With financial fraud on the rise, protecting your personal and banking information has never been more important. A recent JD Power study found that nearly 29% of bank account holders experienced fraud in some form over a 12-month period.

To help us navigate the best security practices, Aaron Caid shares expert advice on how to safeguard your accounts from cybercriminals.

Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. 

1. Strengthen Your Password Security

A strong, unique password is your first line of defense against fraud. Here’s how to create one that’s tough to crack:

• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using common words or easily guessed phrases (e.g., "password123" or your birthdate).
• Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.

In addition to a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your financial apps. This extra layer of security requires a one-time passcode (usually sent via text or an authentication app) to verify your identity when logging in or completing transactions.

Pro Tip: Turn off text message previews on your phone. If a scammer steals your phone, they could see your passcode on your lock screen and gain access to your accounts.

2. Monitor Your Accounts & Stay Alert for Fraud

Vigilance is key when it comes to detecting fraudulent activity early.

• Regularly check your bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• Review your credit reports through the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Sign up for transaction alerts from your bank or credit union to get notified of suspicious activity.

Fraudsters also use phishing scams—fake emails, texts, or calls—to trick people into giving away personal information. These scams often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

Never share your:

• Username or password
• One-time passcodes
• Account or personal information over the phone, email, chat, or text

Hackers can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to make messages appear legitimate, even impersonating banks and credit unions. If you’re ever unsure, call your financial institution directly to verify any suspicious messages.

3. Use Secure Wi-Fi & Protect Your Personal Information

We all love a good coffee shop work session, but public Wi-Fi networks are a big security risk when accessing sensitive financial accounts. Hackers can intercept your data and steal your login credentials.

• Always use a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network when banking online.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added encryption and security.

Also, ensure you don’t let identity thieves find your personal information in the trash!

Shred documents containing sensitive details like account numbers, social security numbers, or other financial information. Shredders cost as little as $35—a small price to pay for big security.

Stay Secure & Bank with Purpose

As fraud prevention becomes increasingly important, many Christians are seeking banking solutions that align with their values. Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) offers a Harvest Bundle—a unique checking and savings account designed to help members grow their savings while supporting missions worldwide.

• 4% APY on the first $5,000 in Harvest Checking
• 5% APY on the first $5,000 in Harvest Savings
• 1.5% cash back on purchases with the Cash Rewards Visa Card

A portion of proceeds supports missions, including gospel outreach, protecting vulnerable children, and fighting human trafficking. For those looking to align their banking with their faith, the Harvest Bundle from CCCU offers competitive rates and kingdom impact—a win-win for wise financial stewardship.

If you're looking for a banking partner that reflects your faith and values, consider joining Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU).

Ready to bank with purpose? Visit JoinChristianCommunity.com today!

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• Can you provide a list of the faith-based investments that I can invest in? I'm trying to invest differently with my 401(k) funds. 
   
• I have an old work comp claim that was incorrectly billed, causing Medicare to deny payment. What happened, and how can I prevent this in the future? Also, if I submit a claim to the work comp company and they only pay a portion, am I responsible for the remaining balance?
   
• I own a free-and-clear home in Davenport. There is no mortgage anymore, and I would like to transfer 50% of ownership to a family member. Would I have to pay any taxes, or would my family members have to pay them because of this transfer?
   
• I'm retired, receiving $70,000 annually from disability and SSDI. I have $50,000 in a TSP account and $9,000 in debt that I'm paying off. I'm currently renting for $1,500 per month. Should I use my VA loan to purchase a home or just continue renting?
   
• I have a Roth IRA that I formed from a 403(b) annuity a couple of years ago. I'm 73 and will be 74 in a couple of months. At what point does the RMD apply to my Roth? Also, I'm retired and have Social Security and a retirement pension. I occasionally make profits from a book I publish and workshops I do. Can I make contributions to my Roth from those profits?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine
• List of Faith-Based Investing Funds
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.gov)
• AnnualCreditReport.com
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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