Originally posted 2/1/19 – updated

Identity theft and fraud are on the rise. In fact, a study from Javelin Strategy and Research found an estimated record-high 15.4 million people were victims of fraud in 2016—at a staggering cost of around $16 billion. More fall victim every year.

Visa works hard to detect and prevent fraud using a variety of methods. Kirtland FCU also has safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. But fraud still may occur.

Here are steps YOU can take to prevent and limit fraud.

SET ACCOUNT AND CREDIT CARD ALERTS
A variety of text and e-mail alerts are available to you through your Online Banking account or by giving us a call. The earlier you discover fraud, the faster the thief can be cut off.

SET A CODE WORD
A code word is a special password you will need to give over the phone before any sensitive account information is discussed. This simple line of defense makes sure that no matter what kind of other information a fraudster may possess, he cannot access your accounts over the phone or in person without the word.

Call 1-800-880-5329 or stop by a branch to set up your code word with Kirtland FCU.

DON’T SHARE ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Professional identity thieves aren’t the only threat. Fraud is often a crime of opportunity. Don’t give your credit card information or bank account information to anyone who isn’t an authorized signer, even those you may trust. Just like a secret isn’t a secret once someone else knows, once the information is out of your hands, you have no control over where it is shared.
 
USE ONLINE AND MOBILE BANKING
The more in tune you are to your spending, the faster you’ll notice something amiss. Check in with your accounts daily, and alert Kirtland FCU if you notice anything unusual.

DO NOT REUSE PASSWORDS
It’s tempting to set one password for multiple sites: bank login, Netflix, Amazon, credit card account, etc. But, if your password is compromised on one site, every site you’ve used it on is now vulnerable.
 
Instead, choose a different password for each website. Many browsers can also generate and save tough auto-passwords for you (note: do NOT take advantage of this feature on public computers or public Wi-Fi). In addition, consider taking advantage of two-factor authentication wherever it is offered. This type of login will text or e-mail a one-time login to you each time you enter your password, ensuring that your password alone cannot give a thief access.

Bottom line: keeping tabs on your accounts and safeguarding your important information are the biggest keys to preventing or limiting fraud and identity theft.

Stay savvy out there!