Fraud and scams are constantly changing, but protecting your money doesn’t have to be complicated. A little awareness and a few smart habits can go a long way.
At Arize, your security is just as important as your savings. That’s why we’re committed to sharing simple tips, tools, and resources to help you recognize scams, safeguard your accounts, and feel confident managing your finances every day.
Explore our monthly fraud awareness topics below for practical advice you can use to keep yourself and your family protected.
Protect Your Heart — and Your Wallet
Online connections can be meaningful and enjoyable, but unfortunately, scammers know how to exploit emotions.
Romance scams are one of the fastest-growing types of fraud. They often begin with a friendly message or new relationship and quickly turn into requests for money, gift cards, or “urgent help.” Once money is sent, it’s usually impossible to recover.
Common Red Flags Include:
- Strong feelings or “I love you” very quickly
- Refusing to meet in person
- Asking to move conversations off social media
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or P2P payments
- Pressure to keep things secret
If someone you just met asks for money, it’s almost always a scam.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and talk to someone you trust or call us. We’re always here to help without judgment.
Regardless of what information is being asked of you, you should:
- Question the source. Do you personally know the person or institution calling? Are they asking for information they should already have on file?
- Never give out personal information when contacted by phone, text, or email. Personal information includes:
- Your account number
- Your online banking or mobile banking login credentials
- Credit card number
- Passwords or PINs
- Social Security number
- Never sign into online banking and grant access to your computer to a remote source. This includes calls from “computer update” representatives or someone trying to “deposit money into your account.”
Arize will never contact you to request an account or personal information via email, phone, or text.
We may send you occasional emails promoting Arize products or services or alerting you to changes to your accounts, but these emails will provide Arize contact information to call should you have any questions.
If you contact us directly, we may ask you to verify certain information to confirm you’re speaking with the correct person. Some examples of information we may request:
- A combination of digits of your social security number (but never your entire number!)
- Account Password
- Mother’s Maiden Name
We may also ask further questions about your relationship with Arize to confirm your identity and prevent fraud. These will be facts about your account that only you will know, and pieces of information very difficult to obtain from someone other than yourself.
If you receive a call or email from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution or organization requesting personal information, be cautious. When in doubt, ask for a call.
To avoid fraud and identity theft, we recommend changing your Online Banking and Mobile App passwords at least once every 90 days. The password you choose for Online Banking will also give you access to the Arize Mobile App. Remember, when you change your password, it will apply to both.
To change your password in Online Banking:
- Log in to Online Banking with your current username and password
- On the right-hand side of your screen, click on the arrow next to your name and then select “Personal Info and Settings.”
- Select “Change Password”
- Enter your current password, then enter a new password twice
- Hit “Change Password”
To change your password in the Mobile App:
- Hit “Change Password”
- Log in to the Mobile App with your current username and password
- On the Home Screen, select the person icon in the top right corner
- Select “Change Password”
- Enter your current password, then enter a new password twice
Protect yourself from ATM fraud:
- If you lose your card, report it immediatelyew password twice
- When using an ATM, don’t let anyone distract you or get too close to you
- Only use ATMs in safe, well-lit areas
- If someone moves close to you while using the ATM, do not enter your PIN. Hit cancel and walk away
- Check your card before leaving the ATM to make sure it’s yours
- If you need help with the ATM, ask a staff member — not a stranger. If you feel uncomfortable at an ATM, cancel your transaction
- Never give anyone your PIN, including bank or credit union employees.
- Never let your card (ATM, debit, or credit) out of your sight
- Do not leave your card lying around
- Set up eAlerts on Arize’s Mobile App, and we’ll notify you when certain types of transactions occur in your account. To set up alerts:
- Log in to the Mobile App
- Select “More” at the bottom right-hand of the screen
- Select “eAlert Subscriptions.”
- Select “Create New eAlert.”
- Select the type of eAlert you would like to set up
- Follow the on-screen prompts until finished!
- Use Arize’s Mobile Banking app on a secure Wi-Fi network (don’t use a cafe or hotel Wi-Fi when banking via the app or online).
- Use complex passwords that do not relate to your life (no names of pets, kids, or spouse).
- Only download banking apps from trusted sources like your app store, not from social media or ad links.
When buying online, utilize e-commerce solutions, such as Mobile Wallet or PayPal.
- Never purchase online—or by phone—from a retailer you don’t recognize.
- Never click on a link embedded in an unsolicited email or pop-up.
- Keep antivirus and anti-malware software up to date.