National Safety Month: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud

When people think about safety, they often think about wearing seatbelts, locking doors, or protecting their homes. But during National Safety Month, it’s also a great time to think about another important type of protection: financial safety.

Fraud and scams continue to evolve, and criminals are getting more creative in the ways they try to steal money and personal information. From fake text messages and phone calls to phishing emails and online scams, fraud can happen quickly — often when people least expect it.

The good news? A few smart habits can go a long way in helping protect your accounts and personal information.

Here are some simple fraud prevention tips to help keep you and your finances safer. 

 

1. Be Cautious of Unexpected Messages

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting quickly.

Be cautious if you receive:

• • Texts claiming there’s a problem with your account
  • Emails asking you to “verify” information 
  • Phone calls requesting passwords or codes
  • Messages saying you’ve won a prize or owe money immediately

Even if a message looks official, don’t click links or share information unless you’re certain the source is legitimate.

 

2. Never Share Security Codes or Passwords

One of the most common fraud tactics involves scammers asking for one-time verification codes.

Remember:

• • Financial institutions will never ask for your online banking password 
  • Verification codes should never be shared with anyone
  • If someone pressures you to provide a code, it’s a major red flag

Protecting your login credentials is one of the easiest ways to help secure your accounts.

 

3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Checking your accounts often can help you spot suspicious activity early.

Make it a habit to:

• • Review account transactions 
  • Watch for unfamiliar purchases
  • Check account alerts and notifications
  • Report anything suspicious immediately

The faster fraud is detected, the better the chances of minimizing potential damage.

InRoads Credit Union offers resources and digital banking tools to help members stay informed and monitor account activity more easily.

 

4. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

Weak or reused passwords can make accounts easier to access.

Consider:

• • Using unique passwords for different accounts 
  • Creating longer passphrases
  • Enabling multi-factor authentication when available
  • Updating passwords regularly

A little extra security can make a big difference.

 

5. Be Careful With Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps

Digital payment tools are convenient, but they should still be used carefully.

Only send money to:

• • People you personally know and trust
  • Verified businesses or services

Fraudsters may pose as buyers, sellers, or even friends to trick people into sending money that may not be recoverable.

Always double-check before hitting “send.”

We shared recently about tips for safety when using our peer-to-peer system, Zelle® - read more: https://www.inroadscu.org/about/who-we-are/news-events/zelle-scams-and-p2p-fraud

 

6. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels suspicious, slow down.

Scammers rely on panic, urgency, and confusion to catch people off guard. Taking a moment to pause, verify information, and ask questions can help prevent costly mistakes.

It’s always okay to hang up, ignore a message, or contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number or website.

 

Final Warnings + What To Do If

National Safety Month is a reminder that protecting yourself goes beyond physical safety — it also includes protecting your financial well-being.

Staying informed, paying attention to warning signs, and practicing good digital habits can help reduce your risk of fraud and scams. While fraud tactics may continue to change, awareness remains one of the strongest tools for staying protected.

If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact InRoads as soon as possible at 503.397.2376.