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Never give out usernames or passwords
A financial institution will never call you and ask to give your usernames or passwords. Whether it’s us at Arsenal, or another institution you bank at, you’ll never receive a call, email or text from them asking for your information.
Those looking to steal your information will call, email or text looking for the following:
Financial institutions like Arsenal have this information on file already to verify your identity. We’ll never ask for it from you.
Phishing, smishing and other common ways people are targeted
Throughout the years, hackers and others trying to steal your information have come up with what seems like every idea possible to scam you. And even then, every day they come up with new ideas!
To avoid falling victim to one of their phishing or smishing schemes, it’s best to be aware of the most common ways they target:
- P2P payment apps like Zelle, Venmo and Cash App
- Online banking and bill payment
- Mobile Check Deposit
Make sure when using any of the apps above, you’re only sending money to people you know and trust. Remember these apps are like cash – you can’t cancel a transaction.
Only connect to secure Wi-Fi networks
Hackers can break into public Wi-Fi networks and see the activity of people using them. Never access your financial institution accounts or pay for anything with your debit/credit cards when connected to them.
If you need to use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure to use websites that have “HTTPS” in the URL instead of only “HTTP.” The “S” stands for “secure” and means that your data is encrypted for more protection.
Make sure your smartphone is secure
If you lose your smartphone and someone finds it, they can steal information if you don’t have security features in place.
To keep your smartphone and the information stored on it secure, first set up a unique PIN, password or biometrics login so whoever finds it can’t access it to begin with.
Make sure you’re logging out of the apps you commonly use after you finish (social media, mobile Banking, etc.). Set up a unique password or biometrics login so no one can access your personal information using these apps.
Use trusted financial institution ATMs
Remember that some ATMs are safer than others.
Generic looking ATMs found in convenience stores, bars and other storefronts are more likely to get targeted by fraudsters. They usually install readers or skimmers on them to steal your card information and PIN.
To avoid having your card skimmed, make sure you use ATMs from trusted financial institutions. Better yet, avoid paying fees by using 30,000 free CO-OP Network ATMs across the country.
Take control of your debit and credit cards
Take control of your cards by downloading our mobile app. With the app installed on your phone, you can do the following things with the Card Management tool:
- Set up a travel notification to let us know that you’re leaving town.
- Lock/unlock your debit/credit cards when they’re not in use or if they’re lost or stolen.
- Set up alerts to track spending and make sure no one has access to your card information.
Consider setting your cards up using Apple Pay or Google Pay for safe, contactless transactions at participating retailers.
Set up a mail hold with the USPS
Don’t let your bills, statements and loan offers pile up while you’re away. These documents contain lots of personal information that can be used for fraud.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) makes it easy to set up a mail hold on its website. You can hold your mail at your local post office for up to 30 days.
If you’re expecting packages at your house, make sure to track them and try to have a friend, family member or neighbor pick them up and keep them for you until you get back.
Save the social sharing
Sharing your current location and travel itinerary while you’re out of town makes it easy for thieves to track where you are and set up their plans.
Consider making one big post when you get home. Imagine all of the likes, comments and shares you’ll get!
Our Member Solutions Center is here to help you if you need it. We’re open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon. You can contact us whichever way makes you feel the most comfortable:
- Call us at 314.962.6363.
- Start a live chat right here (bottom-right of the screen) or while logged into your Mobile Banking account.
- Visit us at one of our four area branches.
If you lose your debit/credit card during non-business hours, please call 888.919.7744 or 866.820.3035.
