Don’t End Up Like Preston: Protect Your Identity with Prestige CU
Identity theft is no joke, and unfortunately, even our mascot, Preston the Pig, had to learn that the hard way! When someone steals your personal information, it can lead to many problems. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself and avoid the mess Preston found himself in. Check out his story for the full details, and keep reading to find out how you can keep your identity safe with a little help from Prestige Credit Union.
What is Identity Theft, and How Does It Happen?
Identity theft can happen in sneaky ways. Criminals are always looking for ways to get your info. Here are a few ways they try to steal it:
Phishing: Have you ever gotten a weird email or text that didn’t seem right? Maybe it asked you to click a link or share personal details. That’s phishing! Scammers use these fake messages to trick people into giving away their info.
Data Breaches: Sometimes, big companies get hacked, and tons of personal data get stolen, including credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal info. It can be sold or used by criminals to steal your identity.
Mail Theft: Believe it or not, thieves still steal mail! Important documents like credit card offers or tax forms can be taken from your mailbox and used to commit fraud.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
It can be scary to think about identity theft, but there are a few easy things you can do to keep your info safe:
Lock Down Your Devices: Ensure your phone, computer, and tablet have strong passwords or fingerprint locks. Keep your software and security apps updated, and avoid using public Wi-Fi to check your bank account.
Be Careful with Personal Info: Don't share your Social Security number, credit card info, or passwords unless you have to. If you need to share them, ensure it’s with a trusted company or website. And remember to shred any documents with sensitive information before throwing them away.
Keep an Eye on Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for anything weird. If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, report it immediately! You can also set up alerts with your bank to notify you of suspicious activity.
How Prestige CU Keeps Your Info Safe
At Prestige Credit Union, we work hard to secure your personal info. Here’s how we help protect you:
Advanced Security Systems: We use top-notch encryption to protect your data. That means when logging into your account or making a transaction, your information is scrambled so no one else can see it. Our multi-factor authentication system adds another layer of protection by requiring extra proof that you are accessing your account.
24/7 Account Monitoring: We’re always keeping an eye on your account for unusual activity. If we see anything strange, we’ll notify you immediately so you can act fast.
Helpful Resources: For more tips on keeping your personal information safe, visit our blog page. Prestige Credit Union is here to help you stay secure, whether you’re banking online or at one of our branches. Your identity and security are always our top priority!
Take Action Today
Don’t let what happened to Preston happen to you! Identity theft can have long-lasting effects on your finances and peace of mind. But with a few simple steps and the help of Prestige Credit Union, you can keep your identity secure. Explore our resources and learn more about protecting yourself from identity theft.
Ready to get started? Call or visit your local Prestige CU branch and ensure your information is safe with us!