Simple Strategies to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Verify, Verify, Verify

• Always verify the legitimacy of a person, business, or charity.
• Don’t sign your name on blank forms, like insurance claim forms or contracts without stated terms.
• Don’t pay for services from an unfamiliar company or buy an unfamiliar product without doing research.
• Never pay taxes or fees to collect lottery “winnings” or sweepstakes.
• Trust your gut: If a business or person sounds illegitimate, it likely is. You can refer to the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org for a list of businesses and charities you can trust.
• Don’t be afraid to say “no.” In any scenario, this is your money, and you’re entitled to say how you want to use it.

Think Twice Before Responding

• Be suspicious of any unsolicited call, message, email, or text.
• Never discuss your financial information with anyone you don’t know or trust. This includes giving someone your bank details, Social Security Number, insurance benefits information, or any other financial information.
• Take your time making financial decisions.

Work Together

• Hold family financial meetings on a regular basis.
• Maintain open communication with trusted family members and friends.
• Leave notes next to computers, phones, and doors with tips on what information not to share and how to spot scams.
• Have a plan and implement a secret family password you can ask for if someone reaches out claiming to be family.

Set Up Credit Monitoring and Other Safeguards

• Order a copy of your credit report every year to make sure it’s accurate and there aren’t accounts you don’t recognize. You can request a free copy each year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Your United checking account comes with complimentary Mastercard® ID Theft Protection.¹ To take advantage, enroll your card here.
• Set up Card Controls within your online banking account. It gives you the ability to turn your debit card off if it’s stolen, set spending alerts and limits, and more.
• Always shred bank statements and receipts as well as unused credit cards before you throw them away.
• Pay for things using your credit or debit card so you have a paper trail of all the transactions you’ve made.

Plan Ahead

• Make sure your assets are fully protected and your wishes will be followed. You might want to talk to a financial advisor or an attorney to find the best options for you.
• Ask your banker about “agency” accounts: These accounts are set up to ensure the account holder’s money is used for their benefit, but they allow a trustworthy relative or friend to assist with writing checks, paying bills, and other account business.
• Create a power of attorney: Plan ahead for yourself and/or your aging parents by giving a trusted person the legal authority to make financial decisions for you if you cannot. Make sure your bank or credit union has a record of who that person is.
• Immediately report abuse: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity, and make sure your loved ones are doing the same. Promptly contact us and local law enforcement if you suspect you or your family member has been a victim of financial exploitation. You can also report the incident to your local adult protective services agency.

¹ Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Cardholders need to register for this service. This service is provided by Iris® Powered by Generali. Please see your guide to benefits for details or call 1-800-MASTERCARD.