Stop the Cyber Haunting!: The Fright Files Case #001

The Case of the Lurking Cyber Criminals. 
Something sinister is lurking online. Phishing emails, identity thieves, and fraudulent websites are just a few of the suspects looking for an opportunity to get their hands on your money and personal information. 

This Cyber Security Awareness Month, InRoads Credit Union is opening The Fright Files, a month-long investigation into the tricks, traps, and digital dangers threatening your financial security.

Our first case? Ten everyday clues to help you outsmart the suspects, spot the warning signs, and keep your finances from becoming the next crime scene. 

 

The Evidence: 10 Habits That Help Protect Your Money

Clue #1: Lock down your passwords. 

Your passwords are the keys to your digital life. If a cyber criminal gets ahold of one, they may try it on your other accounts, too.

Create long, unique passwords for your financial accounts, email, and other important services. A reputable password manager can help you generate and securely store them. 

Investigator's Tip: Never reuse your online banking password for another account. 

 

Clue #2: Add another lock to the vault.

A strong password is a good start, but multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection.

Enable MFA wherever it's available, especially on your banking and email accounts. Even if a scammer steals your password, that additional verification step can help keep them out.

Investigator's Tip: Use an authenticator app or security key when available.

 

Clue #3: Unmask suspicious messages. 

Not every message is what it seems. Cyber criminals often disguise themselves as trusted companies, financial institutions, or even people you know.

Beware of unexpected emails or texts claiming there's a problem with your account, demanding immediate payment, or asking you to verify personal information.

Investigator's Tip: Don't click suspicious links. Contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website. 

Clue #4: Search your statements for suspicious activity. 

Every good investigator knows to examine the evidence. Your account statements and transaction history can reveal the first signs of financial fraud.

Review your accounts regularly, looking for unfamiliar purchases, unexpected withdrawals, or even small transactions you don't recognize.

Investigator's Tip: Report suspicious activity to your financial institution as soon as you discover it.    

 

Clue #5: Set a trap with account alerts.

You don't have to watch your accounts around the clock to keep an eye on your money.

Enable available transaction and account alerts so you can receive notifications about purchases, withdrawals, or other activity. These alerts may help you spot unauthorized transactions sooner.

Investigator's Tip: Review your financial institution's notification settings and activate the alerts that matter most to you.  

 

Clue #6: Beware of unsecured connections. 

Cyber criminals don't need a haunted house to find trouble. An unfamiliar or unsecured Wi-Fi network can also put your information at risk.

Avoid accessing sensitive financial information over untrusted networks. When possible, use your cellular connection or a trusted, secured network for banking.

Investigator's Tip: Turn off automatic connections to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks.    

Clue #7: Don't let outdated software come back to haunt you.  

Outdated software can leave vulnerabilities that cyber criminals may exploit.

Keep your phone, computer, browser, and apps updated. Software updates often include important security patches that help protect your devices against known threats.

Investigator's Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible. 

Clue #8: Keep your identity under wraps.

Identity thieves are always hunting for personal information. Your Social Security number, birth date, account numbers, and passwords can all be valuable to a scammer.

Think carefully before sharing sensitive information online, and be mindful of the personal details you reveal on social media.

Investigator's Tip: Never share passwords or one-time verification codes with someone who unexpectedly contacts you. 

 

Clue #9: Investigate your credit report. 

Some financial crimes leave clues beyond your bank account. 
Unfamiliar credit accounts, unexpected inquiries, and debts you don't recognize may indicate that someone is using your identity.

Review your credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized website 
for free credit reports.

Investigator's Tip: Consider freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.

 

Clue #10: Recognize the signs of identity theft.  

Even the most careful investigators can encounter a clever criminal. Knowing the warning signs of identity theft can help you respond quickly if your information is compromised.

Keep an eye out for unexpected bills, missing statements, unfamiliar accounts, collection notices for debts you don't recognize, or unexplained changes to your credit report.

If you suspect identity theft, contact the affected financial institutions immediately and visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and create a recovery plan.

Investigator's Tip: The sooner you investigate suspicious activity, the sooner you can take steps to limit further damage. 

 

Case Closed? Not Quite. 

The investigation doesn't end here. Cyber criminals are constantly changing their tactics, and staying informed is one of your most useful defenses.

Throughout October, InRoads will be opening more Fright Files to expose the latest tricks, investigate common scams, and share practical ways to protect your money and identity.

Keep your eyes open, your passwords secure, and your financial information out of the wrong hands.

The next Fright File is coming soon.