As the world becomes increasingly digital, so does the risk for online fraud attacks. Keeping your identity and money safe is our top priority, and it should be yours too. Here are some tips to help you prevent fraud.
Enroll in Online Banking and Michigan First Mobile
Through our online and mobile banking services, you can manage your accounts at the touch of a button. We use industry-leading security technology to ensure your information is protected. By using these services, you can safely pay bills, view account balances, deposit checks, make transfers and more.
Card Controls and Fraud Alerts
If you use the Michigan First mobile app, you will have the ability to turn your debit and credit cards on and off, change your PIN number, and set spending limits that will help identify when your card is used, which can help you spot fraudulent purchases. Additionally, you can sign up for email and text alerts through online or mobile banking, and can enroll in fraud text and email alerts. We will monitor the spending activity on your accounts and notify you of suspicious or unauthorized purchases. Learn more here.
Beware of Suspicious Emails
Don’t open an email attachment, even if it appears to be from a friend or co-worker, unless you’re expecting it or you’re absolutely sure you know what it contains. Watch out for email subject lines or emails with a generic message like “check this out” or “thought you’d be interested in this.” Make sure you know who sent the email before you open an attachment or click any links.
Watch Out for Online Scams
Phishing is when an impostor tries to trick you into providing your personal information. They might impersonate Michigan First in an email, phone call or text, asking you to confirm your information or saying you’ve won something—and it might look legitimate. Examples include:
- You get an email that appears to be from a reputable company you know or do business with, like Michigan First. The email asks you to reply or go to a website that looks like MichiganFirst.com, where you’ll be asked to give your username, password, account number, personal identification number (PIN), Social Security number or other personal information.
- You get a voicemail or text message telling you your bank account will be closed, frozen or terminated unless you call or go to a website, where you’ll be asked to give personal information.
Review Your Credit Report
At least one a year, read through your credit reports carefully. You can request a free annual credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – even if you don’t suspect any unauthorized activity on your account. For your free annual report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1.877.FACTACT (1.877.322.8228).
Protect Your Devices
Having a password on your computer is a good start, but you should also install the latest anti-virus and firewall software on your computer. When shopping, look for software from reputable sources that scans incoming communications and files for viruses, and removes or quarantines viruses and updates automatically. This simple task can aid in protecting your files from fraudsters.
Keep Your Information Private
Above all, make sure you keep your personal and financial information private.
- Do not share your passwords with people
- Do not let your friends or family borrow your credit and debit cards
- Report lost or stolen checks and debit/credit cards to your financial institution
- Do not print your driver’s license, social security number or phone number on your checks
- Do not type in your passwords in public places, you never know who may be watching
- Enroll in two-step authentication processes on your mobile and online devices (email, phone, bank accounts, social media accounts, etc.).
Remember, Michigan First will never call you to request personal or account information. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Michigan First, please hang up the phone and call us back at 800.664.3828. Do not answer any personal questions or give any information (including account number, name, address, social security number, passwords, security codes, PINs, etc.) to someone that calls you on the phone, emails or texts you. To stay up-to-date on current scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission