Security learning centre:
Offline security
Learn about offline security
In today's digital age, we often focus on online security measures to protect our personal information. However, it's important not to forget about offline security as well. With the rise of identity theft and other forms of fraud, it's crucial to take steps to safeguard your information in the physical world too.
Offline security tips and best practices
- Shred sensitive documents
- Lock up important files and documents
- Be cautious with your mail
- Don't carry unnecessary personal information in your wallet or purse
- Protect your computer with a password
- Use a privacy screen on your computer or mobile device in public places
- Be mindful of who's around when using an ATM or entering a PIN number
- Use secure and encrypted communication methods, like password-protected email attachments or secure messaging apps
- Be cautious when sharing personal information over the phone or via email
- Keep an eye on your credit reports and bank statements for suspicious activity
.jpg)
Cheque fraud
Cheque fraud is a type of financial crime where someone uses a fake or stolen cheque to obtain money or goods illegally. This can involve altering the cheque's amount, forging the signature, or creating a completely fake cheque.
To prevent cheque fraud, it's important to safeguard your cheques, monitor your account regularly for suspicious activity, and use security features like watermarks and security inks. Fake cheques have typical tell-tale signs, such as 'Guaranteed Funds' or 'Certified', and remember to only accept cheques from people or organizations you know.
To prevent cheque fraud, it's important to safeguard your cheques, monitor your account regularly for suspicious activity, and use security features like watermarks and security inks. Fake cheques have typical tell-tale signs, such as 'Guaranteed Funds' or 'Certified', and remember to only accept cheques from people or organizations you know.
Credit and debit card safety
Credit and debit cards have become an essential part of our daily lives, enabling us to make purchases and payments with ease and convenience. However, with the rise of online shopping and the increasing use of digital transactions, the risk of credit card and debit card fraud has also increased. It is more important than ever to take steps to protect your cards and personal information from fraudsters who seek to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data. In this context, it is crucial to be aware of the common threats and to follow best practices for card safety and security.
Choose a strong, random PIN that most people won't associate with you or easily guess.
Don't reuse your PIN. Each card you have should use a different PIN.
Don't let anyone know what your PIN is. That information should remain private.
Protect your pin when making purchases by using a privacy screen or covering the keypad.
Using your debit card from Prospera, or your credit card from our partner, Collabria, is safe and secure. They are equipped with top-of-the-line security features, including contactless capabilities, and are backed by advanced fraud detection technology to help prevent unauthorized transactions.
Lost or stolen debit card? Click here
.jpg)
Smishing
A smishing attack typically involves a text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a delivery service, but actually comes from a fraudulent one. The message may contain a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal personal or financial information, or it may ask the victim to reply with sensitive information. These messages may include bad grammar or spelling errors, but they can also be well-crafted and convincing.
To prevent smishing, be cautious of suspicious messages, don't click on unknown links or attachments, verify the source, and use security software on your devices.
To prevent smishing, be cautious of suspicious messages, don't click on unknown links or attachments, verify the source, and use security software on your devices.
Common offline scams you should be aware of
By being aware of these common offline scams, you can take steps to protect yourself and avoid falling victim to them.
- Door-to-door scams: where a scammer poses as a salesperson, charity worker, or government official and tries to trick you into giving them money or personal information.
- Ponzi schemes: where investors are promised high returns but are actually paid with the money from new investors, and the scheme eventually collapses.
- Lottery scams: where scammers claim that you've won a lottery or sweepstakes, but require you to pay a fee to claim your prize.
- Investment scams: where scammers offer "get rich quick" schemes or fraudulent investment opportunities that sound too good to be true.
- Work-from-home scams: where scammers offer jobs or business opportunities that require you to pay a fee upfront or provide personal information.
- Tech support scams: where scammers pose as tech support staff and trick you into downloading malware or paying for unnecessary software or services.
- Charity scams: where scammers pose as representatives of legitimate charities and solicit donations from unsuspecting individuals.
- Fake check scams: where scammers send you a fake check for more than you're owed and ask you to wire them the difference.
- Rental scams: where scammers advertise a rental property that doesn't exist, or they don't own, and ask for a deposit or upfront rent payment.
- Identity theft: where criminals steal personal information such as your SIN or credit card information to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.
How to reach us
Call our Member Service Centre
Contact tech support
Available 24/7
1 888 884 4430
Send a support email
