Scammers often look for opportunities to take advantage of increased online activity, and there are many seasonal expenses over the course of a year — summer vacations, back-to-school, winter holidays, and even spring break. While scam tactics continue to evolve over time, the habits that help protect your personal and financial information remain the same.

1. Be Cautious with Unexpected Messages
Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations through emails, text messages, and phone calls. Be wary of urgent requests for personal information, passwords, verification codes, or payments.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Create unique passwords for important accounts and enable multi-factor authentication whenever available. These extra layers of security can help prevent unauthorized access.

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3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Review account activity and transaction history frequently. The sooner you spot suspicious activity, the sooner you can take action. 

4. Protect Your Personal Information
Never share sensitive information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly — including account numbers, passwords, PINs, or Social Security Numbers.

Remember, CEFCU will never:

  • Ask you for your PIN.
  • Ask for your online banking password.
  • Ask you to provide remote access to your computer or phone.

5. Verify Before You Act
Whether it's a scholarship offer, fundraising request, online purchase, or financial account notification, take a moment to verify the source through official contact information before responding.

Additional Resources

For students and families navigating financial aid, scholarships, and other education-related expenses, several federal agencies offer resources to help identify and avoid fraud.

  • The U.S. Department of Education has launched efforts to combat identity theft and fraud involving federal student aid programs.
  • Grants.gov offers tips for recognizing and avoiding grant scams, including common statements that are strong indicators of a scam.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Fraud?

If you notice suspicious account activity or believe your information has been compromised:

  • Contact your financial institution immediately.
  • In CEFCU On-Line® or Mobile Banking, use Card Management to immediately turn off your debit or credit card.
  • Change passwords for affected accounts.
  • Review recent account activity and report any unauthorized transactions.
  • Monitor accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.
  • Report scams to the appropriate authorities.

The Bottom Line

Scammers often increase their efforts during busy seasons, but good security habits can help protect you year-round. Taking a few simple precautions today can help safeguard your accounts, personal information, and finances tomorrow.