Cyber safety concept – lock on computer keyboard
The security of your financial information should always be a top priority. Take the following steps to help fight fraud:
- Review your account activity regularly and report suspicious activity promptly.
- Create a strong, unique password for each online sign-in – and use additional security features when available.
- Protect your devices by installing antivirus software and keeping your operating systems, applications and web browser up-to-date on your mobile phone, tablet and computer.
- Stay alert to online threats. Avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to emails or texts urging you to act quickly. Do not provide personal information like your account numbers, PIN or Social Security number.
Know how to identify and avoid scams
If you provide your information or send money to a scammer, there is often little that can be done help get your money back.
- Never trust caller ID: Always validate a person’s organization by calling them back through an official phone number.
- Scammers may pose as government officials, law enforcement or even bank employees to steal your personal information.
- Digital payments should only be used to send money to friends, family or others you trust and not to buy goods or services from people you don’t know.
Know how to identify red flags. In many of the most common types of scams, you may be:
- Pressured to send money
- Threatened with law enforcement action
- Told to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment
- Asked to cash a check for a stranger
- Instructed to make a cash deposit for sweepstakes
- Offered more than you are asking for something with a request to send the overpayment elsewhere
Source:Bank of America
