Practice Online Safety this Cyber Monday

As we gear up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Cyber Monday, it’s important to remember that while great deals are just a click away, so are potential threats to your personal and financial security. At AAGCU, we’re committed to helping you protect yourself and your information, ensuring that your holiday shopping experience is as safe as it is exciting.  

With the convenience of online shopping, it’s never been easier to buy gifts from the comfort of your home. However, cyber criminals are looking for ways to take advantage of the increased activity. To make sure you have a secure shopping experience, here are some essential internet safety tips:  

Shop with trusted websites

Before entering any personal or payment information, double-check the online store you’re buying from is legitimate. Look for the https:// in the URL, and the padlock symbol in the search bar. These indicate that the website uses encryption to protect your data. Stick to well-known retailers or sites with secure checkout processes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it could be a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Using a credit card, rather than a debit card, can also serve as an additional level of security. If you fall victim to a fraudulent website, the fraudster is less likely to access your actual funds and can be easier to dispute charges without having a direct impact on your available funds.   

Enable Two-Factor Authentication 

To further protect your online accounts, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring not just your password, but also a code sent to your phone or email. Even if a fraudster manages to steal your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor.  

Monitor your statement regularly  

After your shopping spree, keep an eye on your credit and debit card statements for any unfamiliar charges. Setting up alerts on your credit card or bank account and taking advantage of any card control tools available to you can also help you spot and prevent suspicious activity real-time. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your financial institution immediately. Monitor your account activity often and hold on to your receipts to compare them to the transactions on your account.  Some retailers can have their parent company listed on the transaction details, which may not always be the store you shopped directly at.  A quick Google search should help you determine if this is the case, or if it is truly a fraudulent transaction. Be diligent and double check the date and amount paid to ensure it is correct. 

Set Up Account Alerts 

To stop fraud attempts in real time, you can enable fully customizable account alerts on your AAGCU accounts.  AAGCU alerts can be set up to send you emails or SMS alerts for balances (i.e. if the balance on an account is less than a specified amount), withdrawal (i.e. withdrawal over a specified amount), periodic balance alerts, debit card transaction alerts, and more. This not only is convenient so you can stay informed about your accounts, but it is great fraud prevention. 

To set this up, click the three horizontal lines at the top of the app. Scroll down to “Settings” and select “Alert Settings”. There you will find alert options where you can set up your account specific alerts. 

In online banking, find this feature by selecting “More” on the left toolbar, select “Alert Settings”, then toggle to “Account Specific Alerts”. 

To further protect your accounts, we monitor your ATM and Debit Card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity. If we suspect suspicious activity, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our fraud department. If you have a valid cell phone number on file with us, you will also receive text alerts from our automated fraud detection system. 

To avoid purchase interruption, please make sure your email address and phone numbers are updated on your accounts. If we can’t reach you, your card(s) may be blocked for your protection until you call to confirm the transaction(s). 

How it Works: 

• You simply reply “Yes” or “No” 

• If you text “Yes”, your card will remain available for use. 

• If you text “No” to tell us it’s not your purchase, we will text you a number for the fraud department to validate outstanding charges, prevent any further fraud and block your card.  You may also call AAGCU anytime during business hours at 206-824-9800 to start the process of getting you a new card. 

Note: Texts from our fraud alert system will come from the number 23618 

Watch out for phishing scams

Phishing scams can show up as fake emails, text messages, or pop-up ads that look like legitimate offers. These messages often ask you to click a link or provide personal information. If you receive an unexpected email or message about a deal that seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t click any unexpected links – especially if it’s from an unfamiliar sender.  

Keep record of your purchases 

Save all receipts and order confirmations from your online purchases. These documents will be invaluable if there’s a problem with your order or if you need to dispute a charge. It’s also a good idea to set up email alerts for order updates, tracking numbers, and shipping status.  

Keep Your Devices Secure

Ensure that your devices are protected with strong, unique passwords. Incorporate antivirus software into your computer. Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but can also be risky for online shopping. Avoid entering sensitive personal and financial information when connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, use a private secure Wi-Fi connection whenever possible.  

Conclusion 

Cyber Monday offers a great opportunity to find deals and save big, but it’s essential to approach online shopping with caution. By following these internet safety tips, you can help protect your personal and financial information while enjoying all the benefits that this online shopping event has to offer.  

We take security seriously. If you ever have any questions or concerns about a transaction, don’t hesitate to call us directly.