Reminders & Helpful Tips

Greenwood Credit Union takes the security of our members’ information very seriously. Identity theft and fraud are serious concerns today, but by following some simple best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Here are some essential tips to help protect your identity and safeguard your financial accounts:

Keep Your Personal Information Secure

• Never share your account credentials, passwords, or PINs with anyone, including friends and family.
• Use caution when sharing personal information online, especially on social media platforms.
• Shred documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them, such as bank statements, bills, and credit card offers.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

• Create strong passwords for your online banking and other accounts, using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Avoid using easily “guessable” information such as birthdates, names of family members, or common words.

• Use as many different passwords as possible with regards to online accounts to prevent a single security breach from compromising multiple accounts.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

• Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.

• Report any discrepancies or fraudulent charges to Greenwood Credit Union immediately.

Be Wary of Attempts to obtain your identity

• – Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources.
• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar or suspicious sources.
• If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from Greenwood Credit Union, contact us directly using (401) 739-4600.

Secure Your Devices

• Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.

•  Use secure Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information, and avoid conducting financial transactions on public or unsecured networks.

Protect Your Credit/Debit Cards and Documents

• Keep your debit cards, credit cards, and identification documents in a secure location, such as a wallet or safe.

• Never leave your cards or documents unattended or in plain sight, especially in public places.

Data Breaches

Despite data breaches being a somewhat recurring issue, the recent one stands out due to the sheer volume of information potentially exposed. This breach took place at National Public Data, a company that provides personal information to employers, private investigators, staffing agencies, and others for background checks. You can read more about the breach in this article: Hacker Claims Theft of Every American Social Security Number.

Greenwood Credit Union continues to strongly recommend that our members take proactive measures to protect themselves. Regularly review your account statements and credit reports, avoid sharing personal information during unsolicited calls, and don’t hesitate to hang up if something feels off. Additionally, always use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a detailed guide on what steps to take.

The Appraiser Scam

This scam often begins with an email that includes photos of your home, along with your name, address, and other personal details. Scammers use this information to demand money in a threatening manner, pressuring you to act quickly to prevent negative consequences, such as having sensitive information posted online or your mortgage being affected.

For more information on this type of scam, you can refer to this link: Massachusetts police warn of threatening scam using pictures of homes – CBS Boston (cbsnews.com)

If you’re ever unsure about a call or feel uncomfortable with the interaction, hang up immediately and contact us directly at 401-739-4600 or email us at [email protected].