Category: security

What Should I Do If My Credit Card’s Been Frauded?

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Credit, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Q: I’ve just discovered that my credit card’s been frauded. I’m in a total state of panic. What should I do now?

A: Credit card fraud is a serious problem that affects nearly half a million Americans annually. Learning that your card’s been frauded can be stressful and very worrying. However, there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate the damage and help you move forward. Keep calm, and take a look at what to do if your credit card has been compromised.

Notify your credit card issuer

As soon as you discover fraudulent activity on your credit card account, contact the card issuer through their customer service hotline. Let them know about the unauthorized charges and provide them the details of the transactions. Most credit card issuers have 24/7 customer support to promptly handle situations like these. By reporting the fraud immediately, you limit your liability for the fraudulent charges and prevent further unauthorized use of your card. 

It’s important to note that major credit card companies have a zero liability policy for fraudulent charges. Even if your credit card company does not have this policy, your liability for credit card fraud is capped at $50 under the Fair Credit Billing Act. 

Freeze your card and request a replacement

Once you’ve contacted your credit card issuer, ask them to freeze the compromised card so that no additional charges can be made on this account. Next, request a replacement card with a new account number and security code. The credit card issuer will guide you through the process and ensure that your old card is deactivated. Don’t forget to update any automatic payments or subscriptions that are linked to your old card.

Review your statements and dispute unauthorized charges

Often, when a scammer gains access to a victim’s credit card account, they gain access to all of their personal information. Consequently, it’s crucial that you continue to review your credit card statements for any other unauthorized transactions in the months following the fraud. Report all unrecognized charges to your credit card issuer and file a dispute. This typically involves filling out a form or submitting a written statement. Keep copies of all communication and documentation related to the disputed charges for future reference.

Contact a credit bureau and request a fraud alert 

Next, contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to ask that a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports. The bureau you contact will notify the other two, ensuring that potential creditors are alerted to the possibility of fraudulent activity. A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit. This way, the scammer who’s frauded your credit card account can’t use your information to take out a loan or open an additional line of credit. 

At this time, you may also want to place a credit freeze on your name, which will make it impossible for anyone to open a new line of credit in your name. This may, of course, prevent you from obtaining a new credit card at this time, but it will provide you with the ultimate protection against additional fraud. If you do go this route, you will need to request a freeze from each of the credit bureaus.

Monitor your credit reports

Keep a close eye on your credit reports in the months following the fraudulent activity. Check for any new accounts opened in your name or other suspicious activity. Consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service that alerts you to any changes or inquiries on your credit reports. Early detection of any fraudulent activity can help prevent further damage and assist in resolving any issues that may arise.

Strengthen your online security 

Take steps to enhance your online security to prevent future incidents. Change your passwords for all online banking, shopping and other financial accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security. Be extra careful about sharing sensitive information when online and be vigilant against phishing or smishing attempts. Regularly update your antivirus software and keep your devices and operating systems patched with the latest security updates.

Report the fraud to law enforcement agencies

If you’ve confirmed that you’re a fraud victim, it’s a good idea to report the crime to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website, where you can file an identity theft report. 

Credit card fraud can wreck your life, but taking the proper steps as soon as you’ve discovered the fraud can minimize the damage. Use this guide to know what to do in the event of credit card fraud.  

All You Need to Know About Pet Adoption Scams

by Advantage One, posted in security

Pet adoption can be an incredibly rewarding experience. After all, there’s nothing quite like coming home after a long workday and being greeted by a cuddly, furry friend. Unfortunately, though, scammers often exploit people’s adoration for animals through pet adoption scams. Let’s take a closer look at pet adoption scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

How these scams play out

In a pet adoption scam, fraudsters pose as legitimate pet sellers or rescue organizations to scam potential adopters. They may advertise pets online, usually at lower-than-market prices, and use emotional appeals to lure unsuspecting individuals. Variations of these scams include “puppy mills,” where animals are bred in inhumane conditions and then sold, or “phantom pets,” where scammers falsely claim to have pets available for adoption. In the first scam, the buyer is charged exorbitant fees for one of these neglected pets. In the second, the buyer eagerly makes the required payments and then waits for their new pet that never arrives. 

Red flags to watch for

If you’re in the market for a new pet, or you’re the kind of person who will be in the market as soon as you lay eyes on a picture of an adorable puppy or kitten, it’s best to brush up on these red flags, which may indicate a pet scam:

  • The seller only communicates through email.
  • The seller demands upfront payment.
  • The seller refuses to provide necessary documentation and verifiable details about the pet’s background or health.
  • The seller asks for additional fees for shipping, vaccinations or permits. 
  • The ad featuring the adoptable pet is riddled with grammar mistakes and misspelled words.
  • All photos of the pet are generic, stock photos.

If a potential pet seller shows any of these red flags, you are likely looking at a scam.

Search safely for a pet

When searching for a pet to adopt, take protective measures to ensure you’re only dealing with legitimate sellers. Carefully research and verify the authenticity of the seller or rescue organization before proceeding with an adoption. Look for a physical address, contact information and secure online presence. Check out any online reviews, testimonials or complaints about the seller. Confirm the organization’s affiliation with recognized animal welfare associations or governing bodies. Finally, reach out to local animal shelters or breed-specific rescues to validate the legitimacy of the seller.

Finalizing an adoption

Once you’ve found a pet to adopt, continue to exercise caution as you finalize the sale. 

First, insist on meeting the seller and pet or visiting the rescue organization in person before going through with the adoption. This will enable you to observe the animal’s living conditions, assess its health and directly interact with it. Legitimate sellers or organizations will encourage these visits and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions or address any concerns. Scammers, of course, will provide any number of excuses as to why it’s impossible for you to meet them and your potential new pet. 

If everything checks out and you’ve seen the pet and all necessary documentation, be sure to use a secure payment method that offers fraud protection, such as a credit card. As always, do not wire money to an unverified contact or pay them via gift card.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a pet adoption scam, take steps to help the proper authorities apprehend the scammers. First, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov. You can also alert local law enforcement agencies, and let your friends and family know about the ruse so they can be on alert, too. 

Adopting a pet is a super-exciting time, but scammers can quickly turn this experience into a nightmare. Use the tips outlined here to learn what you need to know about pet adoption scams and how to avoid them. 

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? In a short video, try to sell us on a pet that is oh-so-adorable but doesn’t actually exist.

Beware Check Washing Scams

by Advantage One, posted in Checking, security, Tips & Best Practices

When Midge Laurin, of Chicago, Illinois, mailed out a $30 check, she had no idea it would be intercepted by a scammer and written out to someone else to the tune of $9,475. Check-washing scams like this are on the rise, and can leave victims struggling to reclaim their lost funds for months. Here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to avoid them.

How the scams play out

In a check-washing scam, the target places a check in the mail, and it is then stolen by scammers who nick envelopes from private mailboxes or lift them out of public mailboxes using “fishing rods” made of strings attached to a sticky substance. With check in hand, the scammer uses ordinary household chemicals, like acetone or bleach, to erase the ink off the stolen checks. Finally, they’ll rewrite the numbers and/or the payee before depositing the checks into their own accounts. 

Sometimes, the scammer will take the ruse one step further by using the checking account details found on the check to commit further crimes against the check-writer. This may include producing counterfeit checks in the victim’s name, as well as fake IDs, driver’s licenses and passports. The victim may only learn about these crimes when they begin receiving overdraft notices or are informed that their ID is no longer valid.

Protect yourself

Unfortunately, check washing may not be discovered for weeks, or even months after its occurrence. Sometimes, the victim will only learn of the ruse when they review their monthly checking account statement and see that the check amount and/or payee has been altered. Or, they may only find out about it when the intended recipient reaches out to let the check-writer know they still have not received the check. The scam’s discovery is more likely to be delayed when the scammers have not modified any information on the check and have simply stolen and deposited a check made out to “cash”. 

In addition, many financial institutions do not offer complete protection on fraud that is not reported within a few days of its occurrence. Some offer partial protection for up to 60 days. Advantage One Credit Union

Law enforcement agencies on local and federal levels, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI, have task forces to help stop check washing. They offer the following strategies for keeping your checks and your information safe from scams:

  • Whenever possible, use mobile and online banking services and P2P systems as a replacement for checks.
  • When writing checks, use black ink, preferably the gel kind. The ink found in blue ballpoint pens can be easily removed with acetone.
  • Don’t raise your mailbox flag when there are bill payments inside. Hand this mail directly to your carrier or mail it from the post office.
  • Retrieve your mail daily and never leave the mailbox full overnight. If you’ll be traveling, you can arrange for the post office to hold your mail for up to 30 days. Alternatively, have a friend or trusted neighbor retrieve your mail so it doesn’t pile up.
  • When mailing checks, use envelopes that have security tinting.
  • Shred or burn all canceled checks, checks deposited through your mobile app, credit card statements and bills. 
  • Review your checking account activity frequently. Ensure all checks have cleared for the correct amounts and to the correct payees. You can generally access this information through your financial institution’s mobile banking app or website.
  • Store your checks in a secure place within your home.
  •  Avoid making checks out to “cash”. Instead, write out your checks to a specific person or business.

Check washing can wreak havoc on a victim’s finances before they even know it’s occurred. Follow the tips outlined here to keep your checks safe.

TikTok Inspo: Have you sidestepped a check-washing scam? Tell us your story in a 15-second video.

What Do I Need to Know About the Current State of the Economy?

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Lifestyle, News & Events, Saving, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Q: I find the financial news to be confusing despite my efforts to keep up with developments and trends in the economy. What do I need to know about the current state of the economy and how can I learn to read the financial news? 

A: Kudos to you for taking the initiative to learn all you can about how the economy impacts your money and livelihood! Indeed, financial news can be confusing. One day the economy is headed for a deep recession, or worse. But the next day’s headlines will boast about rising stocks and a climbing dollar. It’s hard to make sense of it all and to sift through the noise and find what’s relevant to your life. Here, we’ve outlined the factors you need to know about today’s economy and provide a primer on how to read the financial news. 

Which factors characterize the economy now? 

While your grocery bills may have you thinking otherwise, there’s actually good news on the economic front … right now, at least. The consumer price index (CPI), which tracks the cost of household staples, rose 4.9% in April, 2023. It’s the smallest increase in two years. The inflation readings of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report weakening inflation readings for 10 consecutive months since its peak in June of 2022. This means consumers should be seeing relief in staple categories like food, energy and housing. 

However, the state of the economy is measured by more factors than the inflation rate alone. Consumer spending, for example, has weakened in recent months following a spike in January. Additionally, the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), rose at an annual rate of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2023, falling short of the 1.9% that economists had expected. It’s also important to note that the average interest rate now averages 5-5.25%, which is its highest level since 2007. On the flip side, though, new home sales rose in March for the fourth consecutive month.

While the economy has definitely seen better days, all is not doom and gloom on the financial front. Inflation is easing and there is hope for more good news in the coming months and years. As a consumer, look out for fluctuating interest rates and a decreasing rate of inflation. While these factors may influence your spending, it’s important to practice responsible money management in any economic climate. 

How to read the news

Follow these tips to make sense of the financial news:

  • Be prepared to read news items you’ll disagree with. The internet is bloated with content, and you can find articles, memes and videos on nearly any opinion in the  world. This makes web surfers vulnerable to confirmation bias, in which their browser continuously spits out blogs that confirm their already-established opinion. This can be particularly dangerous as you may mistakenly believe your own opinion to be fact. This is why it’s a good idea to open your mind a bit and read some articles where you don’t agree with the opinion.
  • Read both professional and amateur content. The articles you’ll read at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times may have more reputable sources than your average basement blogger, but they’re also written with deadlines and the company’s quarterly earnings in mind. Be wary of clickbait and of doomsday headlines that have little basis in reality. Amateur writing, though it may be less-sourced, will likely be less biased and dramatic.
  • Remember that not every news story is actionable. You may read dozens of articles on the economy each week, but few, if any, require you to take action. Ignore most of what you read about the stock market because it’s usually best to keep your investments in place for years to achieve optimal growth. You also don’t need to take any action when reading about inflation highs and lows, the GDP or most other financial news items. Read these articles for the purpose of broadening your understanding and knowledge of the state of the economy.

Financial news can be confusing. Use this guide to learn what you need to know about the current state of the economy and how to read financial news. 

Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry

by Advantage One, posted in book review, online security, Reviews, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Title: Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry 

Author: Kelly Richmond Pope

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

Publishing Date: March 21, 2023

Who is this book for? 

  • Anyone who has ever wondered why investors were easily duped by Elizabeth Holmes, or how any of the thousands of scams fraudsters pull off each year is successful.
  • Anyone who has ever wondered how to identify the scams that cost consumers and businesses trillions of collective dollars annually. 

What’s inside this book?

  • Fascinating stories and insightful analysis on fraud, culled from Pope’s years as a forensic accounting expert.
  • On-target tips for recognizing fraud and protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

4 questions this book will answer for you:  

  1. How is it possible for scammers to dupe successful mega-businesses, as well as educated, bright consumers?
  2. What really motivates whistleblowers?
  3. Are my beliefs about fraud legitimate?
  4. What really makes perps tick and victims gullible?

What people are saying about this book: 

“Fool Me Once is insightful, educational, and highly entertaining. Based on hundreds of hours of direct personal contact with fraudsters, Kelly Richmond Pope offers a riveting take on the human side of fraud. A must-read!” — Bethany McLean

“Fool Me Once is required reading for anyone who wants to better understand perpetrators, victims, and whistleblowers and how to better prevent, detect, and investigate fraud.” — Cynthia Cooper

“Accessible, humorous, and engaging, Fool Me Once includes fascinating stories from the perspective of one of the nation’s foremost fraud research experts. I recommend this book for corporate and academic discussion or for anyone interested in understanding and preventing fraud. I do not recommend it for potential fraudsters!” — Paula A. Price

“Fool Me Once sets the bar high for how to protect yourself from scammers. It is an essential read.” — Joe Navarro

TikTok Inspo: Can you sell us on picking up a copy of this book? Give us your take on Fool Me Once in a 15-second video. 

5 Amazon Scams You Need to Know About

by Advantage One, posted in App Reviews, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

When it comes to convenience, service and sheer scope of products, nothing beats Amazon. The world’s largest and most popular online marketplace is the 21st century shopper’s go-to for virtually any product under the sun. Unfortunately, though, Amazon is also rife with scammers. Here are five Amazon scams and tips from the e-commerce giant for protecting yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

  1. Update your order

In this scam, a shopper places an order on Amazon and waits for it to arrive. Before it shows up at their doorstep, though, they receive a phone call or written notification via email or text message, informing them that there is an issue with their account. It further claims that the customer must update or confirm their information before they can receive their purchase. The contact may ask the target to re-share their payment information or other personally identifiable information (PII). Often, the target believes the request is legit and willingly shares this information.

Don’t get scammed: If you’re asked to update your payment information and/or something seems off, go directly into your Amazon account and check the “Your Orders” section. If you aren’t prompted to update your payment method on that screen, the message you received is from a scammer. Amazon will never ask for payment over the phone, by text or via email.

  1. You’re owed a refund

In this scam, a target receives a text or email stating they’ve been overcharged for a recent Amazon purchase and are owed a refund. The target is directed to call the provided phone number. When they call, an alleged Amazon rep will ask to be granted access to the target’s computer so they can issue the refund. Unfortunately, doing that will give a scammer direct access to the victim’s computer and financial accounts. 

Don’t get scammed: Any notification from Amazon will be available on the company’s website. If you are owed a refund, you’ll find all the information you need to know within your secure account.

  1. Off-platform payments

In this scam, a target finds a product they’d like to purchase on Amazon. However, when they try to complete the transaction, the seller asks them to follow a link for an off-platform payment, usually via a P2P payment platform like Zelle or Venmo. While these platforms may be secure, completing the purchase off Amazon’s site or app means losing all purchase protection that Amazon provides. The customer will also likely end up with a faulty product, or no product at all. 

Don’t get scammed: Authentic Amazon sellers will never ask for payment outside the actual Amazon site. 

  1. Amazon Prime Video scams

In this scam, consumers looking to set up Amazon Prime Video on their SmartTV are lured into bogus sites by clicking on pop-up ads including keywords like “Set up Prime on TV”. The fake sites look identical to Amazon’s SmartTV setup page, so the victim believes they’ve landed on the correct page. The target will be asked to enter Amazon’s six-digit code on their TV and then call the phone number the site provides. Once on the phone with a victim, the scammers will direct them into sharing the two-factor authentication code that was sent to their device via Amazon. Unfortunately, if the target complies, they’ll be giving a scammer access to their Amazon account. Don’t get scammed: Never share your passwords, authorization codes and/or login credentials over the phone. If you need to set up Amazon Prime Video on your SmartTIV, visit

Amazon’s website directly and follow the instructions here. It’s also good to know that all legitimate Amazon websites have a dot before “amazon.com,” such as “pay.amazon.com”. Any link to a website that contains the words “amazon” but does not follow this rule is a scammy site.

  1. Mystery boxes, prizes and crazy-low deals

Here, a scammer tries to snag a victim by offering something that sounds too good to miss. Of course, it’s also too good to be true. The scam may take the form of a “mystery box” sold on Amazon, prizes the target has randomly “won” or deals that practically give the item away. In each of these cases, the victim receives a message allegedly from Amazon, claiming they’ve won a prize. It may also promote a mystery box sale or a once-in-a-lifetime deal. The victim will be directed to click a link or call a number to receive the prize or item. Of course, doing so will lead them right into the hands of the scammer, who will ask for their PII, or download malware onto their computer. 

Don’t get scammed: Never follow a seller’s directions away from the actual Amazon site. Also, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Stay alert and follow the tips mentioned here to enjoy shopping on the world’s largest marketplace without compromising on your safety.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Impersonate an Amazon scammer using one of the schemes described above or another one you’ve come across. Catch us in your scam … if you can!

AI Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

by Advantage One, posted in online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. Unfortunately, though, it’s also revolutionizing the way scammers con unsuspecting victims into sharing their personally identifiable information and their money. Here’s what you need to know about AI fraud and how to protect yourself.

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is the use of artificial intelligence to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. When using artificial intelligence to pull off a scam, fraudsters use AI algorithms to create convincing fake identities, manipulate social media, generate realistic fake images and videos (AKA “deepfakes”) and more. The scammers then create fake social media profiles and email addresses using these bogus identities and footage. Often, they’ll pretend to represent celebrities or other famed personalities for soliciting money and information. 

In another form of AI fraud, scammers use social engineering tactics to trick people into giving them their personal information or money. They may create fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as financial institutions or government agencies, and ask people to provide their personal information or login credentials.

AI fraud is especially dangerous because its sophistication makes it difficult to detect. Thanks to AI technology, scammers appear to be legitimate, increasing the likelihood that people will fall for their scams.

Types of AI Fraud

AI fraud is executed in several forms, including:

  • Phishing
  • Identity theft
  • Deepfakes
  • Fake news
  • Social media manipulation
  • Chatbot scams
  • Fraudulent financial advice

Each type of AI fraud has its own unique characteristics and risks. 

Red flags

Are you being targeted by AI fraud? These red flags may be your first clue of an AI scam:

  • Multiple unsolicited emails and/or text messages
  • Being asked to provide personal information or login credentials by an unverified contact
  • Unusual and/or unexplained activity on your social media accounts
  • Receiving financial advice that seems too good to be true

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to be cautious and investigate further. If the contact claims to represent a government agency, do not engage. Reach out directly to the agency that supposedly contacted you to see if the communication is legit. Follow the same steps if you’ve been contacted by an alleged representative of Advantage One Credit Union and something about the interaction has set alarm bells ringing in your head. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your personally identifiable information and your money. 

Protect  yourself

You don’t have to wait to be targeted by AI fraud to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Keep your money and information secure by following these precautions at all times:

  • Never share sensitive information online with an unverified contact.
  • Always check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information. Look for the “s” after the “http” and the padlock icon, as well as the correct spelling of the company’s website to ensure you haven’t been lured into a look-alike scammy site. 
  • Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts. 
  • Keep your device’s security on its strongest setting.
  • Be wary of messages from celebrities asking for money or information.
  • Use updated antivirus software on your personal devices.

If you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of AI fraud, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage. First, contact Advantage One Credit Union at 734-676-7000 to let us know your information has been compromised. Similarly, reach out to your credit card companies to let them know about the fraud. Next, report the fraud to the FTC so they can take appropriate measures in catching the humans behind the bot-generated scam. 

Finally, you’ll also want to change your passwords and login credentials and consider a credit freeze. Finally, if your identity has been stolen, reach out to identitytheft.gov to learn your next steps.

AI fraud is a growing concern, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Follow the tips outlined here and stay safe.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Use the info in this blog to impersonate an AI fraudster in a 15-second video.

Beware Check Washing Scams

by Advantage One, posted in Checking, security, Tips & Best Practices

When Midge Laurin, of Chicago, Illinois, mailed out a $30 check, she had no idea it would be intercepted by a scammer and written out to someone else to the tune of $9,475. Check-washing scams like this are on the rise, and can leave victims struggling to reclaim their lost funds for months. Here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to avoid them.

How the scams play out

In a check-washing scam, the target places a check in the mail, and it is then stolen by scammers who nick envelopes from private mailboxes or lift them out of public mailboxes using “fishing rods” made of strings attached to a sticky substance. With check in hand, the scammer uses ordinary household chemicals, like acetone or bleach, to erase the ink off the stolen checks. Finally, they’ll rewrite the numbers and/or the payee before depositing the checks into their own accounts. 

Sometimes, the scammer will take the ruse one step further by using the checking account details found on the check to commit further crimes against the check-writer. This may include producing counterfeit checks in the victim’s name, as well as fake IDs, driver’s licenses and passports. The victim may only learn about these crimes when they begin receiving overdraft notices or are informed that their ID is no longer valid.

Protect yourself

Unfortunately, check washing may not be discovered for weeks, or even months after its occurrence. Sometimes, the victim will only learn of the ruse when they review their monthly checking account statement and see that the check amount and/or payee has been altered. Or, they may only find out about it when the intended recipient reaches out to let the check-writer know they still have not received the check. The scam’s discovery is more likely to be delayed when the scammers have not modified any information on the check and have simply stolen and deposited a check made out to “cash”. 

In addition, many financial institutions do not offer complete protection on fraud that is not reported within a few days of its occurrence. Some offer partial protection for up to 60 days.

Law enforcement agencies on local and federal levels, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI, have task forces to help stop check washing. They offer the following strategies for keeping your checks and your information safe from scams:

  • Whenever possible, use mobile and online banking services and P2P systems as a replacement for checks.
  • When writing checks, use black ink, preferably the gel kind. The ink found in blue ballpoint pens can be easily removed with acetone.
  • Don’t raise your mailbox flag when there are bill payments inside. Hand this mail directly to your carrier or mail it from the post office.
  • Retrieve your mail daily and never leave the mailbox full overnight. If you’ll be traveling, you can arrange for the post office to hold your mail for up to 30 days. Alternatively, have a friend or trusted neighbor retrieve your mail so it doesn’t pile up.
  • When mailing checks, use envelopes that have security tinting.
  • Shred or burn all canceled checks, checks deposited through your mobile app, credit card statements and bills. 
  • Review your checking account activity frequently. Ensure all checks have cleared for the correct amounts and to the correct payees. You can generally access this information through your financial institution’s mobile banking app or website.
  • Store your checks in a secure place within your home.
  •  Avoid making checks out to “cash”. Instead, write out your checks to a specific person or business.

Check washing can wreak havoc on a victim’s finances before they even know it’s occurred. Follow the tips outlined here to keep your checks safe.

TikTok Inspo: Have you side-stepped a check-washing scam? Tell us your story in a 15-second video.

Don’t Fall for a Home Improvement Scam

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices

Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people for a quick buck. With home improvement season upon us, related scams are common. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and how to avoid them.

The door-to-door scam

Knock-knock. There’s a scammer at the door! They’ve shown up, pretending to be a contractor or representatives of a home improvement company. They may offer to do work for a low price or even for free, claiming they’ve just finished working in the neighborhood and have extra materials, so they’re happy to work at a reduced or no cost. 

Cheap or free labor sounds amazing, doesn’t it? And it is – until you realize the “contractor” is unlicensed or not insured, uses subpar materials and does shoddy work. They may also try to get you to sign a contract on the spot, not leaving you any time to research or get competing quotes. 

Stay safe: Never hire a contractor on the spot. Always ask for proof of license and insurance and references of previous clients. 

The high-pressure sales scam

“If I leave here without a signed contract, the deal’s gone!” Some scammers use high-pressure tactics to get you. They may offer a special deal you can only get for a very limited time. It’s take it (now) or leave it. Unfortunately, though, these tactics are only a ploy to pressure you into making a decision before you’re able to think twice. They may also hide extra fees or charges in the contract, and/or promise things that they cannot deliver.

Stay safe: Never rush to hire a contractor. Don’t be swayed by limited-time offers, and always read the contract carefully before signing.

The “as seen on TV” scam

Some home improvement scams use the “as seen on TV” approach to trick you into thinking their product or service is endorsed by a reputable source. They claim their service has been featured on a popular TV show, but these claims are false or exaggerated. 

Stay safe: Always do your research and read reviews from other customers on multiple platforms before hiring a contractor. Don’t assume claims of popularity are legit without verifying them first.

Follow these tips to protect yourself from a home improvement scam. Stay safe!

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Try impersonating a home improvement scammer using one of the ruses described above.

How Can I Tell if My Computer Has a Virus?

by Advantage One, posted in online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Q: My computer has been acting strangely, and I’m worried it may be infected with malware. How can I tell if my computer has a virus?

A: Computer viruses can be a nightmare for anyone, whether they use them for work or personal use. If you think your computer may have a virus, it’s essential to know how to identify it and take necessary steps to protect your device and data. Let’s explore the common signs of computer viruses and ways to prevent them from infecting your computer.

Sluggish performance

If your computer is suddenly operating in slo-mo, it may be infected by a virus. Computer viruses typically utilize a computer’s processing power to perform malicious activities, such as sending spam emails or mining cryptocurrency. If you notice any significant changes in your computer’s performance, investigate further.

It’s important to note that another possible cause for sluggish performance is a nearly-full hard drive. If your computer’s slowed down significantly, check how much free space you have left on your hard drive. If your hard drive is almost full, delete any unnecessary files and programs to free up space. If your computer is still running slowly after freeing up space, it’s time to run a virus scan.

Pop-up ads

If your computer starts displaying pop-up ads while you’re browsing the internet or using other programs, it’s a sign that it may have a virus. Pop-up ads can be annoying and may lead to malware installation or other malicious activities.

If you’re seeing pop-up ads, avoid clicking on them and run a virus scan as soon as possible. You can also install an ad-blocker extension on your web browser to prevent pop-up ads from appearing in the future.

Strange, new programs

If you notice new programs on your computer, and you do not remember installing them, it’s possible that your computer has a virus. These programs may be malware designed to perform malicious activities, such as stealing your personal information or encrypting your files. 

Uninstall these programs immediately and run a virus scan.

Sudden crashes and freezes

If your computer is crashing or freezing frequently, it may indicate that it has a virus. Viruses can overload a computer’s resources or modify critical system files. This can lead to frequent crashes and freezes. 

It’s essential to run a virus scan if you’re experiencing frequent crashes and freezes. Additionally, make sure to keep your operating system and other software up-to-date to prevent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by viruses.

Strange network activity

A virus may be using your computer’s network resources to perform malicious activities, such as sending spam emails or performing DDoS attacks. If you notice unusual network activity, such as your internet connection slowing down or unusual data usage, it’s possible that your computer has a virus. Run a virus scan and check for any unusual programs or processes running in the background.

Changes to browser settings

A computer virus may modify your browser settings to redirect you to malicious websites or display more ads. If your web browser’s homepage or search engine has changed without your consent, it may be an indication of a virus. Reset your browser settings to their default settings and run a virus scan. 

Missing files

A virus can delete or modify your files to perform malicious activities, such as stealing your personal information or encrypting your files. If you notice that some of your files are missing or have been modified without your knowledge, it’s possible that your computer has a virus.

Run a virus scan and backup your important files to prevent data loss.

My computer has a virus. Now what?

If a scan detects a virus, the antivirus software on your computer should guide you through your next steps. You’ll likely need to delete all temporary files on your computer, delete infected files and programs, and then restore your computer to an earlier backup. You may also want to reinstall your device’s operating system, though this may result in the loss of important files. 

How can I protect my computer from a virus?

Protecting your computer from viruses is essential to avoiding the hassle and potential damage they can cause. Here are some tips to prevent viruses:

  • Install antivirus software and update it on a regular basis
  • Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources
  • Don’t click on suspicious links or pop-up ads
  • Keep your operating system and other software up-to-date
  • Use strong and unique passwords across all your online accounts
  • Use a VPN if you access public Wi-Fi
  • Backup your important files regularly to prevent data loss in case of a virus attack

If any of the signs of viruses listed above show up while using your computer, run your device through a virus scan. Follow the prevention tips to keep your computer safe. 

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