Six Ways to Help Keep Your Finances Secure

Financial scams and cybercrime continue to rise, and anyone can be a target. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you protect your accounts, your identity, and your financial future. Here are six practical ways to keep your finances secure.

1. Start with the Basics

Protecting your financial information begins with a few everyday habits:

• Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts. Don’t share them. The most secure passwords are ones that are very long, so use the maximum number of characters allowed.
• Use passkeys when available. They are phishing‑resistant, easier than passwords, and widely (although not always) supported.
• Turn on two‑factor authentication (2FA), which dramatically enhances your security over a password alone. Many major companies offer two-step verification to access your account. Typically, a two-step verification process includes sending a code via text, voice call, or mobile app that is also used to log in to a website or app.
• Avoid sharing personal information through email, text, or social media.
• Keep your social security number and credit card numbers private.
• Monitor your credit. Every person is eligible to get three free credit reports annually, one from each of the three credit bureaus. You can get these by going to AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Go paperless or use a shredder.

These steps make it harder for scammers to access your information and easier for you to catch issues early and maintain financial security.

2. Protect Your Accounts and Cards from Hackers

Your bank accounts and cards are often the first targets. Strengthen your defenses by:

• Enabling account alerts for withdrawals, deposits, and login attempts
• Reviewing transactions weekly to spot suspicious activity
• Using secure networks when banking or shopping online
• Keeping your device software updated to patch security vulnerabilities
• Take care when accepting friend requests on social media

UFCU Online Banking¹ and the Mobile app² offer customizable alerts to help you stay informed.

3. Rely on Online Banking

Online banking is secure when you follow a few best practices:

• Sign in only through trusted apps or UFCU.org.
• Avoid public WiFi for financial activity.
• Log out when you’re done.
• Update and restart your browser and operating system regularly.

These steps help protect your financial information from unauthorized access.

4. Recognize a Scam

Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions. Watch for:

• Urgent messages demanding immediate action
• Requests for passwords, codes, or account numbers
• Misspelled email addresses or suspicious links
• Offers that seem too good to be true

When in doubt, go directly to UFCU.org or call the number on the back of your card instead of using the contact information in a suspicious message.

5. Act Quickly If You Suspect Fraud or Identity Theft

Fast action helps protect your accounts and identity.

• Lock or freeze your debit or credit card(s)
• Change your passwords
• Review recent transactions
• Contact your financial institution
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus

6. Check Your Accounts Regularly

A simple routine can make a big difference:

• Review your account activity weekly
• Check monthly statements
• Turn on alerts for unusual activity
• Update passwords every few months

Staying aware is one of the most effective ways to protect your finances. UFCU offers tools and support to help you stay protected:

• Secure Online Banking
• Customizable account alerts
• Fraud and Security Resources, including debit and credit card fraud monitoring
• Local Member Service teams ready to help (Make an Appointment)

You also can visit the US Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice on Identity Theft and Online Security to learn more. To chat with a representative, report potential fraud, or notify us about a lost or stolen card, visit any branch or contact Member Services at (512) 467-8080 or (800) 252-8311.