Stay Alert: How to Protect Yourself From Financial Fraud

Fort Financial will never call, text or email asking you to provide sensitive account information, including your:

• Debit or credit card number
• Personal identification number, or PIN
• Digital banking username or password
• One-time authentication or security code

You should never provide this information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even when the phone number, email address or text message appears to come from Fort Financial.

Fraudsters can manipulate caller ID information and create convincing emails, websites or text messages that appear legitimate. When you are unsure, end the conversation and contact Fort Financial at 260.432.1561. Other legitimate ways to contactd us can be found here.

While scams can take many forms, they often rely on the same tactics. Be cautious when someone:

• Pressures you to act immediately
• Threatens to close, freeze or restrict your account
• Requests your password, PIN or authentication code
• Sends an unexpected link or attachment
• Asks you to withdraw, transfer or move money to protect it
• Tells you not to speak with your financial institution or anyone else
• Requests payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps

Creating urgency is one of the most common tools fraudsters use. They want you to react before you have time to question the request.

Pause, review the situation and contact the organization directly before taking action.

Fraudulent emails and text messages often direct recipients to fake websites designed to collect login credentials or other personal information.

Instead of selecting a link in an unexpected message, access your accounts by:

• Opening the official Fort Financial mobile app
• Entering fortfinancial.org directly into your internet browser
• Using a trusted bookmark you previously created

Before opening an attachment, make sure you recognize the sender and were expecting the file. Unexpected attachments may contain harmful software intended to access information on your device.

Simple security habits can make it more difficult for fraudsters to access your information.

Use strong, unique passwords

Create a long password or passphrase for digital banking and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A compromised password can give a fraudster access to other services when credentials are reused.

Never share your digital banking password with anyone.

Protect your authentication codes

One-time authentication codes provide an additional layer of security. These codes are intended only for you and should never be shared with someone who calls, texts or emails you.

A fraudster may ask for a code while claiming it is needed to confirm your identity or stop a suspicious transaction. In reality, the code may allow them to access your account.

Secure your mobile device

Use a passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition to prevent unauthorized access to your phone or tablet. Keep your device’s operating system and financial apps updated so you receive the latest security protections.

Review your account activity frequently and look for transactions you do not recognize, including small purchases or withdrawals. Fraudsters may begin with a small transaction to determine whether an account or card is active.

Account alerts can help you stay informed about activity as it happens. Depending on your preferences, alerts may notify you about:

• Debit card purchases
• Withdrawals and transfers
• Low account balances
• Direct deposits
• Changes to your account information

Log in through Fort Financial’s mobile app or digital banking platform to review the alert options available to you.

When using an ATM or payment terminal, inspect the device before inserting or tapping your card. Avoid using the machine when parts appear loose, damaged or different from the surrounding equipment.

When you make a purchase with your Fort Financial-issued debit card, choose CREDIT instead of DEBIT. By selecting CREDIT, you will be able to take advantage of zero-liability fraud protection and consequently further protecting your PIN from being stolen. PINs are only needed when selecting cash back or using an ATM. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN, and do not write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet.

When possible, use contactless payment options or a digital wallet, which may offer additional security by preventing your actual card number from being shared with the merchant.

Trust your instincts. When a call, message or transaction feels suspicious, stop and verify it before taking further action.

If someone contacts you claiming to be from Fort Financial and requests sensitive information:

1. Do not provide the requested information.
2. Do not select any links or download attachments.
3. End the call or conversation.
4. Contact Fort Financial directly at 260.432.1561.
5. Review your accounts for unfamiliar activity.

If you believe your Fort Financial account or card information may have been compromised, contact us as soon as possible at 260.432.1561, option 3. Our team can help you review the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.

Fraudsters rely on urgency, fear and confusion. Slowing down can be one of your strongest defenses.

Before sharing information, transferring money or responding to an unexpected request, ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this message?
• Why does this person need this information?
• Is the request creating unnecessary urgency?
• Can I verify it through an official source?

Taking a few extra moments to verify a request can help protect your finances and personal information.