The holiday season is a time of joy and generosity. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for cybercriminals. With increased online shopping, charitable giving and digital interactions, online scams and identity theft risk rises. At Navigator Credit Union, we want to ensure cyber threats don’t mar your holiday cheer.
Protect your personal information.
Be mindful of where and how you share your personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive data like your Social Security number or bank account details over email, text or phone.
Be cautious with emails and links.
Phishing emails and texts tend to surge during the holidays. Cybercriminals send fake emails or texts that appear to be from trusted retailers, charities or even shipping companies. Look out for misspellings, urgent language or unexpected attachments. Instead of clicking on links, type the organization’s URL directly into your browser.
Shop safely online.
Only shop on secure websites. Check for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and ensure the URL begins with “https.” Avoid using public Wi-Fi to make purchases or access sensitive information. If you must shop on the go, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection.
Be wary of unsolicited offers.
Offers that seem too good to be true or unexpected requests for donations might be scams. Research unfamiliar retailers or charities before engaging with them. Reputable organizations will have verifiable contact information and transparent practices.
Monitor your accounts regularly.
Check your accounts frequently during the holiday season. Look for any unfamiliar transactions, no matter how small. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately. Navigator members can easily monitor their accounts through our secure online banking and mobile app.
We’re here to help.
At Navigator, your security is our priority. If you have concerns about account security or notice unusual activity, please get in touch with us. We offer tools and resources to help you stay safe, including secure online banking, fraud detection services and personalized support.