Protecting Yourself Against ID Theft and Fraud

4-minute read | Aug 28, 2023

person shopping online

What You’ll Learn  

  • Get internet safety tips for protecting your personal info to help prevent identity theft and fraud.
  • Learn ways to protect yourself from criminals impersonating a Salal employee.
  • Learn about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to online banking and electronic money transfers.

 

What to Expect from Salal Credit Union

Salal will not call, email, or contact you and ask for your username, password, or other online banking credentials.

Salal will not contact you and ask for your credit or debit card number, PIN, or 3-digit security code. Please see below for more information about how our card provider, CO-OP Financial Services, approaches customer service calls.

Note: If you are working with Salal’s Member Solutions department to make a payment on a Salal loan, you may be given the option to pay by debit card over the phone. In this situation, we will ask for your card number details.

 

How to Be Safe Online While Shopping, Banking, and Browsing the Web

Use strong, unique passwords. A strong password uses both upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and characters that are not easily guessed. Make sure to change your passwords often and only use the same password for one website.

Manage your passwords securely. Do not write your passwords down in a notebook or on paper. Instead, consider using a password manager (password managers are apps on your phone, tablet, or computer that stores your passwords, so you don’t need to remember them).

Don’t reveal personal information via email or text. Emails and text messages can be masked to mimic a trusted sender. Do not email or text personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc. Note that Salal will never send you text messages or emails requesting this personal information. 

Keep your devices up to date. Browser and mobile device operating systems receive critical security patches through software updates to protect from spyware, trojans, and malware.

Be cautious when downloading or installing. Opening files attached to emails can be dangerous, as they can allow harmful malware or viruses to be downloaded onto your computer. Make sure your antivirus program is effective and up to date. When installing apps on your mobile device, pay attention to the permissions asked of you.

Watch those links. Don’t click on links in emails or texts if you don’t know the sender, and never log into an account from a link that is embedded in an email message or text. Instead, type the URL directly into the address box to log in.

Be social media savvy. Verify your privacy settings to avoid sharing information with the wrong people. Don’t share personal details online that could help someone access your accounts.

Beware of look-alike websites. Suppose you navigate to a website via a link. In that case, you may end up at a site that looks correct but isn’t. Take time to verify the URL of the web page you’re visiting matches the URL you expected: google.com, not gougle.com or gooogle.com. 

Log off properly from sites. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged into, log off rather than just closing the page, especially if you’re on a public computer.

Monitor account activity. Get in the habit of regularly monitoring your financial account activity online or by reviewing your monthly statements. Report any unauthorized transactions right away.

Stay up to date with current fraud trends and scams. Onguardonline.gov is a federal government site designed to help you be safe, secure, and informed online. Check their website periodically for new tips and information.

Take advantage of features available in Digital Banking. You can set up email or text message alerts for various transactions and events; for example, when a transaction posts that is over a specific dollar amount, or when there is a failed login attempt to your account.

 

Credit and Debit Card Activity

Our card processor, CO-OP Financial Services, may contact you to verify recent activity on your Salal debit or credit card. They may ask you to verify the amount of your last transaction or payment. However, they will never ask for your card number, PIN , or CVV (security) code. If you are uncomfortable with this or any call, please hang up and call the number on the back of your card. You’re also welcome to call Salal directly at 800.562.5515.

 

Your Rights and Responsibilities

With respect to Digital Banking and electronic fund transfers, the federal government has determined rights and responsibilities for both you and the credit union. These rights and responsibilities are described in the Consumer Membership & Account Agreement you received when you opened your account with Salal. If you notice suspicious account activity or experience any breach of your personal financial information, please contact us immediately at 800.562.5515.

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