Newsletter 2024 V1 Article - Scammers are Targeting Accounts Nationwide
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As these tactics have gained popularity amongst scammers, organizations of all shapes and sizes have been targeted. From the big banks, to Amazon, to local credit unions like UMassFive, scammers are casting a wide net and seeing who they can ensnare by selecting an institution and blanketing a target area of phone numbers with text messages and phone calls from numbers that are masked to look legitimate.
With scammers getting more sophisticated in their attempts to trick you, you may be thinking—is there anything I can do to help keep my information secure? The answer is yes! Here’s some tips to help you stay ahead of the scams:
Call or Message Us:
The easiest way to confirm the legitimacy of any communication is to hang up and initiate a call to UMassFive directly. Do you use Online Banking? Send us a message through your secure inbox!
Never Share Your Credentials:
No matter what, UMassFive representatives will never ask you to confirm your login information to verify your identity. Remember: we established unique security queries when you joined.
Keep Your Passwords Complex:
Best practice dictates including a special character in your passwords, and changing your password once every six months.
Keep Your Credit Locked Until You Need It:
Did you know that all of the credit bureaus offer the ability to freeze or lock your credit? These free self-serve controls help ensure that no one can open an account or card in your name, and with real-time unlock, you can always sign in to authorize your own credit pulls.
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As a reminder, opt-in to receive email alerts for secure messages in your Online Banking by navigating to settings > security center > account and security alerts.
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