It's important to stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams. At WestStar, we are dedicated to helping you protect your finances and personal information. Scammers often use methods like identity theft, credit card fraud, check fraud, and phishing scams to deceive you, so it is crucial that you not let your guard down.
To help, here are 5 crucial do's and 5 don'ts to protect yourself.
Do's
Keep Your PIN and Passwords Private
Never share your PIN or passwords. Banks will never ask for these details, and sharing this information can lead to identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to your accounts.
Verify URLs and Email Addresses
Always confirm URLs and email addresses to ensure they are legitimate. Confirming these details will help protect you from phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Activate two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Two-factor authentication requires a second verification form, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. Banks will never ask for your private verification code.
Monitor Your Bank Accounts
Check your accounts regularly for suspicious activity. Monitoring your transactions and balances can help you detect and address fraudulent activity quickly.
Update Your Security Software
Keep your antivirus and antimalware software up to date to defend against the latest cyber threats. Enable automatic updates for continuous protection.Don'ts
Use Open/Free Public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or sharing personal information over open or free Wi-Fi networks. To protect your data, use secure and private networks whenever possible.
Share Your Personal Information
Do not share your social security number, address, phone number, or financial details with anyone. Safeguarding this information is crucial to preventing identity theft and fraud.
Send Money To People You Don't Know
When sending money, it's crucial to verify the recipient's identity and the purpose of the transaction. Always use secure and trusted payment methods for unfamiliar recipients to enhance security. Avoid using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Click on Suspicious Links
Do not click on suspicious links or pop-ups. Always verify URLs before clicking, and be wary of unexpected or unsolicited links to avoid phishing and malware threats.
Give Into Scare Tactics
Scammers often use scare tactics. Pause, verify the information from trusted sources, and remember: HANG UP. LOOK UP. CALL BACK.
For more helpful tips, visit our Fraud Center or download our Fraud Checklist. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Client Service Center at 915.532.1000 (El Paso) or 575.323.6040 (Las Cruces).