How to Protect Your UCU Accounts from Online Scams

 

More and more of our Members are using UCU Online banking and the UCU app to conduct their everyday banking transactions.  

Having access to your accounts 24/7 gives you the freedom to move money or pay bills with just a few taps on your computer keyboard or phone. But this ease of digital access also allows fraudsters to target your money or steal your personal information.

Here is what you need to know to outsmart online scammers.

UCU Digital Banking is Safe and Secure

Our digital Online and Mobile banking platforms are safe and secure.

We take account security very seriously and use the most up-to-date security measures such as encryption, firewalls and two-step authentication to protect our Members’ financial information.

Be an Alert Consumer

You can improve your online banking security and protect your accounts by being an alert consumer.

While UCU secures your financial information on the back end of our online banking system, you can take steps to safeguard your accounts on the front end.

By working in partnership with UCU and following a few simple steps, you can help protect your accounts from fraud.

Beware of Online Scams

Online scammers are everywhere and their tactics are becoming more sophisticated. According to the Better Business Bureau, online scams have risen over 87% since 2015.

Follow These Steps to Protect Your Financial Information Online

You can protect your personal and financial information by taking these simple steps to safeguard your accounts.

Protect Your Devices, Systems and Data

• Protect your computer – Keep up-to-date with the latest updates on your operating system and web browser and install the updates when they become available.
• Create unique passwords - The best way to protect your account information is by choosing strong passwords that are difficult to guess. The strongest passwords include a combination of numbers, upper/lower case letters and symbols, and are at least 12 characters long.
• Keep antivirus software current – Install and update antivirus software that will safeguard your computer and mobile devices such as Sophos, Bitdefender or Avast. The antivirus software will detect and remove malicious malware. 

Protect Your Connections

• Avoid public Wi-Fi when banking – Public Wi-Fi networks are not generally encrypted and are not considered secure. Instead, use only secure Wi-Fi networks for your banking transactions, such as the password-protected Wi-Fi network in your home.
• Don’t use public computers for banking – Computers at libraries, airports and hotels are not considered safe devices for online banking – they are likely infected with malicious malware. Never store your passwords in the web browser of a public computer.
• Log out when done: Make sure to log out of your account when you are done, and close the tab or browser window on your computer.  On your phone, log out of the app, and close the app.

Protect Your Money and Personal Information

• Enable UCU Alerts – To help stay on top of your account activity, enable UCU Alerts. UCU will send you email or text message notifications only on the security alerts you select.  Learn more about UCU Alerts here.
• Protect your personal information from phishing scams – Fraudsters send fake emails or texts – known as phishing scams – claiming to be from legitimate organizations such as UCU. They will ask for your personal information to steal your identity and enter your bank account. Don’t click on the link of a suspicious email or text and never respond to unsolicited requests for your confidential information.
• Remember - UCU, other financial institutions and government agencies will never ask for your social insurance number, PIN or other banking information. Never give out that information if solicited.

Report Suspicious Account Activity Immediately

If you notice suspicious activity on your accounts, contact the UCU Call Centre at 1.800.461.0777 or email ucucentre@ukrainiancu.com.