Be Alert And Prevent Fraud
Consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Don’t put your money at risk: be alert for fraud, scams, and ID theft!
Protect Your Identity — And Your Money!
What You Need to Know: Five Fraud Prevention Fundamentals
Awareness is the key to preventing fraud attempts. Here are 5 fundamentals that you need to know. For examples of specific scams, see the links below.
- Cinfed will never contact you to ask for personal information such as an account number, PIN, or social security number, so do not share it unless YOU initiate the communication.
- Do not click on links in unexpected messages (texts, emails, and social media messages) that ask for personal information or account confirmation, especially if they try to create a false sense of urgency.
- Beware of social media “friends” whom you have never met and have no other connection to you – yet ask for money or personal information. Do not be lured by “easy money” schemes that involve sending or receiving money or packages. If it seems too good to be true, it is!
- Set up alerts for your accounts so you will be notified of any transactions. By knowing immediately about potentially fraudulent charges, you can take preventive steps if necessary. Also, during your next in-branch visit, add a Security Keyword to your account for another layer of protection. Your keyword could be a combination of numbers and/or words that only you would know.
- Use Cinfed’s resources to check on the status of your account: the Cinfed Mobile App or online with Cinfed Digital Banking. If you have any questions about a message you received from Cinfed, call our Contact Center (513-333-3800) or your nearest branch location. If you question it, always check with us first.
How To Prevent Fraud & ID Theft
Criminals have many ways to try and obtain your personal and account information. Review the articles below for examples of their efforts so you can recognize and avoid them.
Red Flags: How To Spot A Fraud Text Message
Scammers will never stop texting you trying to gain access to your bank accounts. U.S consumers lost more than $300 million to fraudulent texts in 2022. Since most people respond to texts instantly, it’s easy to get fooled.
Fake Friends: Avoiding Social Media Scams
Have you ever received an unexpected message from a social media account with little to no followers? Whether it’s about a simple “friendship” or asking for help, scammers are hiding behind most of these messages.
False Charge: Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud
Credit cards can be a smart financial tool when used wisely. They’re secure, flexible, and may come with perks like rewards or cash back. But credit card fraud can happen too. Losing your physical credit card, or having your account virtually hacked, could cause a serious problem.
Financial Abuse: Minimize The Risk Of Elderly Fraud
Unfortunately, elderly people are often the targets of scammers. Almost any older individual can be vulnerable to financial abuse: that is, someone taking advantage of their relationship to steal money, property, or belongings. If you have elderly parents, relatives, or people you care about, it’s important to be aware of the issue to minimize their risk of financial hardship.
How To Protect Your Identity From Hackers
Managing your passwords across multiple websites can be difficult. But they are one of the most important keys in protecting your identity. Use these tips to strengthen your passwords and reduce the risk of becoming hacked.
Internet Safety: Protect your kids against online fraud attempts
Because the Internet is so pervasive, adults should be aware of the potential for dangerous activity, particularly when it comes to children. Consider these tips to help keep kids in your care safe online.
Fraud Prevention In The News
Nearly everyone needs to be concerned about fraud and ID theft. Here are helpful links to additional media coverage of the issue.