Security Center

Every day, technology becomes more prevalent in people’s lives. From working and traveling to shopping and socializing, it seems people are always connected today. But this nonstop reliance on our devices also creates a haven for fraudsters.  While online scams have been around for ages, new technologies bring additional means for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Scammers have even gone to such lengths as impersonating government officials or creating fraudulent marketplaces allowing them to capture your financial information.   The best way to protect yourself from becoming a fraud or identity theft victim is to understand how these scams…

Keeping passwords strong and secure these days is about as easy as tightrope walking over a pool of hungry great white sharks. Updating passwords frequently and making them complex is difficult, but it’s essential to keeping hackers and fraudsters at bay.   Fraud Awareness Week is a great time to evaluate your financial security and risk. Fraud costs billions of dollars in damage to companies, governments, and individuals each year. It can dramatically affect your life, result in the loss of your savings and investments, cause a strain on your financial resources, or worse.  Strong passwords are crucial when it comes…

Nowadays, everyone in the family is using technology – from kids to grandparents. These convenient digital tools instantly connect everyone and everything, from friends and family to financial accounts and shopping. Unfortunately, they also open the door to fraudsters. It’s more important now than ever to educate your family about online safety and how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest scam.   Essential Online Security Tips  Begin by reviewing your current online practices. There are simple steps you can take to safeguard your accounts and daily activities against scammers.   Creating Passwords: When creating passwords for any online account,…

If you or your children have student loans, you’re probably excited about August 24, 2022 the announcement of the new student loan debt forgiveness plan. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plans to announce details within the next few weeks on how borrowers can claim their share of the student loan debt relief.   Meanwhile, student loan borrowers aren’t sure exactly what to do next to receive the relief —and scammers will be rising to the occasion, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB recommends the following tips for avoiding student loan forgiveness scams:  Don’t act before knowing…

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness for senior citizens who may be unable to advocate for themselves.   5 FACTS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE   Elder abuse instances…

While fraud can occur at any time of the year, unfortunately, it becomes more popular during the holidays. This could be due to the hustle and bustle of the season and the fact that more people are shopping, especially online.   Here is a list of the most common holiday fraud schemes with tips on how to protect yourself.   3 Common Holiday Fraud Methods & Scams  Here are some of the most common holiday frauds and scams:   Skimming is carried out by using electronic devices to secretly scan and store debit card and credit card PINs and numbers. This tactic is commonly used on fuel pumps at gas stations.  SMiShing (SMS phishing) is…

With online transactions increasing each year, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant in protecting your identity. Identity theft and fraud are on the rise, and scammers are becoming smarter and more creative with targeting you and your accounts. However, figuring out how to best protect yourself can be overwhelming. Below are ten things you can start doing right now to secure your accounts better.  1. Change Your Online Banking Password Regularly Remember to change and update your online banking passwords regularly. You should try to change them every three to six months to help lower the chances of your password being decoded or stolen by hackers.   2. Close Old Accounts If you have old financial accounts from years past that you no longer use, they…