The Federal Trade Commission received fraud reports from 2.8 million consumers in 2021 and imposter scams were the most reported category followed by online shopping scams.
At Clark County Credit Union, we are dedicated to educating our members on the best practices for preventing cyberattacks. Follow CCCU's 5 critical steps to stay safe online:
1. Protect your personal information
Fraudsters can use your information to open credit cards or take out loans in your name. Protect your most sensitive data by:
- Never sharing your bank information with anyone (username, password, debit card, and PIN)
- Never sharing your driver’s license number and SSN with anyone unless you initiated the request
2. Update your device software
Software updates help patch security flaws. Updating your device will prevent hackers from stealing data saved on your devices or selling your personal information on the dark web. Turn on automatic updates on your devices to protect you as they become available.
3. Limit what you share on social media
The general rule of thumb when using social media is to avoid sharing your personal information. Resist the urge to share photos of your passport, driver’s license, bank accounts and any data that will lure scammers to hack your account. Listen to additional financial safety tips for social media in The Perfect Bite episode 12.
4. Secure your internet connection
When setting up your home routers, ensure that you use unique and complex passwords. When connecting to public wi-fi, be cautious of what information you’re sending. Hackers can easily gain access to public networks.
5. Stay informed about the latest cyber threats
As an online user, it’s very important to do your part in protecting your sensitive data by staying updated with the latest cyber threats. Check out CCCU’s Cybersecurity webpage for more.
Human error was the cause of 95% of cybersecurity breaches. This number proves that online safety starts with us. To learn more about current scams and other safeguards you can take, visit our Fraud Protection webpage.