There have been reported cases of increasing social engineering scams regarding Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
We want to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard your accounts against the rising threat of mobile payment scams. Our commitment to your financial security is paramount, and recent reports on increased social engineering scams related to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay have prompted us to share some essential tips.
- Retrieve your mail daily.
Fraudsters are known to steal mail directly from your mailbox, aiming to obtain sensitive information. Regularly retrieving your mail reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your account details or potential modifications to your account.
- Set up alerts on your account.
Take advantage of the features offered on HFCU’s online or mobile banking system to set up alerts for your account and card. Receive real-time notifications for every transaction and gain the ability to deactivate your card during inactive periods, reactivating it only when making a purchase. Regularly reviewing your account activity is easier with these alerts.
- Set a strong password on your account.
Protect your account by setting a robust password. In the event that fraudsters possess your personal information, a strong password acts as a crucial barrier during the member identification process, preventing unauthorized access to your account information.
- Do not give any of your information out.
Beware of unexpected calls claiming to be from HFCU. Remember, our employees will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call HFCU directly at 281-243-0500, or toll-free at 1-(866)-687-4328. to verify the authenticity of the call.
- Keep accounts up to date.
Ensure all your contact information, including phone number, home address, and email address, is current. This helps us reach you promptly if necessary, strengthening our ability to protect your account.
Please, practice extreme caution when entering personal or account information for purchases, clicking links in emails, or visiting websites. Fraudsters are continually developing new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and your attention, coupled with the tips provided, can be instrumental in preventing unauthorized access to your money.
As always, thank you for being a valued member of Houston Federal Credit Union!