Shop Safer Online
The ease and convenience of shopping online can raise concerns about internet fraud. Educators Credit Union is committed to helping you stay safe against fraud in this increasingly digital age. If you find yourself in a situation where you are uneasy about the safety and security of a website, pause, and reflect on these five simple steps to shop safer online.
- Create a dedicated email address to use only for online shopping. This can reduce the risk of opening potentially malicious emails or spam messages disguised as sales promotions and other notifications. If such messages are sent to your primary email address, there is a fair chance they are fake or malicious.
- Review the company’s return, refund, shipping and handling policies and any other legal information before adding items to your cart. If you can’t find this information, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to ensure these policies exist before purchasing merchandise.
- Be wary of using public Wi-Fi to make online purchases. Cybercriminals can intercept your data and capture passwords, login details, and financial information. Instead, utilizing your provider’s cellular network is the safer option.
- Consider carefully whether prices are too good to be true. It may also be suspicious if the ticket price is too high for an item, particularly if you’re bidding through an auction site. You may want to comparison shop before you buy.
- Check your credit and debit card statements frequently. Educators Credit Union offers a convenient way to check your pending and posted transactions through our Online and Mobile Banking platforms.
Bonus: Download the CardValet® app. The CardValet® app allows you to turn your debit and credit cards on and off, receive instant notifications and implement spending restrictions, all with the click of a button. Click here for more information.