HFCU Security Tips to Protect Yourself Online
HFCU wants you to protect yourself from fraudulent activities and other cybersecurity threats that many people continue to fall victim to every day. Fraudsters continue to find more ways where they can steal your personal information, but we encourage you to become a more vigilant online consumer by reviewing and embracing the following tips to avoid this from happening.
Stay ahead of these fraudsters by recognizing when it happens.
- Identify impersonators. Fraudsters pretend to represent HFCU, another bank, a government agency, or a close family member by impersonating through text and phone calls. Sometimes they can be convincing and even look or sound like us, but HFCU employees will never ever call you and ask for login information or one-time codes.
- If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. You found that perfect job online. You get hired quickly and receive a check to buy supplies. You’re asked to deposit the check and send back the money you don’t use. Unfortunately, their check bounces and now you’re at a loss. If you’re ever asked to deposit a check and send money elsewhere, don’t do it. It’s a scam!
- Protect yourself from phishing emails. Pay attention to emails claiming to be a bill or a security alert. If anything looks odd such as misspelled words, your name not appearing on the email, links that don’t appear to go to the right place, requests for you to “verify” account or personal information, delete the message and report these requests to us by calling us at (281) 243-0500 or toll-free at 1 (866) 687-4328.
- Recognize pressure tactics. Fraudsters will create a false sense of urgency to get you to act. Don’t fall for it.
- Go to the source. Trust your instincts. If you’re questioning the person who called you, texted you, or sent you an e-mail, hang up and call the actual listed phone number to the business or financial institution in question. Do not call a number provided in a text or email that you are unsure of. This extra step could protect you, and also verify if your instincts were correct. Better to be safe than sorry.
- Be a smart sender. Only send money to those you know and trust, such as family and friends. Never send money to someone you don’t know in real life, especially through third party services such as Zelle®, Venmo and Cash App. Don’t send a payment with gift cards. Legitimate businesses will never request a gift card as payment to satisfy a bill.
Stay secure with these best practices.
- HFCU won’t ask you for that. We will never call you to request a one-time verification code, PIN, password or other personal identification details. These are security features put in place to protect you and only for you to know.
- Use strong passwords. Traditional passwords are not secure enough. Use the strongest authentication options provided, and don’t share or save these details on public devices. A two-step verification process is also in place for you to login into our eTeller and eMobile online banking app. Never share your password or verification code with anyone.
- Monitor your accounts frequently. Keep a close eye on your accounts, respond to fraud alerts related to your accounts, and report unauthorized transactions right away.
- Don’t respond to unsolicited messages. Ignore and delete random texts and e-mails that ask you to click a link or provide personal information. Don’t ever click links from untrusted sources.
We want to remind members to never share any codes or personal information, or feel pressured to act immediately if you receive a text message, email, or a call. HFCU will never ask you for your personal account information through a text message, email, or over the phone.
If you are unsure of a recent message or call that you may have received, please do not click any links or respond to it, and feel free to call us directly with any questions or concerns you may have.