Our Security Spotlight features information about current scams, provides tips to protect yourself from fraud attacks, and offers steps you should take should you fall victim to fraud.

• Phishing e-mail attacks - There have been numerous reports about people receiving emails from trusted sources such as FedEx that contain their correct social security number and other personal information. These emails are fraudulent and should be deleted immediately. Remember, it's important not to click on links! If clicked, the links in the email will take recipients to a Google Docs page that will then download and install malware. What is malware? Malware is a computer virus that can compromise your personal information.
  

• Malware targeting home routers - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently released information about severe malware that is able to render small office and home routers inoperable. The FBI is asking the public to reboot internet routers both at home and at work with the hope of providing a fix. The malware may also collect information passing through the router. Note, it's still unclear the full extent of damage VPNFilter is capable of doing, but more than 500,000 devices have been affected around the world.
  

• Asked to pay by gift card? Don't - Scammers are good at convincing people that there is a real emergency, which causes such a panic that victims then rush to big retailers like Walmart, Target or CVS to buy gift cards to send to these callers. Why do they want gift cards? Scammers love gift cards as a payment source because they are nearly untraceable. Remember, gift cards should never be used as a form of payment to an untrusted source. For more information click here.
  

1. Change your passwords - It's good practice to change your passwords regularly. Changing passwords every quarter makes it more difficult to steal them. It's also a good idea to choose passphrases instead of passwords. And finally, never use words that have meaning to you, such as a pet or family member's name.
   
   
2. Be skeptical - If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Never trust emails or phone calls offering free things if you don't recognize the call. Scammers like to appeal to people's excitement about receiving something "free," but usually phone calls and emails that make these declarations end up being fraudulent.
   
   
3. Secure social security numbers - Never give out your personal information to unrecognized sources. If a method of sharing information isn't 100% secured, and you do share it, you will be compromising your personal information and your identity.
   
   
4. Call immediately if you suspect you're a victim of fraud - If 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 steps will be taken to prevent against continued and/or future loss.

Kasasa Protect is a comprehensive identity fraud protection and restoration solution offered to all Astera members. Give yourself peace of mind with this extra layer of identity protection.

Features of Kasasa Protect:

• Credit reporting
• Monthly credit score
  
• Dark web monitoring
• Full-service identity restoration
• Lost wallet protection
• Email alerts/Credit alerts
• 24/7 dedicated Kasasa Protect support team

Service Requirements:

• Must have an Astera checking account*
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have an email address (joint account holders must each provide unique email addresses for this service)

Fill out the form below and we will contact you with more information on Kasasa Protect!

*Funds must come from an Astera checking account.

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.