Online Security Updates
Below are links to the latest updates we routinely send our Online Banking customers about a variety of online security topics.
Be Aware of Online Shopping Scams and Fake Delivery Notices
The holiday season is a favorite time of year for many people to shop online and mail gifts to family and friends. It is also a favorite time of year for scammers. Follow these tips to stay safe when shopping online and to avoid fake delivery scams this holiday season.
- Buy from a secure site
- The website URL should begin with “https” instead of “http,” as the “s” stands for secure. This will encrypt your data to keep your information secure. Do not enter payment information on a website that is not secure.
- Be careful of your clicks
- Popular phishing schemes this time of year encourage you to click a link in an email to steal your personal information. Instead of clicking on a link in your email, go directly to the retailer’s official website to make the purchase.
- Be aware of links in delivery messages
- If the email or text notice uses “USPS,” or “UPS,” or “FedEx,” look carefully at the links in these notices. Instead of clicking on a link, call the company you made the purchase from for confirmation.
- Don’t save your credit card information on a retailer’s website
- As you check out online, you might see an option to save your credit card information for faster payment in the future. Do not select this option. If the website is breached by hackers, your information will be compromised.
- Don’t be alarmed by urgent text messages
- Fake delivery notices are designed to instill panic and get a quick reaction, such as “Your delivery has been cancelled,” or “Re-enter your credit card number to help your package clear customs.” Take a moment to slow down before reacting. Then, open a web browser, navigate to the retailer’s website and call a verified number to confirm delivery.
- Do not trust phone numbers in delivery notices
- Fake delivery notices often contain a phone number, which leads directly to the scammer. Instead, open a web browser and search to find a phone number for the company you made the purchase from and call that number.
- Be very wary of someone calling you after you reply to a question in a text message. Even a delivery notice with a simple “yes” or “no” question may be the start of a ploy used by scammers to build your trust. Sometimes the scammer will even call you.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scammers. Although no form of protection is absolute, a combination of personal awareness and protective tools will make you as safe as possible.
Thank you for being a Third Federal customer.
