We’re excited to introduce Astera Credit Union’s Security Spotlight to you. Our goal with this quarterly publication is to provide you with information that can help prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud. We all know fraudsters are constantly coming up with new and clever ways to try and steal money, personal information and even identities. One of the pillars for prevention is familiarizing yourself with the latest scams and how to safeguard against them.

In our Security Spotlight we will feature information about the latest scams and provide tips to secure yourself from a fraud attack, and even what to do if you become a victim of fraud.

• Scams Targeting Taxpayers - The IRS has identified several tax related scams happening this tax season. These scams include things like incorrect deposits being made into bank accounts or IRS-impersonation telephone calls. Please note, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. For full details on current tax related scams click here.
  

• Online Dating Money Grab - Millions of Americans use online dating sites to find love. Scammers also use these websites to find ways to take advantage of those people looking to find love. How? Scammers will create fake profiles, pretend to be interested in someone, and eventually request money be sent to them. Almost every case of online love where there is a request for money is a scam. Click here to read more about online dating scams.

• Get Rich Quick Scheme - Recently the FTC filed a case against Digital Altitude, a company who claimed to pay employees 6 figures in 90 days or less, all while working from home. As with most get rich quick schemes, the money was not delivered and was a sales pitch to get people to pay more money to the company. Get rich scams have been around for years and aren't going away anytime soon. The strategy is simple prey on anyone looking to get ahead by earning some quick, fast cash. Click here to read more on the Digital Altitude get rich quick scam.

1. Screen unfamiliar phone calls - If you don’t recognize a phone number, don’t answer the phone. Most legitimate phone calls will leave a message that you can listen to and help you determine next steps.
   
   
2. Always err on the side of caution - If something doesn't feel right, stop what you are doing, and think through what is being asked of you. Scammers find most success in talking fast and confusing their victims. Don’t ever give out or confirm sensitive information (like your bank account) unless you know who you are dealing with.
   
   
3. Review your account(s) regularly - Some scams don't even require your direct participation and can still happen. It’s critical to regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious and/or fraudulent activity. Doing this can help prevent serious loss.
   
   
4. Call immediately if you suspect you’re a victim of fraud - Should you fall victim to a scam, one of the first steps to follow is contacting your financial institution(s) to make them aware. Your accounts will be shut down and precautionary steps will be taken to prevent against future loss.

CardNav give you real-time control over your debit cards through your smartphone or tablet. It also adds another level of security to your cards by letting you decide how and when they can be used, and alerting you when any types of transactions you specify take place. You can even use CardNav to set personal spending limits that help you stay within your budget goals.

• Turn cards on or off in seconds
• Use GPS to restrict transactions to businesses within a designated area
• Limit card use to specific merchants or purchases
• Receive real-time, in app alerts that let you stop unauthorized purchases before they're complete
• Receive alerts when you're getting close to any personal spending limited you've set

Download the CardNav app and gain a new level of security and control over your money today!

If you'd like more information on Astera's security services, call us at 800.323.0048, stop into any branch to speak with a member service representative, or visit us at www.AsteraCU.com.