Keeping You and Your Information Safe
At Louisiana USA Federal Credit Union, we want our members to feel safe and know that their information is in good hands. However, identity and credit and debit card fraud can occur in the blink of an eye and can cause major long-term issues if you are not taking the proper precautions to protect yourself. When combatting potential fraud, preparation is key. Here are a few tips to keep your information safe and your mind at ease.
1. Only Purchase Products from Trusted Websites
Did you just get an ad on social media for a great item at a great price that seems too good to be true? It might be. We urge our members to be cautious when purchasing from websites that don’t seem very reputable. A good rule of thumb is to always choose companies with secure transactions and strong privacy and security policies.
2. Store and Discard Sensitive Information Properly
Always make sure to shred any information that contains any personal information including your name, address, social security number, medical information, invoices and anything else that others might use to steal your identity. Additionally, ensure that you are properly storing and not carrying any personal documents such as birth certificates and social security cards.
3. Check your Credit Reports and Monitor your Bank Activity as Frequently as Possible
We recommend that our members check their credit reports no less than twice a year and check their banking statements often. This can be done online as frequently as possible or by reviewing your monthly statements as they arrive. As a valued member, you can call one of our branches any time you have any concerns or questions related to fraud and we will look into it to save you any stress.
4. Be Aware of Fraudulent Emails or Phone Calls
One of the most common ways identity theft occurs is through phishing emails that prompt the user into thinking they need to reset a password or provide information. Be sure to double check the email address in which your information is being requested and call the institution if you are ever unsure. Additionally, it is important that you do not click any unknown links that may put your information at harm.
5. Set Up Alerts on Financial and Medical Accounts
A tip that never hurts is to set up alerts so that you may be notified if a change is made within your accounts. Many institutions allow you to set up notifications that can immediately alert you regarding any purchases that are made with your card or when any of your medical information is accessed.
What happens if your account is compromised?
If you feel that your account has been fraudulently charged, be sure to contact your financial institution immediately or freeze your accounts online. If you are a Louisiana USA member and ever have a question or concern, our team will be quick to step in, answer your questions and resolve the issue.
When it comes to identity protection, safety begins with you. Be sure to reference these tips and tricks to ensure that you are doing your part to keep your information safe. As always, feel free to contact any of our team members at Louisiana USA if you ever have any questions regarding fraud.
