How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Nowadays, we are all vulnerable to fraudulent activity occurring within our online banking and the easy access to communicate over the phone or through email.

It’s common to hear warnings on the news every night noting scam artists using well-known companies as their alias in attempt to have you pass along your personal data and credit card information.

So, how can you protect yourself from fraudulent activity?

Be inquisitive

If you receive a phone call from someone you do not know, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If this is a reliable source or a real company, they will have all the answers and will not become agitated with you asking. Your private information is private for a reason, and you should not give anything away unless you are 100% sure you know the caller or party sending an email.

Review all emails before clicking or responding

Most online scams or emails sent will contain email addresses containing a long number or unknown “.com.” Check this email address by waiving your mouse over the sender’s name. Also, be aware of spelling and grammatical errors being made within the text of the email. If possible, compare to a past email that you know is from the real company.

Go with your gut

When it comes to many other things, it is often okay to trust your gut. If you have a weird feeling that something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Hang up, delete the email, or say no if you have any doubts regarding this person’s intentions.

Keep your personal information secure

When using a website that requires you to share personal information, double check that the address contains an ‘s’ after http, which means that it is secure to use. As for documents, keep them in a locked box at your home, and always be aware of the whereabouts of your wallet and credit cards. Monitor your online accounts so that any changes are caught immediately. One of the main reasons to check your credit score each year is to ensure there is no missed identity theft or fraudulent activity happening.

Educate yourself

At Money Mentors, we encourage all Albertans to engage themselves in financial literacy-based activities. Teaching yourself the basics of spending, saving and budgeting are some of the most valuable life lessons you will ever need. Money Mentors offers a free online class to help educate you on the best ways to protect yourself from fraudulent activity. Access it today and get up-to-date on the latest forms of danger when it comes to your personal finances.