Tips to protect yourself online

Your security is important to us. Here are some tips and resources for protecting your personal and financial information online. Here are some quick tips to get your started.

• Check hyperlinks before clicking
• Don’t open unexpected emails
• Don’t give out personal info by phone or email
• Use strong passwords
• Keep phone & computer software updated
• Be aware of the latest scams

Step 1: Set up online alerts

Signing up for online banking alerts is a safe and convenient way to give your financial information an extra layer of protection.

It’s as simple as managing alerts when certain transactions occur in your online banking. You’ll receive a notification that a transaction has occurred through email or text. If you didn’t perform the transaction, contact BVCU immediately to lock your account. Giving yourself that extra layer of protection can prevent account takeovers and other fraudulent activity.

Example of transactions include:

• Password change
• New bill payee added
• Online banking login
• e-Transfer recipient added

Step 2: Stay safe online

Our lives are increasingly lived online, and bad actors are looking to get access to our personal information for their benefit.

Two step verification is a great tool to keep the fraudsters out. It’s an extra layer of security that will send a verification code to confirm your identity before granting access to your online banking. Other tools in your safety tool box are:

• Change your password often
• Don’t use the same password for everything
• Stay current on security updates and install anti- spyware
• Stop and think before clicking on a suspicious email or text

Step 3: Avoid identity theft

Oversharing on social media or giving access to your personal information are just some of the ways that your identity can be put at risk. Know that the CRA or BVCU will never ask for personal information via email or text.

Protect yourself in other ways by:

• Never responding to unsolicited requests for banking and personal information
• Checking your credit score once a year for inquiries and unauthorized changes
• Keeping your private information private by not sharing personal details on social media

Step 4: Be scam aware

Phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) may sound like fun words, but they’re anything but. These scams spoof legitimate businesses and try to entice you into clicking on illegitimate links or provide personal credentials.

• Don’t click on links you don’t trust
• Never provide confidential information unless you are sure
• BVCU and CRA will never send you emails or texts asking for personal information
• If unsure, never use the provided link and use their official website to login as usual

Step 5: Secure your cards

Debit and credit cards are the most common form of payment these days. And while INTERAC services are among the most secure in the world, fraud still happens. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Sign a new card when you receive it
• Only carry cards you regularly use
• Stay on top of your monthly statements and notify staff if you see unfamiliar transactions
• Watch for skimming devices at ATMs or POS devices
• Change your PIN at least twice a year
• Don’t disclose your PIN to anyone and don’t write it down