Fraud Information

 Protect Your Online Accounts

What Is Spyware?
Spyware are programs that run undetected on personal computers and can allow thieves remote access to your system or information.  Unrecognized or unsolicited e-mails sometimes contain links or attachments that install harmful programs (like spyware) on your computer when you click on them.  Never provide personal sensitive information to anyone soliciting it, even if they claim to be from the credit union.  If in doubt contact the credit union at (713)778-6300. 

How to Recognize Spyware

• E-mail attachments or Internet downloads that end with “.exe” or “.dll”.
• Lots of pop–up ads appearing on your computer.
• An unauthorized change to your browsers Home Page 
• Sluggish or slow performance when browsing online, opening programs, saving files, and starting and stoping your PC.
• Toolbars that appear on your browser 

How to Prevent Spyware

• Keep your operating system and Internet browsers up to date (use automatic update features if available)
• Maintain anti–virus and anti–spyware software keep them up–to–date.
• Download software only from sites you know and trust.
• Avoid unsolicited e–mails. Delete them immediately. These can expose your computer to spyware.
• Install a firewall (enable Microsoft XP built-in firewall) to block unauthorized users from accessing your computer.

How to report identity theft if your’re a victim:

• Review your statements and report all cases of fraud
• Contact your financial institutions immediately, including Western and all credit card issuers
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit report and notify them of the situation

Helpful Resources
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