BE FRAUD SMART | Protect yourself

Identity theft and financial scams are among the fastest growing crimes in North America.

It can happen to anyone. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, using the latest trends and technologies to defraud Canadians. To protect yourself, you need to be aware as well as proactive.

Start by reading this Information. It provides you with a few simple ways you can protect yourself by improving the confidentiality and security of your personal information. We are also taking steps to protect your identity and financial information.

This information contains a list of organizations you can turn to for more information or for help if you become a victim of fraud.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft begins when someone obtains your personal information such as your driver’s license, date of birth, health card number, SIN card number, online passwords, credit card number or your card’s Personal Identification Number (PIN). With a few pieces of personal information they can begin to make financial transactions in your name. They might open a new credit card account, take out a car loan or mortgage your home. You probably won’t realize what has happened until it’s too late and your credit rating is affected.

YOUR CREDIT UNION HELPS PROTECT YOU

Credit unions work actively to detect and investigate irregular account activity. Your member debit and credit cards contain the minimum information needed to securely make a transaction.

Protect your identity

• Don’t carry your SIN card or birth certificate with you. Keep them in a safe place.
• Check your credit report at least once a year to look for any credit inquiries or changes you have not authorized.
• Be suspicious of any email that asks for personal or account information.
• Don’t overshare on social media. Scammers can use your birth date and other personal information to steal your identity.
• Shred mail with your address on it.

Protect your payment cards

Canadians are one of the biggest users of debit cards, credit cards and ATMs in the world. And while INTERAC® services are among the most secure in the world, debit card fraud does occur.

Take these steps to protect yourself:

• When you receive a new debit or credit card, sign it right away.
• Avoid choosing an obvious PIN, such as your phone number or date of birth.
• Carry only the cards you use most often and leave any others at home in a safe place.
• Frequently check your accounts and monthly statements and notify your credit union if you see any unfamiliar transactions.
• Notify your credit union if you are unable to retrieve your card from an ATM or if someone tries to distract you while using one.
• Be PIN smart.

• Change your PIN at least twice a year
• Shield your PIN with your hand, body or a piece of paper
• Keep your card insight when conducting a transaction
• Memorize your PIN
• Don’t disclose your PIN to anyone
• Change your PIN after traveling
• Where possible, tap your card when making purchases

WATCH FOR SKIMMING DEVICES

Card skimming occurs when a criminal attaches a device to a credit or debit card reader to collect data from the card. If the ATM or point of sale device looks like it’s been tampered with don’t insert your card or enter your PIN.

YOUR CREDIT UNION HAS YOUR BACK
Canadian credit unions adhere to the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services which protects card holders from losses should their card be used fraudulently. For more information go to: tinyurl.com/Canadian-Code If you lose your debit card or credit card, or you suspect someone has created a duplicate card, let your credit union know immediately. Refer to your cardholder agreement for further details on liability.

Stay safe online

Life is just a little easier when you use your computer and mobile devices to get things done online. But there are a few simple and sensible things you should do to protect yourself against risks.

• Change your passwords regularly.
• Don’t use the same password for everything.
• Do not use public wifi to access online or mobile banking.
• Never click to accept an e-transfer from someone you do not know.
• Install anti-virus software to protect your data from viruses and malware. Apply security updates as soon as you receive them.
• Install anti-spyware software to keep others from gathering information about your online habits or making unauthorized changes to your computer.
• Implement a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
• If an email looks suspicious, stop before you click. 

• Look carefully at what it claims and think about whether it makes sense.
• Check the branding, language and spelling to judge whether it seems legitimate.
• Call the company and make sure the email came from them.
• Remember that your credit union will never email to confirm your personal information
• Consider reporting phishing to the Government of Canada Spam Reporting Centre at spam@fightspam.gc.ca. Report  additional specifics such as resulting malware infection online at fightspam.gc.ca/src
• Never click on a banner ad or pop-up window that says Agree, OK or I accept.