Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc. Making life a little easier. Fraud Awareness Minute. Staying Secure Online. Ivy Glover, CCUFC. Wright-Patt Credit Union. The internet is a powerful tool that we use daily to work, learn and communicate with others. But the internet has also made it easier than ever for scammers to access our personal information. Take some time to protect yourself online with these helpful tips. Tip 1: Avoid phishing emails. One common form of email fraud is phishing, which occurs when scammers send emails posing as reputable sources, and demand their victims share personal or account information. If you receive a message like this be skeptical, verify the sender's information and never click the links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, especially if they come from unfamiliar senders. Tip 2: Install and update antivirus software. Next, install antivirus software on your computer to keep it healthy and secure. Make sure the software, operating systems, and web browsers you use are up-to-date to protect your information from cybercriminals and virus attacks. Tip 3: Only use secure websites. Always make sure the websites you visit are secure, especially when you're sharing your personal or financial information. To check whether a site is safe to visit, look for a security lock symbol in the address bar. Then, look at the website URL and make sure it begins with "https." not "http". Some website browsers will also inform you if the website you're using is secure or unsecure. Tip 4: Create strong passwords. With all of your online accounts, be sure to use complex passwords that include more than 8 characters,  a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Update your passwords regularly to prevent hackers from accessing your information. Changing your passwords every three months is a good rule of thumb. Tip 5: Log off. Finally, when you're done using your phone or computer, log out of the systems to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your private information. Want some more helpful tips and resources to prevent fraud? Just visit WPCU.coop/StopFraud. Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc. Victim of Fraud? Call our member help center (800) 762-0047, WPCU.coop/StopFraud