Most of today’s web browsers are ready-made to do things like block pop-ups, tell websites not to track you, disable unsafe content, stop malicious downloads, and even control which sites can access your webcam and microphone. Here’s how to find and review your safety settings:
One way fraudsters try and trick people is to lead them to a fake website that will keep track of any personal information they unwittingly enter. Often these fake websites will have a URL that’s only slightly different from the one you’re used to, like alask4usa.com, rather than alaskausa.org. They’re counting on you not to notice where a link takes you—double checking the URL can be a lifesaver.
HTTPS is the way reputable financial institutions and online retailers encrypt information to keep your personal and financial information secure. If you don’t see a padlock icon next the URL of the website you’re visiting, you can’t be sure it’s secure—take your business somewhere else!
Often you can tell a fake site from the way it looks—just plain bad. Are there lots of flashing icons and exclamation points, or so many ads and links you can’t tell what to click? Go somewhere else. Reputable sites aren’t out to confuse you.
Immediately redirected to another site? There’s a good chance it was fake to begin with, or that a legitimate site has been hacked. Either way, sticking around isn’t worth the risk.
Bombarded by popups? Close them down and leave, or maybe even close your entire browser and start fresh.
Many search engines will tell you if you’re about to visit a suspicious website with a message such as "Visiting this site may be harmful to your computer."
Sometime the message is unwarranted, but if you see one it’s best to try another option—especially if it’s a financial institution or shopping website.
Personal information they can sell or use to compromise your finances. This can include, but isn’t limited to:
If you’re asked to provide information you wouldn’t be comfortable sharing with a stranger, follow the tips above to help make sure you’re making a safe decision!
You are about to visit a third-party website not operated by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union is not responsible for the product, service, or website content on any external third-party sites and does not represent either you or the website operator if you enter into a transaction. Alaska USA Federal Credit Union's privacy and security policies do not apply to the linked site.
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