Eglin Federal Credit Union

Safety & Security

EFCU is dedicated to protecting our member's financial information in all areas of our operations. But how can you stay vigilant while on the go? Visit the Safety & Security page for tips for keeping safe while online.

Here are a few helpful measures to take:

Never give your Social Security number or other personal information over the phone
Change your passwords regularly
Set up alerts to monitor account activity
Don't save account numbers on mobile devices
Avoid using public Wi-Fi
Never open suspicious links in emails
Keep your computer and mobile devices updated
Turn off your computer when it is not in use
Stay in the know about the latest scams
Always logout and close your browser window
Report any suspicious activity as soon as possible

We have also partnered with Digital Defense Inc. to provide you Training, Education, and Awareness Modules™ (TEAM) that are relevant and easy to understand. Using a web browser you can access the security training anytime and anywhere from our Safety & Security page. Training classes include Secure Passwords, Home Computer Tips, Wireless Security, and Child Safety Online.

10 Ways to Avoid Fraud

According to Federal Trade Commission reports, crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead.

Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don't send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request regardless of whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.
Do online searches. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like "review," "complaint" or "scam." Or search for a phrase that describes your situation, like "IRS call." You can even search for phone numbers to see if other people have reported them as scams.
Don't believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren't always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.
Don't pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you've won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.
Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in, but some payment methods don't. Wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram is risky because it's nearly impossible to get your money back. That's also true for reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit or Vanilla. Government offices and honest companies won't require you to use these payment methods.
Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert or just tell a friend.
Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus. Don't press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.
Be skeptical about free trial offers. Some companies use free trials to sign you up for products and bill you every month until you cancel. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy. And always review your monthly statements for charges you don't recognize.
Don't deposit a check and wire money back. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you're responsible for repaying the bank.
Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.

If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC by clicking here. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice.