June is Internet Safety Month!

Stay Safe Online This Summer

June kicks off a busy summer schedule, but remember to put internet safety as a top priority for the home. We are all in a fast-paced environment, and we need to stay extra vigilant—not only of our physical surroundings but also our family’s internet safety.

Remembering to keep valuables out of sight at the ballfields is easy, but keeping up with the security of your devices can be another story.

Be Cautious with Device Use in Public Spaces

It’s easy to hand a phone to a child at an outdoor event, at a hotel while on vacation, or while shopping. Just remember to watch out for unsecure Wi-Fi connections and embedded links that stray from the original webpage or content you approved the child to view. Always try to use secure sites and Wi-Fi connections.

The Digital World Has Risks—Stay Alert

There is everything from fake websites and cyberbullying to romance scams and identity theft in the digital world. Staying aware of phishing sites and educating our families is a great way to stay safe.

Do not click or engage in giving out personal information online unless you were the one to seek it out first and have researched the site. There are plenty of spoofed sites out there, so always take a second look to verify the site’s validity.

Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Did you get an unexpected email from what appears to be a big-name retailer? Just looking at the sender info can save you from infecting your computer with malware.

• Is the email asking you to click a link to verify information?
• Does it ask you to call a phone number?

A quick look at the sender’s address can tip you off. Reputable merchants and businesses won’t use addresses ending in "@hotmail.com" or "@yahoo.com". Legitimate businesses almost always use a custom domain email address.

Don’t Click or Call Without Verifying

Do not click on links in any unexpected email claiming to “fix” a problem with your account or computer. Likewise, don’t call a phone number sent to you in an unsolicited email or text.

Receiving a message like this is a red flag—it may be part of a phishing scam. Instead of reacting immediately, go straight to the source. Log in to your account directly or call the number listed on your statement or card before taking any action.

Important Points to Remember

• Protect your devices – Keep them in a safe environment, enable passcodes, and keep them updated with the latest software.
• Use strong passwords – And keep them private. Never share them, especially in response to a refund, loan, or request to fix a problem.
• Be picky about security question answers – Choose answers that can’t be easily researched or guessed.
• Use multi-factor authentication – This adds another layer of security. Don’t share your codes—they are for you only.
• Avoid unexpected links, ads, or attachments – These may contain malware or viruses.
• Pop-up from Microsoft? It’s a scam!
• Think before you share – Verify identities before giving information.
• Never share usernames and passwords – Treat them like your bank account number or Social Security number.
• Slow down – If something feels urgent, it’s probably a trick to get you to act quickly. Take a second look.
• If someone tells you to lie or keep a secret about money—cash, gift cards, wire transfers, investments—it’s a scam. Don’t fall for it.

Stay Aware and Enjoy the Season

Staying alert online is just as important as staying safe outdoors. Protect your family, your information, and your devices this summer—and have a great one! As always, our Fraud team is here to help. Please contact us by calling 800-423-1602 or filling out a contact form.