As the leaves begin to fall and the weather turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to get cozy—but don’t let your guard down when it comes to protecting your personal and financial information! Scammers are more active than ever, and while you're enjoying the comforts of the season, it's important to stay alert.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure as the days get shorter and cooler:
Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests
Scammers often pose as legitimate organizations, even government agencies like the FBI, claiming that there’s been trouble with your account. They may send convincing emails or make phone calls, insisting that urgent action is needed to resolve the issue.
They often pressure you to provide sensitive details, such as your account information, to "fix" the problem.
Stay cozy tip: Take a moment to verify any requests by contacting the organization directly using official contact details, especially before sharing anything personal. Always trust your instincts; if something feels off or too urgent, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Strengthen Your Passwords
As you snuggle up to your fireplace, now is a great time to review your online passwords. Using strong, unique passwords helps protect your accounts from hackers.
Stay cozy tip: Try creating a password sentence that’s easy to remember but hard for others to guess. Something like "PumpkinPieIsBestInOctober!" is both fun and secure, but please don’t use this example!
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
Just like you wouldn’t take a ride from a stranger without knowing who they are, don’t click on suspicious links in emails or texts. These links can lead to phishing websites or install harmful malware on your devices.
Stay cozy tip: Always hover over links to see where they’re really leading you, and if in doubt, type the website address directly into your browser.
Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication adds a warm extra layer of security to your accounts, whether it’s for email, social media, shopping, or online banking. It ensures that even if someone gets your password, they’ll need a second piece of information—like a code sent to your phone—to access your account.
Stay cozy tip: Enable MFA on all crucial accounts to add that extra layer of protection.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Fall is a time of change, and just as you watch the leaves change color, you should also keep an eye on your financial accounts. Regularly monitoring your accounts and statements for any unusual activity is one of the best ways to catch fraud early.
Stay cozy tip: Set up transaction alerts for your Arbor Financial account so you’ll be notified immediately if anything suspicious happens.
Trust Your Instincts
Listen to your feelings and trust your instincts when something seems off. If someone contacts you via email, phone call, or in person and you feel unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Stay cozy tip: If you feel uneasy about a call, don’t hesitate to hang up and take the time to investigate. Look up the organization's official contact details and reach out directly to confirm the validity of the request. Fraudsters will often make you feel pressured to act quickly, so this simple step can help you avoid falling victim to scams and ensure your safety.
Bonus Stay Cozy Tip: Arbor will never ask you for your password or PIN!
Stay Cozy and Safe All Season Long
As you enjoy the beauty and coziness of fall, don’t forget to keep your financial information secure. By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from fraud while staying warm and worry-free.
