Mobile Fraud

Rogue Mobile Banking Apps

Criminals may repackage and publish third party malicious apps that look like mobile banking apps. Once downloaded, the fraudulent app may implant a Trojan on your phone to steal your Online Banking credentials.

Only download the BlueOx Credit Union Mobile app from trusted sources rather than a third-party unknown source. To help protect your accounts and information, don’t download or install mobile banking apps if you detect any of the following warning signs:
 

• The developer or author of the application is not BlueOx Credit Union.
• The application is being promoted on a third-party site, outside of the official app store associated with your mobile device.
• There is a charge for downloading the application.

Lost or Stolen Devices

Mobile phones and tablets offer convenience, but they’re also easy to lose or steal, which can put your information at risk.
 

• Consider using a remote wipe program which will give you the ability to send a command to your device that will delete any data if the device is lost or stolen.
• Keep a record of the device’s make, model and serial number in case it’s stolen.

Mobile Security Tips

• Use your device’s power-on password feature and keep it locked when you’re not using it. Enable an automatic screen-locking mechanism to lock the device when it’s not actively being used.
• Never store personal information like passwords or PIN numbers in texts, notes or emails that are accessible through your phone or tablet.
• Do not root or jailbreak your mobile device to get around limitations set by your carrier or device manufacturer. It will remove any protections built into the device to defend against mobile threats.
• Beware of everything you download onto your smart device, especially applications. Only use reputable application markets. Look at the developer’s name, check out reviews and star ratings. Always check the permissions an application requests and ensure that the permissions of the application match the features the application provides.
• If you visit a website through your mobile or tablet and the URL looks suspicious, close it down right away.
• When in doubt, don’t respond. Fraudulent texts, calls and voicemails are on the rise. Just like email, requests for personal information or a call for immediate action are almost always a scam.
• Use account nicknames instead of account numbers. Do not include any digits from your account numbers in nicknames.
• Consider using a remote wipe program which will give you the ability to send a command to your device that will delete any data if the device is lost or stolen.
• Beware of your surroundings and use your device discreetly at locations in which you feel unsafe.
• Never leave your device unattended in a public place. Don’t leave it visible in an unattended car; lock it up in the glove compartment or trunk.

Lost or Stolen Mobile Device

• Immediately contact your wireless carrier to report the incident and suspend your mobile number.
• Report the theft to the police, including the make and model, serial and IMEI or MEID number. Some carriers require proof that the device was stolen, and a police report would provide that documentation.
• Change any passwords for online accounts you access through your mobile device as soon as possible.