Security
Rest easy. We take a proactive approach to securing your data, and we monitor, detect, and prevent suspicious activities to help secure and protect you and your information.
An extra set of eyes always sees more.
Security alerts are automatically part of the deal with us. You don't have to sign up for them. Whenever we see a transaction that seems odd, we'll block it and text you. You just need to validate the transactions, if they're legitimate, or let us know if they're not and you suspect fraud.
Once you validate, we'll unlock your card for the transaction. But if you reject, we'll keep your blocked until we can discuss everything in detail. It's all part of being your financial partner.
Stay Scam Aware
Watch our informative video that sheds light on a common scam involving Zelle. Knowledge is the first line of defense, and our video aims to arm you with the insights needed to recognize and avoid such fraudulent activities. Remember, awareness is your greatest shield against scams.
Your Shield Against Scams
Rest assured, CUTX employs state-of-the-art security measures to protect your accounts and personal information. From advanced encryption technologies to real-time monitoring, our systems work tirelessly to identify and thwart any suspicious activities.
- Two Factor Authentication
- Fraud Monitoring and Detection
- Account, Transfer, and Card Alerts
- Security & Fraud Prevention Articles
Fraud Prevention
The best way to avoid being scammed is to always keep your guard up. See our tips
for fraud prevention below.
Don’t respond: If you aren’t familiar with the source of a call, email or text, hang up the phone, don’t click on the link in the email and don’t reply to the text message.
Don’t trust caller ID or answer phone calls from unknown numbers: Even if you recognize the caller ID but the call seems suspicious, hang up the phone. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to appear as if they are from a legitimate caller.
Don’t give out your information: Never provide any personally identifiable information unless you’re absolutely certain the person and reason are legitimate. Remember: Credit Union of Texas will never ask you to send us personal information such as an account number, online banking username, Social Security number, or Tax ID over text, email, or online.
Validate the request: If the individual or organization seems suspicious, make sure the request being made is legitimate by hanging up and calling the organization through an official number from their website.
Common Scams and Red Flags
Scams have become more and more common with the advancement of technology. Most often, scam artists will target you through fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls. Watch out for these common scams:
• Texts asking you to authorize a purchase or large transfer amount
• Being asked for your online banking username and password, CUTX will NEVER ask for this information
• Someone asking you to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment
• A stranger asking you to cash a check, deposit a check or send money via wire transfer or Zelle
• Receiving a check that overpays for something that you’re selling, then you’re asked to send the difference to another account
• Being threatened with law enforcement action or being told not to trust your financial institution
• SIM Swapping is one of the newest scams, and it happens when fraudsters contact a victim's mobile carrier and convinces them to transfer the victim's phone number to their SIM card. Once this happens, the scammer will have access to all of your data and can directly connect to your phone's information and apps. To protect yourself and your information, use strong passwords that are difficult to guess and use multi-factor authentication as an additional layer of security.
If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there's often little that can be done to help get your money back.
Understanding Malware and Protecting Yourself from It
Malware (malicious software) is a software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer, network, or device. It comes in many forms, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware. Malware can enter your system through infected email attachments, malicious websites, compromised software downloads, or even fake pop-ups urging you to click. Once installed, it can perform a range of harmful activities, from stealing your login credentials and financial information to locking you out of your files and demanding a ransom.
To protect yourself and your finances, it's essential to take proactive steps:
- Use Reliable Security Software: Install antivirus and anti-malware programs from trusted vendors and keep them updated regularly.
- Keep Your System Updated: Operating systems, browsers, and apps often release security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates to ensure you're always protected.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Don’t open emails or messages from unknown sources, especially those asking for personal or financial information. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your online accounts with complex passwords. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Back Up Your Data: Regular backups of important files (on external drives or cloud services) can be a lifesaver if your system is ever infected by ransomware.
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information (like banking or shopping accounts) over public Wi-Fi.
If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, call us immediately at (214) 818-3231
How can I help protect my accounts?
• Create complex passwords and PINs not easily associated with you, memorize them and use multi-factor authentication (for example: a password plus a one-time authorization code) where available. Use a strong, unique password for each of your accounts.
• Question suspicious emails and never click on any link unless you’re absolutely certain it’s authentic. Credit Union of Texas will never ask you provide your Social Security number, ATM or debit card PIN or any other sensitive information in response to an email.
• Download the CUTXMOBILE app and allow push alerts for more secure communication about your accounts. Review and respond to alerts promptly. Keep your contact information, especially your cell phone number and email address, current. Turn on location services when making a purchase or signing in and allow location-based anti-fraud and security permissions.
How can I protect my identity?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifiable information to commit fraudulent acts such as withdrawing money from your bank account, opening new credit cards, applying for loans or even gaining employment. The most common signs of identity theft include:
• Unauthorized withdrawals from your account
• Bills for unfamiliar debt or failure to receive bills
• Suspicious charges on your account
• New accounts or loans you didn’t apply for
• Being denied credit unexpectedly
• The IRS notifying you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don't work for
Here are some proactive steps you can take now to help protect yourself from identity theft:
• Review your credit report frequently and carefully by requesting a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from www.annualcreditreport.com
• Only download software or applications from well-known and trusted sources
• Stay current with any operating system and software updates (sometimes called patches or service packs) for your computer and your internet browser
• Never click on suspicious links in text messages or emails
If you've been the victim of identity theft, we're here to help. If you have a credit or debit card with us, we'll cancel your card and issue a replacement immediately (you won’t be liable for any fraudulent activity).
How can I protect my computer?
Using your computer without taking proper precautions can leave you vulnerable to personal and financial information theft. It’s important for everyone to know how to safely shop online, use social media, download software and navigate through email.
• Consider using browser-based security software. It will fix most malware if your computer is infected, and it warns you if you attempt to navigate to a risky site.
• Only download software or applications from well-known and trusted sources
• Stay current with any operating system and software updates (sometimes called patches or service packs) for your computer and your internet browser. Avoid using free public Wi-Fi for financial transactions unless it includes Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2 security) enabling you to set up a secure password.
• If you use online or cloud storage, be sure you understand its privacy and security policy and keep your access codes safe.
How can I protect my smartphone?
The CUTXMOBILE app incorporates the convenience you want with industry-leading safety and security features that provide peace of mind. In addition to the steps we take to protect you, there are a number of steps you can take, too. Here are some other common-sense steps you can take to help protect yourself and the important information on your mobile device:
• Keep your operating system, antivirus software and applications up to date as recommended by the device manufacturer or mobile carrier
• Only download apps from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Avoid using free public Wi-Fi for financial transactions unless it includes Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2 security) enabling you to set up a secure password
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth services when you're not using them
• Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources
• Don't root or jailbreak your phone to gain access to more apps and functions. This not only voids your warranty, but also removes manufacturer built-in security and leaves your device open to malware attacks. It's best to leave your phone or tablet as is.
What do I do if my identity has been compromised?
1. Contact your financial institutions and creditors
• Speak with the fraud department and explain that someone has stolen your identity.
• Request to close or freeze any accounts that may have been tampered with or fraudulently established.
• Make sure to change your online login credentials, passwords and PINs.
2. Check your credit reports and place a fraud alert on them
• Receive a free copy of your credit report when you visit annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228.
• Review your credit report to ensure that unauthorized accounts are not opened in your name.
• Report any fraudulent accounts to the appropriate financial institutions.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit bureau by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.
- Experian: 888.397.3742 or experian.com
- TransUnion: 800.680.7289 or transunion.com
- Equifax: 888.766.0008 or equifax.com
3. Contact ChexSystems at 888.478.6536 to place a security alert on the compromised checking and savings accounts when a deposit account has been impacted.
4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report an ID theft incident: visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 877.438.4338.
5. File a report with your local law enforcement
• Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
6. Replace your stolen identification
• If your driver's license has been stolen, please contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to report and replace it.
• To report a stolen Social Security card, please contact the Office of the Inspector General at 800.772.1213.
• For a stolen passport, the theft should be reported to the Department of State either by visiting their website, by mail or by phone at 877.487.2778.
Banking Made Easier
Download the all-new CUTXMOBILE app to manage your finances at your convenience. Breeze through payments, transfers, and check deposits with just a few taps. Quickly sign-in using a 4-digit passcode. Apply for a credit card, a personal loan, or membership, or find your closest ATM or branch.
Credit Union of Texas is a full-service financial institution headquartered in North Texas, serving members throughout the state and country.