Best Practices For Personal Fraud Prevention

Although the threat of cybercrime is constant, it’s easy to think it will never happen to you. The idea of being hacked seems far-fetched to most people, but according to the latest annual report from The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC), 294 million people had their data compromised in 2021 and 310 million people had their data compromised in 2020. It’s not a matter of if you will experience cybercrime, but a matter of when. 

Their reality is, every individual and business that has valuable information stored on the internet is vulnerable to cybercrime. This means that cybercriminals are constantly searching for ways to trick you into sharing your important personal information with them, through scams that are easy to fall for. 

Your personal data could be breached through a company who has your information stored, or a hacker could pose as someone you trust on social media and convince you to wire them money, or they can send emails posing as your loved ones begging for financial help in a dire time of need. These are just a few examples of many more scenarios in which cybercrime can occur. 

Although it might seem overwhelming, the best way to fight cybercrime is through awareness. The more you know about what potential attacks might look like, the sooner you can recognize something is fraudulent or suspicious and take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your family from financial harm.

Here are some tips for how to help keep your digital identity safe:  

Install anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spyware software, and set up firewalls on your computer system. 

Keep your software up to date. 

Do not click on links or attachments in emails from unknown individuals. 

Never give your information via phone or email to someone you do not know. 

If you are suspicious of a caller, hang up and call the company's main number. 

Always confirm payment instructions over the phone with a verified individual. 

Never exchange confidential information via an email address that you don’t trust. 

If you are a business owner, use all Texas Hill Country Bank fraud protection tools: dual control, Positive Pay                   ACH Filter, email and text alerts and setting dollar limits. 

Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing cybercrime. The more you know, the more you can protect yourself and recognize fraudulent communication attempts in the act. If you ever have questions about suspicious activity with your accounts, never hesitate to contact your banker.