Atlantic Blog

Your phone buzzes, or your inbox dings, and you get hit with an urgent message - "I NEED YOUR HELP NOW," "YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO RECOVER YOUR ACCOUNT," or "REPLY ASAP TO CLAIM YOUR REWARD BEFORE IT EXPIRES." You rush into action, and before you know it, you've fallen into a fraudster's trap and put yourself at risk.

Don't feel guilty if you've ever fallen for a fraudster's use of urgency to prey upon victims. They purposefully craft messages that manipulate your sense of urgency, leaving you no time to second-guess their requests. If someone uses fear or urgency to make you act quickly before something terrible happens, it's most likely a scam.

Your instincts are often right—if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, but digital thieves have spent years developing their skills, and it can be challenging to keep up with their tactics. We've got some tools to help you keep up with their tricks.

It Could Happen to YOU!

The first thing you need to know is that everyone is a target. 

Recently, I received an email from an address I didn't recognize that read, "Hello Conor, kindly include your cell phone number in your response to this mail. I have an executive meeting currently in session, and I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide on a task ASAP." I didn't recognize the sender's name, but I'm new to Atlantic, so we might not have crossed paths yet.

The message didn't sit right with me, but what if they really did need my help? What if I ignored a higher-up stuck in a tense situation? The use of ASAP made me want to jump into action, but I knew it was better to be cautious.

I immediately reached out to my boss, curious if she had any information on the sender or if it was just another phishing attempt. She'd never heard the name before, and into the trash, the email went. 

But what if there isn't someone higher up the food chain for you to double-check with? 

It’s Time to Cultivate Good Habits

The best defense against fraud is to establish good habits. Let’s make sure the next time a digital thief tries to take advantage of you, you’re ready to fight back!

• Always double-check the email address. scammers often use addresses that seem legit but are cleverly disguised with a missing letter or sneaky number.
  
  
• When someone tries to use urgency to make you act fast, take a pause, fight that sense of urgency and think it through, and it could protect you from possible scams.
  
  
• NEVER click a link before hovering over it and checking where the address goes. Spoof links can be dangerously close to the real deal, so it's time to play detective and examine them super closely. No need for a magnifying glass, just a little extra caution!
  
  
• Keep your passwords a secret and avoid using the same password for multiple financial accounts.
  
  
• NEVER give out your Digital Banking information to anyone. No legitimate business or person will ever need your login information to assist you.

• Make sure your anti-virus software is always up to date and enabled. It can be your last line of defense.

• Use fraud alerts to protect your cards; at Atlantic, we'll immediately flag suspicious transactions and send you a text message for confirmation. It's like having a personal financial bodyguard.
  
  
• NEVER share your credit card information unless you are 100% certain it is safe and secure.
  
  
• Avoid answering calls you don't recognize! If someone leaves a voicemail saying they're someone important, look up the number and confirm their identity before responding!
  
  

• Use an abundance of caution; if something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut.

Just remember that fraud comes in many forms! It can be scary to try to determine fact from fiction, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Do you want more tips on how to stay safe? Check out our blog - 5 Simple Tips to Stay Safe in a Digital World.

Important Reminder

The credit union will never email, call, or text you asking for personal information. Likewise, if you send an email to the credit union, do not include personal information such as your account number, social security number, or account balance information unless it is through our secure messaging portal within Digital Banking.

Be Wary & Be Safe

Fraud is all too common and often difficult to detect. Awareness is the best antidote, so the next time a frantic email or phone call comes your way, try to use the tips we’ve shared to make sure you don’t get duped by nefarious fraudsters.

Regularly keep tabs on your security and stay up to date on the latest scams! It's the best way to plan for a secure future.

We’re Here to Help

Atlantic's free monitoring tools within the Digital Banking platform are a game-changer for those looking to boost their financial security. The Two Factor Authentication system adds an extra layer of protection to your account, ensuring that only you can access your banking details. But that's not all - with Debit and Credit Card Controls, you gain unprecedented control over your cards.

With just a tap, you can turn off your debit/credit card, providing you peace of mind in case of any suspicious activity. Moreover, the Approximate Credit Score by Savvy Money feature allows you to keep a close eye on your credit score and report on a daily basis. This is more than just digital banking; it's a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your financial well-being in the digital world.

If you have questions on fraud or feel you’ve been a victim of identity theft, stop by or give us a call at 800-834-0432.

Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.