’t need to be provided to anyone in order to deposit into your account.
Online Safety: Don’t send financial information via email, be careful when opening links and attachments, and refrain from entering private info on public Wi-Fi.
Easy Money: Be cautious of promises of easy money. If you are contacted by someone who says you won a sweepstakes for a contest you did not enter and need to pay a processing fee to claim a prize, be skeptical and ask questions.
Online Romantic Relationships: Be wary of online romantic relationships where someone urges you to give them money. It may sound innocent, but the person might be trying to gain access to your accounts or credit cards.
Use Security Features: Enable security features on your phone and financial accounts, such as two-factor authentication. Take advantage of account alerts to receive notifications of account activity, such as large transactions or account logins.
Report Scams: Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution, mobile carrier, and relevant authorities. This helps prevent others from falling victim.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and how they operate. Knowledge is your first line of defense.