the vault
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13 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud
With scammers stealing a staggering $10 billion from Americans in 2023 alone, staying alert is more important than ever. As International Fraud Awareness Week approaches from November 17-23, it’s a great time to protect yourself by staying informed. Here are 13 ways to protect yourself from fraud.Read More about 13 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud -
Spring Break Fraud
Are you gearing up for your spring break adventure? While you're busy making plans, safeguarding against identity theft or fraud might not be your top priority. However, being in a new environment, especially if you're not fully focused on your surroundings, can make you vulnerable. Here are some tips on how to avoid fraud while traveling for spring break.Read More about Spring Break Fraud -
The Power of Proactivity: Shielding Yourself from Identity Theft
In recent years, discussions about information security have become increasingly prevalent. This comes as no surprise, given that data from the Federal Trade Commission indicates a significant rise in fraud-related losses among Americans, surpassing $8.8 billion in 2022—a staggering 30% increase compared to 2021. To shield yourself from fraud and identity theft, consider incorporating these three crucial tips.Read More about The Power of Proactivity: Shielding Yourself from Identity Theft -
Romance Scams
Adults of all ages are going online in hopes of finding love and companionship. But seeking romantic bliss online can have a major downside: Cyberspace is full of scammers eager to take advantage of lonely hearts, and their ranks are growing.Read More about Romance Scams -
Navigating 2024: A Tactical Approach to Financial Wellness
As the new year begins, it's an ideal time to evaluate or re-evaluate your household budget...Read More about Navigating 2024: A Tactical Approach to Financial Wellness -
Don't Click on That Text! 5 Ways to Avoid Delivery Scams.
Some consumers have recently been getting text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. The problem? The text is a scam and the link results in the theft of personal information.Read More about Don't Click on That Text! 5 Ways to Avoid Delivery Scams. -
Seven Tips for Safe Holiday Online Shopping
Safe online shopping is especially important as we head into the holiday season. With the increase in online purchasing, how can you protect your identity and ensure safe holiday online shopping? Here are tips to stay safe while holiday shopping online.Read More about Seven Tips for Safe Holiday Online Shopping -
Debt Juggling No More: How to Know When It's Time to Consolidate
Managing debt can be challenging, especially when burdened with a substantial amount, and the accruing interest only adds to the difficulty. An effective solution to alleviate this burden is to explore the option of debt consolidation.Read More about Debt Juggling No More: How to Know When It's Time to Consolidate -
Managing Your Household Budget During Inflation
Whether you're going to the grocery store or the gas station, it seems like everything is costing more these days. It’s not your imagination! The question is, how do you manage your money when it takes more of it just to make ends meet?Read More about Managing Your Household Budget During Inflation -
The Savings Account Dilemma: One Size Doesn't Fit All
How many savings accounts do you have? One? Two? Five? You might think you only need one or two, but having multiple savings accounts can be helpful. Here’s what to consider...Read More about The Savings Account Dilemma: One Size Doesn't Fit All -
Don't Fall for SMS Scams: How to Secure Your Accounts
Financial institutions nationwide have alerted their customers about these types of fraudulent calls and text messages. Read about how to protect yourself and your accounts from fake SMS scams.Read More about Don't Fall for SMS Scams: How to Secure Your Accounts -
4 Steps to Prepare for a Big Purchase
A financial journey is filled with challenges such as budgeting, saving, and managing debt, often accompanied by unexpected income fluctuations. Whether it's the milestone of buying a home or a car, these four crucial financial steps can guide you toward your destination.Read More about 4 Steps to Prepare for a Big Purchase -
How to Raise Financially Healthy Kids
As a parent, you may be wondering how you can set your children up for financial success. Here are some tips that will show you how to raise financially healthy kids.Read More about How to Raise Financially Healthy Kids -
How to Establish a Credit History
Establishing a good credit record can be difficult for anyone without a credit history. Here are some tips to help you build credit and maintain a good credit score...Read More about How to Establish a Credit History -
Is that really a text from IAACU?
SMS (text) scams are on the rise here is how to protect yourselfRead More about Is that really a text from IAACU? -
Gift Card Scams
You may think of a gift card as the perfect birthday or graduation present for a relative who’d like to buy music, video games, or almost anything. But, did you know that gift cards have also become a popular payment mechanism among scam artists?Read More about Gift Card Scams -
Why Credit Unions Aren't Banks
Learn the difference between IAACU and a bankRead More about Why Credit Unions Aren't Banks -
Phishing emails may target shoppers with post-Prime Day offers
Now that Prime Days, Target Week, and Walmart+ Week have all ended, scammers may just be getting started. Bad actors have been known to send phony emails and texts that look like messages from major retailers, instructing you to redeem the reward points accrued during your shopping days. Just hit delete on these phishing messages!Read More about Phishing emails may target shoppers with post-Prime Day offers -
FOUR Easy Steps to Help With Your Student Loans
All good things must come to an end – and that applies to the upcoming end of federal student loan payment relief measures, which paused federal student loan debt collection and reduced interest rates on federal student loans to 0% during the moratorium. For those with government-held loans, the relief options provided a record-long “breather.”Read More about FOUR Easy Steps to Help With Your Student Loans -
Credit Scores…..Where does that magical number come from?
We all know that most lending institutions are going to use a person’s credit score as a basis for approving a loan, and also to determine what their interest rate will be. To ma...Read More about Credit Scores…..Where does that magical number come from?
