3 tips for securing your account to avoid fraud

The easiest way to stay safe from fraud is by stopping it before it starts. You can set some preventive measures in place by following online safety rules and best practices, giving yourself a much lower chance of falling victim to fraud. Below, we’ve compiled three easy ways to reduce your risk of fraud by making your bank account more secure.

1) Utilize secure access codes and registered browsers

A secure access code (SAC) is a one-time code sent to you via text, email, or phone call when you log into your account. This code functions as part of the multifactor authentication (MFA) process, making sure there are multiple steps required to access your account. This extra barrier may add a few extra seconds to your login process, but it makes it exponentially more difficult for fraudsters to breach your account. In fact, according to the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, using MFA on your accounts makes you 99% less likely to be hacked.

Certain sites will also allow you to register your browser. This method keeps the added safety of using an SAC without requiring a code at each login attempt by remembering the browser you’re using. Typically, these sites will require an SAC for your first login and then allow you to either register your browser or continue using SACs as normal.

SACs should not be shared with anyone requesting them, even if they claim they are from UBT. This is a red flag, as UBT will never ask you to share an SAC. If you receive an SAC you didn’t request, that’s also a red flag — make sure to change your password and contact UBT immediately.

2) Set up alerts

With alerts, you’re provided an extra layer of security by receiving notifications whenever any money enters and leaves your account. Through UBT Business, alerts can help you detect suspicious activity early, ensuring timely responses to any potential fraud. You can also customize how you receive updates related to your account activity. For a full breakdown of types of alerts and how to set them up, check out our Alerts in UBT Business guide.

3) Keep safety practices in mind when banking online

Through the internet, fraudsters can swipe sensitive information without even interacting with you. For preventative measures, we recommend:

• Using a strong password with a combination of words, numbers, and symbols that is easy to remember but hard to guess.
• Making sure your device’s operating system, browser, applications, and firewalls are all up to date.
• Not connecting to unknown wireless networks, as they could capture information passed between your device and a legitimate server.

If you are reached out to by a potential fraudster, remember to:

• Never give your personal or financial information to someone unless you initiated the contact and have verified who you’re communicating with.
• Never send money (cash, check, wire, gift cards, Venmo, Zelle®, Cash App, or cryptocurrency) to someone who asks you to accept a deposit for them and then send money back.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious-looking links and phone numbers, especially when they’re accompanied by a request for action or information. Any legitimate link from UBT will direct to our website, and any legitimate call will come from our established points of contact.

Bonus tip: We’re here to help

Wondering if a suspicious text, email, or charge on your account is fraudulent? It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly Customer Support team at 402.473.8542 with any questions or concerns you may have.