Ah, the joys of online banking. A world of conveniences and perks, like carrying your bank with you wherever you go. But with great benefits can come great risks. Scammers and fraudsters are out there, trying their hardest to commit identity theft, steal your personal information, your money, and more. Whether it’s phishing attacks, impersonating trusted sources, or other shady tactics, today’s security technologies and protocols can help protect you.
The first line of defense against scammers is always yourself. To fully protect yourself and your money, take a strong, active role in your own fraud prevention with these simple and useful fraud prevention tips.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Strong cybersecurity starts with a strong password. But what is a “strong” password? Here are some qualities:
Here are some tips for how to develop strong passwords:
2. Use a Secure Internet Connection
Only use secure, known Internet connections to log into any website or app, especially when you’re banking online or entering personal information. When logging into an email or banking site or app, try to never use public WiFi, like at an airport or coffeeshop. Hackers and scammers can intercept those networks more easily. Try to use your phone’s mobile data if you can’t find a secure connection. If you’re frequently on-the-go, a virtual private network (VPN), which scans and tracks all incoming and outgoing transmissions, might be the way to go for you. And always, always log out once you’re finished. Never just close the app or browser window.
3. Keep Your Tech Up to Date
Always install updates to your phone or computer’s operating system and apps as soon as they become available. These updates often contain cybersecurity upgrades and advances that will beef up your security and keep you safe from the latest cyberthreats.
Your software isn’t the only tech to keep current. Older phones, computers, tablets, and laptops may have security flaws that hackers can exploit. Older systems might not have enough memory or computing power to run the necessary cybersecurity software to protect you from the latest innovations in cyberattacks. So now you have a great new excuse to get a new phone or laptop!
4. Avoid suspicious messages
Scammers will often make emails and other messaging look like it’s coming from your online bank, pretending to alert you of suspicious activity on your account or instructing you to click a link. They may call you on the phone or send a text asking you to enter your Social Security number or PIN to verify your identity. They may reach out to you on Instagram and other social media channels, pretending to be your bank and informing you that you’ve won a contest. Don’t be fooled!
Only open emails and messages from trusted sources, and if you do open an email from an untrusted source, never click a link or provide personal information. If the source looks familiar but you’re not sure, log into your GO2bank account online or on the app directly to see if you have any messages there rather than clicking any suspicious links.
Try to follow these guidelines when faced with suspicious messages:
5. Backup Your Data
In the unfortunate event your data is stolen or you can’t access it, having a backup can save you. Then you can contact any trusted individuals and companies to report the breach, change your passwords, and secure your data in whatever ways you can. Backup all personal data on your phone and other electronic devices, and do it regularly. Use a cloud-based app or service to schedule regular backups. Then you won’t ever need to think about it!
GO2bank is designed with your security in mind, keeping your money and your information protected.1 Whether it’s 24/7 access to your money on our secure and intuitive mobile app, fraud alerts2 if we ever notice something suspicious, and the ability to lock or unlock your card3 with just a few taps, you can rest easy knowing your information stays yours and yours alone. Open an account today and unlock exclusive perks, like getting your pay up to 2 days early4 and government benefits up to 4 days early.