‘Tis the Season for Fraud Protection

The holiday season is a time of joy and excitement for many, but it also brings a heightened risk of financial fraud.

As you spend time shopping online and juggling the busy schedules, make sure to stay vigilant against potential fraudsters who take advantage of the cheerful season to compromise your accounts. Here are ways to safeguard your finances so you can stay jolly!

1. Monitor Accounts Regularly
   • Keep a close eye on your bank account and credit card activity to ensure there are no suspicious charges. Stay informed by enabling alerts and notifications that can be sent to your email or phone to notify you of transactions exceeding a certain amount.
2. Pay with Digital Wallet
   • Using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay not only makes online, in-app, or in-person transactions faster, using Digital Wallet adds an extra layer of protection. By using fingerprint Touch ID or Face Recognition to complete the purchase, it keeps your personal information secure no matter if you’re shopping in the store or online.
3. Avoid Phishing Scams
   • Fraudsters often use emails, texts, or calls disguised as financials or legitimate companies to steal your personal information. WESTconsin, and many other financials and companies, will never ask you for important information in texts, emails, phone calls, or on social media. Don’t click any links or answer any questions until you contact WESTconsin at (800) 924-0022 or the company in question to confirm the communication.
4. Control Your Transactions
   • When you’re not out shopping for last minute gifts, use Debit Card Control to temporarily deactivate your WESTconsin debit card so potential fraudsters can’t use it! With a simple click of a button in WESTconsin Online or the Mobile App, turn your debit card on when you’re doing your shopping and turn it off when you know you won’t be using it.

If you fall victim, contact WESTconsin immediately by visiting your local office or calling the Service Center at (800) 924-0022 to report the fraud.