Keeping Your Information Safe and Secure

At Astra Bank, one of our biggest priorities is keeping your information safe and secure. Our policies and procedures help ensure that your information is kept confidential from would-be data thieves. In order to keep your information and finances safe, however, you must also help by staying vigilant to the methods and tactics used by scammers to trick and deceive.

Easy First Steps to Take

Keep your contact information up-to-date

Having correct contact information allows us to get a hold of you in case we detect fraud on your account. It also ensures your information isn’t falling into the wrong hands. Contact us if you’ve recently moved or have changed your phone number.

Make sure you are able to receive text alerts

In addition to Astra Bank contacting you by phone when suspicious transactions appear on your debit card, you also have the option of receiving text alerts. Learn more about fraudulent activity text alerts here.

Use Strong Passwords as well as enabling Two-Factor Authentication

A strong, unique password protects your account from hackers and keeps your separate accounts safe in case one of the websites you use is compromised. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by adding an additional login credential to access your account. It usually requires something that belongs to you, like a badge, token, or an authentication number from an app on your phone. This is one of the best ways to add security to your accounts. Many popular apps and websites such as Facebook, Google, and Apple have two-factor authentication as an option for your account.

Consider Benefits Checking from Astra Bank

Benefits Checking offers Cyberscout® Identity Theft Resolution as just one of its many benefits. This comprehensive protection helps restore your identity and includes immediate household family members.

Learn More

Know the Common Scams

Advance Fee Schemes

This scam involves having a victim pay a small up-front sum of money in return for a large payout when this fee is received. Beware “guaranteed” loans, regardless of credit, that ask for fees up-front.

Advance-Fee Loans | FTC Consumer Information

Romance Scams

With more and more people using social and dating apps to meet new people, romance scams are becoming more prevalent. The scammer tricks the victim into thinking they are in a relationship and will gradually convince them to send money over time.

What You Need to Know About Romance Scams | FTC Consumer Information

Phishing Scams

Scammers attempt to trick you into giving up your personal information through deceptive emails or text messages. They then use your personal information to steal access to accounts or funds.

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams | FTC Consumer Information

Fake Check Scams

These scams typically involve the victim being asked to deposit or cash a large check and send a portion of the funds back to the scammer. The victim is told the amount is to cover fees, taxes, or other charges. However, once the check is found to be fraudulent the victim is left to deal with the full amount against their account.

How to Spot, Avoid and Report Fake Check Scams | FTC Consumer Information

Social Security Scams

Receiving calls or messages from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration? This could be a scammer trying to steal your benefits by getting you to give up your social security number.

Social Security Impersonators | FTC Consumer Information

General Safety Tips

• Beware unsolicited calls or emails. If you didn’t initiate or are not expecting the email or call, there is a good chance it is fraudulent. If you believe it could be legitimate, reach out to a trusted source and verify before responding to the initial communication.
• Urgency or scare tactics are massive red flags. Scammers want to get your information and access to your funds as quickly as possible to avoid detection. If you feel pressured to make a decision quickly or lose out on the chance to win a lot of money or are threatened with jail time or legal consequences, then take a deep breath and realize these are most likely scammers hoping you will make a rash decision.
• Only use secure websites or sellers when purchasing online. Looking to purchase something online? Make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. Use a search engine to look up the business and see if there are any complaints. Finally, never input your payment information unless there is an https:// in the URL.
• Treat your personal information with care. Any time you share personal information online, that information could be used by advertisers, data-miners, or scammers. Never share your information with just anyone and take caution from anyone asking for sensitive info.
• Review your privacy settings. Many social media websites offer the customization of who can view your profile and information. Make sure to take advantage of these settings to make sure only trusted friends, family, and acquaintances have access to you online.

Stay Up to Date

As technology rapidly changes, the methods and tactics used by scammers change as well. Staying up to date on the latest trends of scammers and fraudsters can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from a possible scam. Utilize the Astra Bank Security Center often to check for alerts and blog posts with news about how to stay secure.