Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long campaign in March to raise awareness about different types of fraud, how to recognize them, and how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud.
Throughout the month of March, OCU will be joining other organizations, government agencies, and law enforcement bodies to provide education and resources to the public to help them protect
themselves against fraud. We will share information about common scams, such as identity theft, phishing, and investment fraud.
Fraud prevention is important because it not only helps protect individuals from financial loss but also helps to prevent criminals from profiting from fraudulent activities. By raising awareness and educating the public about fraud, we can all work together to reduce the impact of fraud on society.
Every week we’ll be addressing different types of scams and sharing tips on how to stay safe.
There are a few important steps you can take to prevent fraud:
- Be cautious with your personal information: Be careful about sharing personal information online or over the phone, especially if you don’t know the person or organization. Only provide personal information if you trust the source and if it’s necessary.
- Keep your computer and mobile devices secure: Make sure your computer and mobile devices are up-to-date with the latest security updates and antivirus software. Use strong passwords (ie characters, numbers and letters) and don’t share them with anyone.
- Check your financial statements regularly: Review your bank and credit card statements regularly to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your financial institution immediately.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers or requests: Be cautious of unsolicited offers or requests, such as emails or phone calls, that ask for personal information or offer deals that seem too good to be true.
- Use secure websites: When making online purchases or accessing financial accounts, ensure that the website is secure. Look for “https” at the beginning of the website address and a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the different types of fraud and how to recognize them. Stay informed about the latest scams and share the information with friends and family.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Remember, prevention is key, and being vigilant and cautious is the best defense against fraud.
Visit https://ocubc.com/privacy/cyber-security/ to learn more about Fraud Prevention Month and what we’re doing to raise awareness.