Protecting Your Finances

Spam blockers filter suspicious calls and messages, BEFORE they reach you, using threat databases and algorithms. Follow the instructions below for better protection. 

For iPhone
Block Suspect Calls and Messages: 

• Settings > Apps > Phone > Scren Unknown Callers and choose screening options
• Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Filtering and toggle Filter Spam on (Unknown Callers can also be silenced here)
• Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders > togglle Filter Spam on (Unknown Senders can also be screened here) 
• Consider a third-party spam blocker from the App Store. Popular apps include: Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller

For Android
Block Suspect Calls and Messages: 

• Open the Phone app > Tap the 3 dot menu > Settings > Caller ID & Spam > Turn on "Filter spam calls" and "See caller & spam ID".
• Open Messages  > Tap the 3 dot menu > Settings > Spam Protection > Turn on Consider a third-party spam blocker from the App Store. Popular apps include: Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller

You may also want to consider a third-party spam blocker. Popular apps include: Hiya, RoboKiller, Call Control and Truecaller

For Email Spam (Common on PC) 
Most email services (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) have built in spam filters that scan for suspicious content and automatically move them to a junk folder. You can improve this by:

• Marking spam manually (click "report spam" or "junk") to train the filter
• Creating rules/filters to block certain senders or messages with keywords
• Consider a third-party spam blocker like MailWasher or Spamihilator

Protect your accounts by utilizing security features and shopping safely online and in-person. 

• Only do business with reputable vendors and sites you trust
  • Check site reviews with Google, Sitejabber, or Trustpilot
  • Look for the https in the URL
• Pay with your phone: tools like Apple Pay can make paying safer since the merchant does not collect your card numbers
• Create transaction alerts to receive updates on all purchase activities
• Be aware of your surroundings when paying
• Learn how to spot skimmers at point of sale terminals, ATMs or gas pumps

Follow these best practices to create a strong password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.

• Use at least 16 characters when possible
• Make sure you have a mix of upper/lower case letters, symbols, and numbers
  • Try consistently replacing common letters/numbers with characters. For example you could use always use an uppercase W and replace the letter a with the % symbol.
• Consider using a password manager 
• Create different passwords for different accounts and update frequently
• Avoid using pet names, kids names or other information that is easily available online
• Do not share your passwords

Be cautious with all unsolicited emails, texts, and calls, especially those that:

• Ask you to "verify" or "decline" pending transactions
• Urge you to click a link to view important information
• Need you to provide personal information, passwords, or account numbers
• Contain poor spelling or grammar (Note: AI is helping cybercriminals create better phishing messages so this may not be the case) 

A good rule of thumb is to confirm messages with the sender by reaching out to them using the contact information from their website, or another verified source. Do not respond directly to the message!

 

Whether you're heading to the office, taking a weekend road trip, or exploring the great outdoors, your valuables face unique threats that can turn a relaxing day into a stressful one. Here's how to keep your personal items safe wherever you go.

• Keep items out of sight: Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars or unattended areas
• Limit items: Bring only what you need—leave unnecessary cards and documents at home
• Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert in crowds and avoid distractions
• When you travel, use:
  • Hotel safes to store passports, jewelry, and extra cash when not in use
  • Cross-body or front-facing bags that are harder for thieves to access unnoticed