In today’s connected world, nearly every aspect of our daily lives generates data points—from online shopping habits and mobile banking activity to social media interactions. While these conveniences make life easier, they also create valuable targets for fraudsters who are constantly seeking ways to exploit personal and financial information.
The reality is that fraud protection, and strong cybersecurity practices are no longer optional but something that everyone should have in place to keep their information safe and secure. By safeguarding your accounts and staying informed are two critical steps toward keeping your money safe.
How Everyday Data Becomes a Target
Every click, swipe, and tap can leave a digital footprint. Fraudsters use sophisticated tactics such as phishing emails, social engineering, and identity theft to turn those footprints into opportunities. Whether it’s intercepting a password, hijacking a mobile device, or leveraging stolen personal details, the goal is the same: to gain access to your accounts and your money.
Fortunately, while fraud attempts are more advanced than ever, so are the tools designed to help you fight back.
Our Powerful Tools for Fraud Protection
At Lake Ridge Bank, we are committed to helping clients stay ahead of fraud. Our suite of services provides multiple layers of defense, empowering you to monitor your finances, detect suspicious activity, and take swift action when needed.
Credit Sense: Your Personal Credit Guardian
Credit Sense gives you on-demand access to your credit score and credit report from right inside your Lake Ridge Bank online or mobile banking platform. With daily credit monitoring, you can spot unexpected changes, such as new accounts opened in your name or sudden score drops that could indicate identity theft. Credit Sense also offers personalized tips to improve your credit health, making it both a fraud prevention tool and a financial planning resource.
Key Features of CreditSense:
- Daily credit score updates and full credit reports
- Alerts for changes in credit activity (new accounts, inquiries, or significant balance changes)
- Actionable recommendations to build or maintain strong credit
By staying informed about your credit activity, you can detect suspicious behavior before it’s too late.
Account Alerts: Real-Time Protection for Everyday Banking
Lake Ridge Bank’s Account Alerts provide immediate notifications about account activity, allowing you to spot unauthorized transactions the moment they occur. These alerts can be customized to your preferences, keeping you informed of everything from low balances to large withdrawals.
Key Features:
- Text or email alerts for deposits, withdrawals, or unusual spending patterns
- Notifications for logins from unfamiliar devices or locations
- Early detection of potential fraud or account takeover attempts
Account Alerts act as a real-time shield, ensuring you always know what’s happening with your money.
The Power of Combining Services
Individually, these tools are strong. Together, they create a powerful defense strategy for fraud prevention. By using Credit Sense, and Account Alerts in combination, you can:
- Monitor credit activity for unauthorized changes
- Detect fraudulent transactions in real time
- Respond quickly to potential threats before damage occurs
This multi-layered approach ensures you are always one step ahead of fraudsters.
Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Personal and Financial Data
Strong cybersecurity habits are one of the best defenses against fraud. Here are some essential tips to help keep your accounts secure:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Create complex passwords for each account and update them regularly. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Use password manager tools to help keep track of your passwords.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a one-time code or authentication app.
- Stay Alert for Phishing Scams – Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information. Lake Ridge Bank will never request your password or full Social Security number by email.
- Keep Software Up to Date – Regularly update your computer, mobile device, and banking apps to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi – Use a password-protected network and avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi whenever possible.
These everyday practices help strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture, reducing the chances of falling victim to fraud.
Take Action to Protect Your Finances
Even with the best precautions, fraud can happen. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, it is critical to act immediately. Contact your Lake Ridge Bank banker today to report suspicious activity and learn about additional fraud protection services available to help secure your accounts.
Fraudsters are constantly evolving, but with Lake Ridge Bank’s Credit Sense and Account Alert services, you have the tools you need to stay informed, stay protected, and stay confident in your financial future.
