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Year-End Fraud Checkup: Protecting Your Financial Info: Start 2025 Secure by Wrapping Up Your Financial Year Safely
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Take a Close Look at Your Accounts
It’s easy to overlook small transactions when you’re in the holiday rush, but this is exactly the kind of oversight fraudsters count on. Before the year ends, take a moment to review your bank accounts and credit card statements in detail. Look for anything out of the ordinary—unfamiliar charges, duplicate transactions, or payments to services you don’t remember subscribing to.
Scammers often start with small test charges before making larger withdrawals. Spotting and reporting these early can save you a lot of trouble later. If you see something suspicious, don’t wait—reach out to your bank immediately to dispute the charge or secure your account.
At Consumers National Bank, we make it easy to monitor your accounts with our online and mobile banking tools. If you ever need help, our team is just a phone call away.
Passwords: The Unsung Heroes of Security
When was the last time you updated your passwords? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone—but now is a great time to strengthen them. Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways hackers gain access to accounts.
To protect yourself, make sure your passwords are unique, at least 12 characters long, and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid obvious choices like your name, birthday, or pet’s name. Instead, try creating a memorable phrase with random elements, like “PineApples!2024Sleds.”
For even more peace of mind, consider using a password manager. These tools securely store your passwords and can generate new, complex ones for each account. It’s a simple way to improve your security without the headache of remembering everything yourself.
Alerts: Your Early Warning System
Real-time alerts are one of the easiest ways to stay on top of your account activity and catch potential fraud early. Consumers National Bank offers customizable notifications for everything from large withdrawals to changes in your account settings.
Imagine getting an instant notification when a purchase exceeds a certain amount or when someone logs into your account from an unfamiliar device. These alerts give you the chance to act quickly if something doesn’t look right. If you haven’t already set up alerts for your accounts, now is a great time to do so.
Check Your Credit Report
Your credit report is like a health report for your financial life, and reviewing it regularly is one of the best ways to spot fraud. By law, you’re entitled to one free credit report each year from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
When reviewing your report, keep an eye out for accounts you don’t recognize, incorrect personal information, or hard inquiries you didn’t authorize. Any of these could be signs that someone is using your identity to apply for credit or loans.
If you do find something suspicious, report it to the credit bureau immediately. They can help you freeze your credit or flag your account to prevent further unauthorized activity.
You can call the credit bureau or place an alert online:
Stay on Guard Against Phishing
The rise in online shopping and digital communication during the holidays creates the perfect environment for phishing scams. These scams often come in the form of emails or texts pretending to be from a legitimate company, asking you to click on a link or share sensitive information.
Be cautious. If something seems off—an urgent message about your account being locked or a suspicious link—it’s better to be on the side of caution. Instead of clicking, visit the company’s official website or contact their support team directly to verify the message.
At Consumers National Bank, we’ll never ask you for sensitive information like your password or Social Security number through email or text. If you’re ever unsure about a message you receive, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Fraud Prevention Is an Ongoing Effort
While the year-end is a great time for a fraud checkup, staying vigilant is something we should all do year-round. By building good habits—like regularly monitoring accounts, updating passwords, and enabling alerts—you’ll be better prepared to keep your finances secure.
At Consumers National Bank, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most. If you ever have questions about fraud prevention or need assistance securing your accounts, our team is here to help.
Let’s end 2024 on a strong note. Take these simple steps to safeguard your finances, and start the new year with confidence and peace of mind!
Ready to learn more? Contact us or stop by your nearest branch for personalized advice and tools to protect your financial future.