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Security Center

Fraudsters, unfortunately, aren’t going anywhere. The good news is, there have never been more tools at your disposal to keep your information and accounts secure. Read on for ways to stay one step ahead, from tips for spotting scams to text alerts to track transactions.

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Featured Article

Help Fight Phishing Scams by Inspecting Links in Emails and Texts  

Scam emails and texts are getting harder to tell apart from legitimate messages. Try these tips to determine the validity of links embedded in unexpected emails and texts.

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Identifying fraud and recognizing red flags

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URLs

Unsecured websites (missing the “https” or padlock symbol) and obscure URLs should give you pause.

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Reviews & Ratings

Search for reviews and testimonials about the site or business, and check ratings on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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Unrealistic Promises

Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, including promises of discounts much lower than market prices.

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Emails, Calls, or Texts

Be extra diligent when unexpected emails, calls, or texts come your way. Always verify the source independently before responding.

FCC's List of Current Scams

The Federal Communications Commission's consumer guide is another great resource for the latest and trending frauds, scams, and alerts.

Visit the FCC Site

Security & Privacy FAQs

To manage and secure your card conveniently, we encourage both of the following:

  • Enroll in fraud text alerts. By opting in to receive fraud text alerts, you’ll get a text message rather than a phone call when there is suspected fraud on your card. To opt in, simply log in to digital banking, click or tap “Alerts,” then "Security Alerts," and check the "Mobile Phone Number" box. Another secure method of receiving fraud alerts is through push notifications, also located under Security Alerts. 
  • Use card controls to lock your card when you're not using it. Available in digital banking, card controls allow you to lock and unlock your SELCO cards right from your phone. For extra security, keep your card locked, and simply unlock it temporarily while making a transaction.

Multi-factor authentication is a security system designed to ensure you are who you say you are and that you’re the only person who can access your account. The first factor is your normal username and password, and the ensuing factors come via one of these methods:

  • A code sent to your device or generated from an authentication app. SELCO Digital Banking employs Google Authenticator, a more modern option that requires less frequent authentication requests while still providing the benefit of added protection.
  • One-time codes sent via text, voice call, or email.
  • One-time calls from SELCO’s Service Center.
  • Fingerprint/Face ID.
  • Push notifications.

For even more security, you can opt to be doubly authenticated each time.

If you call us, we’ll ask for information for verification purposes. However, SELCO does not make outbound calls from our 800 number and will never send you a text asking for your:

  • Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • Full SSN (though we may ask for it when you call us).
  • Three-digit code on the back of your card.

If you’re ever unsure you’re speaking with a SELCO representative, hang up and call us directly at 800-445-4483.

  • Immediately contact your financial institution.
  • Monitor your credit. Visit annualcreditreport.com for free credit reports (check every four months for regular monitoring). ​
  • Report any internet crimes to IC3.gov.
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Steps you can take as a SELCO member to protect your accounts

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Turn on Card Controls

Turn your cards off and on instantly, set controls and alerts by amount or transaction type, and add travel notices to prevent declines when you’re away from home.  

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Set Transaction Alerts

Receive email or text alerts when checks clear, loans are coming due, suspicious activity occurs on your account, and more. 

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Enable Fingerprint/Face ID and Push Authentication

Log in to digital banking quickly, securely, and uniquely. You can also opt in to push authentication to boost your security while verifying yourself with the tap of a button (SELCO mobile app required). Or, switch from receiving text/phone security codes to using an authenticator app of your choice. Push notifications are more secure than receiving security codes.

Learn About Security and Account Alerts

Common Scams

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Romance, Family & Friend Scams

These scams usually start online and occur when a new love interest or distant relative spends time getting to know you, developing trust before making:

  • Requests for money or a loan.
  • Requests for travel, medical, or emergency expenses.
  • Promises of a fortune.
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Holiday & Hardship Scams

Bad actors use the holidays to take advantage of people’s generosity, often targeting those who are older and more financially established. These scams may include:​

  • Requests for donations to familiar-sounding charities​.
  • Requests for gift cards or gift card numbers​.
  • Online retailers with too-good-to-be-true deals.
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Employment & Investment Scams

For those entering or re-entering the workforce, finding a job can be daunting. Scammers are aware of this and will use it to tout “opportunities of a lifetime.” Keep an eye out for:

  • Requests to open—and share access to—financial accounts.
  • Unrealistic guarantees of approval for a position or loan.
  • Requests for sensitive personal information.
  • Offers to make investments on your behalf
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Phishing/Smishing Scams

Online systems have never been more secure, with multiple ways to protect your information, so scammers are finding new ways to access this sensitive information through:

  • Fraudulent links and codes that entice you to reveal personal information. ​
  • Pop-ups posing as legitimate security software warnings.​
  • Data breaches that reveal sensitive information.
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Protect yourself from fraud

Turn on card controls, set transaction alerts, enable extra account security, and much more in digital banking. 

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