Online Security

Fraudsters can falsify phone numbers and email addresses to make it appear that they are contacting you from a legitimate source. To be safe, don’t provide your personal information to people who have contacted you by phone, text, email, or social media. VSECU already has your information on file and will only ask for it over the phone if you’ve initiated contact.

Files from a dubious source can carry dangerous malware or viruses to your computer. Make sure you ONLY open attachments or files that you are certain came from a trusted source.

Prevent malicious viruses that can give hackers access to personal information stored on your computer by purchasing, installing, and regularly updating anti-virus and other protective software.

1. False links can lead you to a website that seems like the correct one, but in reality is not. Check the domain name and type the URL directly into your browser.
2. When conducting online business look for the locked padlock icon in the URL bar. Click on the icon to confirm that the site is secure and authentic by reviewing the security certificate. On a legitimate website, the URL should match that listed in the digital certificate.
3. Make sure your web browser is updated to its current version to keep it secure.

Most adults in the United States are now on at least one social media platform. As a result, social media scams are on the rise. This is especially true of Facebook, which is the largest social network with billions of daily active users worldwide. VSECU will never ask for credit card or account information on social media, and you should avoid providing sensitive information to anyone over social media. To help you protect yourself on these popular platforms, VSECU’s social media specialist offers a list of ways to spot a Facebook scam and prevent fraud on social media.

• Use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters (i.e. !, @, #, &, :, /) to create a password that is not easily guessed (don’t use your birthday).
• Create different passwords for multiple accounts and change them regularly for enhanced protection.
• Do not use the “save password” feature in your browser, write your password down, or share it with anyone.
• A password manager is an excellent way to safely manage your passwords. It allows you to generate strong passwords, store multiple passwords for different accounts, and update them on a regular basis to keep your information secure without having to memorize.
• Take advantage of multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever it’s available for an additional layer of verification.
• Require a password for computers, tablets, or phones, and never leave your device unattended. Always log off or lock your devices if you step away and/or when you are finished.

1. Review your account statements regularly to search for any unusual activity.
2. Use credit monitoring services to check your credit score, as an unexpected drop in your score could indicate fraudulent activity and identity theft. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free yearly credit report from the three credit bureaus. You can also set up a fraud alert or freeze on your credit file with TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

In VSECU’s Digital Banking platform, as well as most other online accounts and mobile apps, you can set up alerts to notify you of unusual activity with your credit and/or debit cards. If you see suspicious transactions, or if your card has been lost or stolen, contact your financial institution or credit card company immediately to have your card canceled and a new one reissued. We can also assist with recovering stolen funds whenever possible.