What I learned from Getting Hit with Fraud

No one wants to be the person who clicks on the fraudulent email and gets hacked. Everywhere you turn, it seems there is a potential for fraud. It’s getting harder to spot those fake phishing attacks and easier for hackers to steal your personal information and ultimately your money. Stay vigilant and calm. Here is what I’ve learned from getting hit with fraud.

Check Your Account Daily

If your credit or debit card has been compromised, the hacker will most likely start with a small purchase, testing the waters to see if it will be authorized. If it goes through, they will continue to make purchases, increasing the amount every time or make several small purchases that can really add up. If you see a transaction on your account that you don’t recognize, play it safe and call your bank or provider to check the legitimacy of the purchase.

Be Careful When Browsing or Talking in Public

Do you frequent coffee shops to enjoy your favorite blend while catching up on work or online shopping? Using their unsecured wifi or having a conversation in public, which is intended for private, can put you at risk. Hackers can gather enough information from your conversation or while you’re browsing the public web to steal your identity. Make sure anything that should remain private is conducted in private.

It Can Happen to Anyone

It’s common to think that you’ll never be hacked or that fraud will never happen to you. But the truth is, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people reported losing $1.48 billion in fraud last year. 43% of people effected by fraud were in their 20s, while only 15% were in their 70s.

Being a victim of fraud or identity theft can be devastating, causing major headaches for the ones involved. At Pioneer Bank, protecting your identity is important to us, that’s why we have systems in place and offer various products and services that can help safeguard your identity. Stop into a branch or visit our website today, to learn more on how we can help.


The material provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. Links to other web sites are provided for reference and do not constitute a referral or endorsement by Pioneer or its affiliates. Please note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not be current. It is recommended that you consult with a financial professional for assistance regarding the information contained herein.