Digital payments have revolutionized the way we handle money, providing convenience and speed. However, it's essential to navigate this landscape with caution to protect your financial well-being. This guide offers practical tips for Cares Credit Union members to make secure digital payments.

Key Points for Safer Digital Payments

Know Your Recipient:

• Only send money electronically to people you know and trust.
• Conduct research on unfamiliar recipients through platforms like LinkedIn, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.

Avoid Rushed Payments:

• Be cautious of urgent requests for immediate payments, as scammers often exploit the speed of digital transactions.
• Consider delaying payments to verify authenticity and explore alternative payment methods, like paper checks, for less time-sensitive transactions.

Request for Funds:

• Have recipients send a request for funds first, providing accurate payment details.
• Ensure the recipient uses the same payment service as you to avoid any complications.
  Double-Check Details:
• Verify recipient details, including name, email address, phone number, and payment amount, before making a payment to prevent irreversible mistakes.

Use Credit Cards for Protection:

• Consider linking digital payment methods to a credit card for added protection against fraudulent activities.
• Credit cards may offer liability protection not provided by the digital payment service or financial institution.

Beware of Check Scams:

• Avoid situations where someone pays you by paper check and requests a portion of the money back electronically; this is a common scam tactic.
• Understand the risks of fake check scams and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

Be Skeptical of Calls:

• Legitimate financial institutions will not call and ask for sensitive information or request test payments via phone.
• If in doubt, hang up and contact your financial institution using the official contact information from their website.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication:

• Set up two-factor authentication for your payment app to add an extra layer of security to your account.

Take Responsibility:

• Understand that your financial institution cannot prevent you from sending money to scammers.
• If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact your financial institution immediately.

Cares Credit Union prioritizes the security of its members. By following these guidelines, you can make digital payments confidently, knowing you've taken steps to protect yourself from potential scams. If you ever encounter suspicious activity, contact our Member Service team at +14379981479 immediately. Your financial well-being is our top priority.