Security & Safety Resource Center

Hey everyone! How often do you really look at your bank and credit card statements? For many of us, it’s just a quick glance to make sure the balance looks about right. But here’s a crucial tip for your cybersecurity: you need to become a digital detective and continuously check your accounts for any unauthorized activity!

Think of your bank and credit card statements as the official record of your financial life. If a hacker gets hold of your information, the very first place you’ll see the signs of a problem is a strange charge on one of these statements. By keeping a close eye on them, you’re not just being a good recordkeeper; you’re also creating your own personal early warning system against fraud. A small, strange charge is often the first clue that a cybercriminal is testing a stolen card number before they make bigger, more damaging purchases.

Why Your Statements Are Your Security Superpower:

• Early Warning System: Catching fraud early is key. A fraudulent charge, even a small one, is a big red flag. The sooner you spot it, the faster you can lock down your accounts and prevent more significant financial loss.
• Catching the Sneaky Stuff: Scammers don’t always go for huge purchases right away. They might try a small charge of a few dollars to see if the card works. If you’re not looking, you’ll miss this crucial signal.
• Identity Theft Detection: An unauthorized charge isn’t just about the money. It’s a symptom that your financial information has been compromised, which could be part of a larger identity theft scheme.

How to Monitor Your Accounts Like a Pro:

Being an effective financial detective is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.

1. Check Your Accounts Regularly: Don’t just wait for your monthly statement to arrive. Make it a habit to log into your bank and credit card apps at least once a week (or even daily) to quickly scan for recent transactions. Most banking apps now give you a real-time view of your spending.
2. Set Up Alerts: This is a game-changer! Most banks and credit card companies offer free services to notify you of activity on your account. You can typically set up alerts to receive a text message or email for:
   1. Any transaction over a certain dollar amount.
   1. Any purchase made online or over the phone.
   1. Any transaction from a foreign country.
   1. Transactions made without the physical card present.

These alerts give you instant feedback, so you don’t have to wait to find out if your card was used.

• Cross-Reference Your Receipts: If you’re old-school and keep physical receipts, take a few minutes to compare them to your statement. Did you really make that purchase? Does the amount match?
• Know Your Normal: The more familiar you are with your regular spending habits, the faster you’ll spot something that looks “off.” A charge from a store you’ve never heard of will immediately stand out.

Remember, good recordkeeping and active monitoring are your best defenses. By keeping a watchful eye on your statements and setting up those handy alerts, you can take a powerful, proactive step toward protecting your finances and personal information.

AI chatbots are everywhere—from helping you shop online to answering your banking questions. But as these digital assistants become more advanced, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit them. If you’re chatting with AI, it’s time to get smart about your security.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Why Are Scammers Targeting AI Chatbots

AI chatbots are designed to be helpful, fast, and available 24/7. That makes them a perfect target for scammers looking to:

• Harvest personal information by pretending to be legitimate support bots.
• Trick users into clicking malicious links during a conversation.
• Exploit vulnerabilities in poorly secured chatbot platforms.
• Impersonate trusted brands using AI-generated responses.

The result? You could unknowingly hand over sensitive data or download malware—all while thinking you’re chatting with a helpful assistant.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all chatbots are created equal. Here are some warning signs that the AI you’re chatting with might be part of a scam:

• Requests for personal or financial information like your Social Security number, credit card details, or login credentials.
• Unusual urgency or threats, such as “Your account will be locked in 10 minutes unless you act now.”
• Poor grammar or awkward phrasing, which may indicate a hastily built scam bot.
• Links that don’t match the brand’s official website or redirect to unfamiliar domains.
• No way to verify the chatbot’s identity, such as a missing company logo or contact info.

How to Protect Yourself

You don’t need to stop using AI chatbots—but you do need to be cautious. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Verify the source: Only interact with chatbots on official websites or apps.
• Never share sensitive info: A legitimate chatbot will never ask for your password or full credit card number.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Even if your credentials are compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of protection.
• Keep your software updated: Security patches help protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Report suspicious bots: If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it to the company or platform.

Stay Smart, Stay Secure

AI is changing the way we interact online—but it’s also changing the way scammers operate. By staying alert and following a few simple best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of AI without putting your digital life at risk.