Scammers use a variety of means to target their victims like phone calls, emails, text messages, social media and more. You may be contacted by someone claiming to be from your financial institution, a reputable organization or even a family member or friend.
No matter the scam, there are steps you can take that will help you protect yourself and your finances.
Create unique and complex passwords
Never use publicly available information like your name, birthday, address, pet names or email address as part of your password. We recommend using a “passphrase” as a password as they are longer and more complex, making it harder for scammers and hackers to guess. Use a variety of characters like numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
Create a different password for each website and login. If it feels too confusing to remember multiple passwords, try a password manager that securely stores all passwords in one place. These tools often have a password generator feature that can help create complex passwords.
Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires you to verify new logins into your accounts. Always activate this feature if it’s available, whether it’s your bank account or social media account. When you login, you will be sent an MFA code via text, email or phone call. You must enter this code before you can access the account.
If someone else is logging into your account, you will be notified and be able to block access. Never give out your MFA access to anyone requesting it, no matter their reasoning.
Keep your electronics and devices updated to the latest software and operating systems
Routinely check your mobile phone, computers and other devices for updates. These software updates often include security improvements that keep your information safe.
Always be cautious
Scammers will use tactics like urgency, emotional manipulation or promises of prizes/money to get access to your financial information.
Picture this: you receive a phone call that looks like it’s coming from your financial institution. The person on the line says they are from the fraud department and noticed unusual activity on your account, listing charges you know you did not make. They will tell you they need to verify some account information like your online banking login, account number or Social Security Number before they can cancel the transactions.
In a moment of stress, it might be hard to see anything strange about this request. This is an example of how scammers use urgency and emotional manipulation to get access to your information. Your financial institution already has your information, they don’t need you to give it to them.
If you are contacted like this, contact your financial institution directly at its official number to confirm the validity of the situation. In addition to being cautious with unsolicited phone calls, make sure to practice the same caution with texts and emails. Don’t click on random links from senders you don’t recognize.
How Meritrust Can Help You Fight Fraud
Meritrust members have access to a variety of services designed to keep accounts safe:
- Fraud alerts let you know of suspicious account activity
- Meritrust Mobile features like multi-factor authentication and biometric logins
- Card controls let you set limits on transactions and block certain transaction types.
If you think your Meritrust account has been compromised, visit a branch or call us at 800-342-9278.
