Member Security &
Fraud Prevention Tips
For Immediate Help
Learn the fundamentals of fraud protection
Start with the Identity Protection module from our Financial Life Minutes series. It includes helpful information including:
- How to protect your phone, computer, and files from fraudsters
- Consumer protection laws and agencies here to support you
- What to do if you suspect you are a victim of identity theft
- How to keep yourself secure online and offline
- An action plan to secure your personal information now and in the future
- It only takes a few minutes. Start now!
Safety First: Fraud Prevention Checklist
While nearly all merchants and organizations have anti-fraud security measures in place, recent high-exposure breach events at major companies have shown that it’s difficult to completely prevent fraud for even the most sophisticated defense systems.
That said, as a savvy individual, there are things you can do to both reduce your risk of experiencing fraud and minimize any potential fraud loss.
Follow this fraud prevention checklist of things you can do today to remain safe on an everyday basis:
- Log into uOnline and update the contact information connected to your Unitus account. Make sure your phone, email, and street address are all up to date so we can contact you quickly in case of any suspicious activity from fraudsters. Early detection is the most effective way to limit or eliminate loss.
- Enroll in Fraud Text Alerts. Once you do, we can notify you instantly via SMS text of any suspicious activity on your account. Again, early detection is crucial.
- Download the Unitus Card Guard mobile app. The app allows you to turn off or turn on your card instantly to ensure only you can access your card. It lets you set spending alerts and receive instant notifications of account activity to make sure you are in complete control of your card.
If your Unitus card is ever at risk of being compromised due to a security breach at a merchant, such as Target or Home Depot, rest assured we will act swiftly.
We will contact you to inform you of the merchant breach. We will then walk you through the process of canceling your card and issuing you a new one to protect your data and your finances.
When you feel secure and confident, you’re more able to serve your family, your community, and yourself. We’re here to help.
Unitus employs state of the art systems to protect your financial information. Here are a few of the fraud prevention tools working to keep you safe.
Falcon Fraud Protection
Every Unitus credit or debit card comes with Falcon Fraud protection, notifying us immediately of suspicious activity to your account.
Fraud Text Alerts
Sign up for Fraud Text Alerts! It’s easy, fast, and helps you stay in control in case of fraud.
Cybersecurity
Firewalls, encrypted transmissions, and constantly improving anti-virus technology all work together to keep your account information safe.
How to keep your credit & debit card safe
Here are some ways you can keep your credit and debit cards secure.
- Sign up for Unitus fraud text alerts.
- Sign your new credit or debit card immediately after receiving it.
- Never carry your PIN and card together. If you can memorize your PIN, shred any documents containing the number. If you prefer to have a reference copy, store it in a different place from your card.
- Shred or cut up your old cards as soon as they expire or are no longer active.
- Shred any receipts of purchases made using your card.
- If you suspect your card is lost or stolen, report it to Unitus immediately.
Ways to keep your computer safe
For fraudsters, your computer can be a gateway to personal information. Stay secure with these steps.
- Install anti-virus and anti-spyware on your computer. There are many products available to deter criminals from accessing your personal information through your computer.
- Add a firewall to your computer to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your system.
- Install all software fixes (also called “service packs”) available for your computer programs as soon as possible. These often fix newly discovered security weaknesses.
- Use a current web browser. The newer the version, the more likely it is to keep you safe online.
- Activate a pop-up blocking tool. Pop-ups are still a favorite of fraudsters, hiding malicious software behind enticing offers like promises of cash or other prizes.
Steps to keep your mobile device safe
Minimize your mobile risk with these steps:
- Keep your device software up to date for the latest security protection.
- Use a PIN or password to unlock your device. Make it different from your other passwords.
- Use a biometric login if your device has a fingerprint sensor.
- Only download apps from reputable sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Be suspicious of email and social media requests from strangers. Social media sites are a favorite target for fraudsters.
- Always look for “https” in the URL when browsing or shopping online. This indicates an added level of security for that site.
- Don’t open text messages if you’re uncertain of the source. The message may contain malicious software that could compromise your device. When in doubt, delete the text.
General security habits to help keep you safe
- Keep personal or account information tucked away in a single place where only you and trusted individuals know where to find it.
- Provide information only to trusted sources. Never give information to individuals with whom you did not initiate the contact, or have not confirmed their business or identity.
- Reduce the amount of mail sent to you. Envelopes can be stolen from your mailbox or trash. Choose electronic statement options (Unitus offers this service through uOnline or over the phone at our contact center).
- Opt-out of pre-approved credit offers by calling (888) 567-8688 or visiting optoutprescreen.com.
- Frequently monitor your account statements and history online for unauthorized transactions.
- Check your credit report for discrepancies on a regular basis. You can obtain a free credit report from each reporting agency once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
Staying Safe In The Cloud
The cloud is becoming more and more ubiquitous in our everyday lives – you might have your calendar in the cloud, plenty of personal information in the cloud, nearly your whole life in the cloud!
Watch this 4-minute video to find out how to keep yourself safe when using the cloud.