Protecting your finances from online fraud and scammers is important. One powerful tool at your disposal are the functions available to you within your online banking account.
These features act as a virtual security system, alerting you to suspicious activity and granting you greater control over your funds. Let's explore some key accounts settings to turn on in your online banking account to lower your risk of becoming a victim to fraud.
General Alerts
Within your online banking settings, you'll find many general alerts to choose from that are designed to keep you informed about your account activity. These alerts can be customized to suit your preferences. Options include receiving notifications about your account balances, flagging transactions exceeding a specified dollar amount, and pinpointing purchases made at specific locations, such as ATMs or online vendors. Travel alerts can also be set to monitor transactions both domestically and internationally. By enabling these alerts, you gain immediate visibility into any red flags, empowering you to take immediate action if your account is compromised.
Setting Controls
Beyond alerts, your online banking account also offers control settings to enhance account security. These controls allow you to establish freezes and blocks on your account activity. For instance, you can set daily spending limits across all accounts or restrict transactions based on geographic location. If you rarely travel or utilize ATMs, you have the option to block these transactions altogether. Plus, as an added precaution, you can disable wire transfers, reducing the risk of unauthorized fund transfers. By implementing these controls, you create additional layers of defense against fraudulent activity.
Turning Off Your Debit Card
In the event you feel your debit card is lost or stolen, the ability to turn off your debit card is important. In online banking you can instantly freeze your debit card and prevent unauthorized transactions from taking place. You can unfreeze it just as easily if you find your card or if you turn it off for another reason. If you do end up needing a replacement card, we advise contacting Members Choice Credit Union to get a replacement to ensure uninterrupted access to your money.
Whether it's setting spending limits, monitoring transaction locations, or turning off your debit card, these measures empower you to proactively safeguard your financial well-being. By remaining vigilant and leveraging the security features offered in online banking, you can minimize the likelihood of falling victim to fraud and protect your hard-earned money.
Want more tips like this? See more in our fraud center.
About Members Choice Credit Union
At Members Choice, we strive to exceed your expectations. We believe in people-helping-people by providing sound financial solutions and resources, as well as sharing our passion for supporting the community. As a full-service financial institution based in Houston, Texas, we have proudly served the West Houston, Katy, and Cy-Fair areas for more than 81 years. For more information, visit www.mccu.com.
