--- title: Five Ways To Protect Yourself From Fraud description: While scams continue to evolve, these five habits remain some of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud. image: https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Spot%20the%20warning%20signs%20of%20fraud-1.jpg --- #003B49 [![AccessCU\_Horizontal\_Colour\_pws-1](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1.png?width=199&height=50&name=AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1.png "AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1")](https://www.accesscu.ca/) Open main menu Close main menu [Tips & Advice](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/tips-advice) [Security](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/security) # Five Ways To Protect Yourself From Fraud ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.accesscu.ca/five-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-fraud) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.accesscu.ca/five-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-fraud) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.accesscu.ca/five-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-fraud) ![](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Spot%20the%20warning%20signs%20of%20fraud-1.jpg) October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Fraud attempts have become more sophisticated, and the warning signs people once relied on are not always as obvious as they used to be. Emails, text messages, websites, and even phone calls can appear legitimate. While scams continue to evolve, these five habits remain some of the best ways to protect yourself. 1. Never share passwords, PINs, or verification codes 2. Verify unexpected calls, even familiar voices 3. Treat urgency as a warning sign 4. Go directly to the source 5. Turn on Autodeposit for e-Transfers Access Credit Union will never contact you and ask for your password, PIN, or one-time verification code. If someone requests that information, end the conversation and contact us directly using a trusted phone number. Artificial intelligence can now replicate a person's voice with surprising accuracy. If you receive an urgent request from someone claiming to be a family member or friend, pause before taking action. Hang up and contact that person directly using a number you know is legitimate. Some families have even adopted a shared code word for emergencies. Fraudsters often try to create pressure by claiming immediate action is required. A legitimate organization will give you time to verify information and make your own decision. If someone is pushing you to act immediately, take a step back. Instead of clicking links in emails or text messages, open the company's official website or app yourself. Whether it's a delivery notice, account alert, or payment request, navigating directly to the source is one of the simplest ways to avoid fraud. Autodeposit allows e-Transfers to be deposited directly into your account without answering a security question. It adds convenience and removes one of the most common opportunities fraudsters look for when attempting to intercept funds.   Always remember: If you suspect fraud, don’t wait until you're certain. If something doesn't feel right, [contact us immediately.](https://www.accesscu.ca/en/contact) Acting quickly can help limit potential losses and protect your accounts. Fraud can also be reported to the [Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm). Fraudsters succeed when they can create confusion, urgency, or fear. Taking a few moments to slow down, verify information, and contact trusted sources can make all the difference. When in doubt, [call us first](https://www.accesscu.ca/en/contact). We're happy to help. ## Related Articles [![](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Five-tips-for-spotting-fraud.jpg)](https://blog.accesscu.ca/5-tips-for-spotting-fraud) [Fraud](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/fraud) [Tips & Advice](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/tips-advice) [Security](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/security) ### [5 Tips for Spotting Fraud](https://blog.accesscu.ca/5-tips-for-spotting-fraud) ### Identify the warning signs of fraud before it’s too late. ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Read More](https://blog.accesscu.ca/5-tips-for-spotting-fraud) [![](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Common%20scams.jpg)](https://blog.accesscu.ca/common-scams-and-frauds-in-2024) [Fraud](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/fraud) [Security](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/security) ### [Common Scams and Frauds in 2024](https://blog.accesscu.ca/common-scams-and-frauds-in-2024) It may not come as a surprise to learn that the most common scams and frauds happening in 2024 are all online. Digital infrastructure gives fraudsters the ability to... ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Read More](https://blog.accesscu.ca/common-scams-and-frauds-in-2024) #### Connect with Access Credit Union Follow Access Credit Union on social media for financial advice and news from our member community.  [![facebookwhite\_64x64](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/facebookwhite_64x64.png?width=45&height=45&name=facebookwhite_64x64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AccessCreditUnion) [![linkedin](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin-6-64.png?width=45&name=linkedin-6-64.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-credit-union)[![instagramwhite\_64x64](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/instagramwhite_64x64.png?width=45&height=45&name=instagramwhite_64x64.png)](https://www.instagram.com/accesscreditunion/)