Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new tricks to fool you into giving them personal information and money.

Here are few tips to save you from a scam:

Shop Securely.  Only use trusted websites.  Purchase from reputable merchants and avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar or unsecure sites.

User Secure Networks.  Always shop online using a secure Wi-Fi connection. Don’t use public Wi-Fi to provide payment details or access sensitive personal information.

Avoid Skimming Devices.  Prioritize chip payments; avoid swiping a card whenever possible. If a terminal forces a swipe, it may be compromised. Utilize contactless payments by adding your WAFCU credit and debit card to a mobile wallet.

Limit Personal Information Sharing.  Avoid oversharing online, as personal information can be used to guess security questions.

Verify Details.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Be cautious of offers received via e-mail or text message. Confirm promotions directly with the retailer.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords.  Employ different secure passwords for financial accounts, social media, and mobile devices. Sign up for two-factor authentication to make it harder for someone to impersonate you.

Protect Physical Mail.  Monitor your mailbox and shred sensitive documents, including pre-approved credit card and loan offers.

Protect Your Devices.  Don’t allow anyone to remotely access your smart phone or computer. Scammers can trace your keystrokes and obtain account information.

Watch for Red Flags.  Be skeptical if someone contacts you out of the blue or if you are asked to pay in an unusual way (gift cards, bitcoin, etc.). Don’t send a payment to initiate a reimbursement.

Be Diligent When Reading E-mail and Text Messages.  Don’t click on unknown links or open suspicious attachments.

Monitor Financial Activity.  Regularly review accounts statements and credit reports. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. Access or freeze your credit reports through a credit bureau (Experian, Transunion, or Equifax).

Update Contact Information.  Make sure the Credit Union has your current contact details and respond quickly to fraud alerts.

Remember.  WAFCU employees will never ask you for online or mobile banking login information to verify your identity. We will never ask you for a PIN number or the security number on the back of your credit or debit card. We will NOT ask for this information even if there is suspected fraud on your account.

Be Proactive.  If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the Credit Union and are unsure the contact is legitimate, please call us directly at 800-830-3078 before you respond.

Don’t Wait.  If you have already supplied information to a possible fraudster and have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.

The security of your personal and financial information is of utmost importance to us. We strongly encourage you to monitor your account activity and be very cautious when sharing personal details.

We value your membership and we are always here to help!