Manage and Protect Your Money with Customizable Account Alerts
Published: June 20, 2024
![Manage and Protect Your Money with Customizable Account Alerts Manage and Protect Your Money with Customizable Account Alerts](https://cdn.firstbranchcms.com/kcms-structure/3b7521f9-7cf0-4d88-a0ce-9cee084d4ccc/postImage.jpeg)
Taking care of your money doesn't have to be a headache. Simplify your financial life by setting up customizable alerts on your accounts through myUSSFCU online banking or the mobile app. It's an easy way to stay on top of your finances and keep an eye out for fraudulent activity, ensuring peace of mind and better control over your money.
Why Set Up Account Alerts?
If you’re not already using account alerts, now is a great time to start. Account alerts help you keep track of your finances and protect against unauthorized transactions. Most people use mobile banking apps regularly, so why not take advantage of these alerts to manage your money better?
Types of Account Alerts
At USSFCU, we offer a range of customizable alerts through my.USSFCU. Here are some key alerts you should consider setting up:
- Low Balance Alert
- Purpose: Notifies you when your account balance drops below a set amount.
- Benefits: Helps you avoid overdraft fees and keep track of your spending without constantly checking your balance.
- Example: Set a low balance alert for $500 to get notified when your balance falls below this amount.
- High Balance Alert
- Purpose: Notifies you when your account balance exceeds a set amount.
- Benefits: Great for managing savings goals and knowing when you have extra funds.
- Example: Set a high balance alert for $5,000 to know when you’ve reached a savings milestone.
- Credit Transaction Alert
- Purpose: Notifies you when a deposit above a set amount is made.
- Benefits: Helps you keep track of important deposits like paychecks.
- Example: Set a credit transaction alert for $100 to get notified of significant deposits.
- Debit Transaction Alert
- Purpose: Notifies you when a withdrawal or purchase above a set amount is made.
- Benefits: Alerts you to large purchases, helping you monitor spending and detect unauthorized transactions.
- Example: Set a debit transaction alert for $100 to get notified of any large purchases.
- Security Alerts
- Login from New Device: Notifies you when a new device accesses your account.
- Password Changes: Notifies you when your account password is changed.
- Benefits: Helps you detect unauthorized access and secure your account quickly.
- Example: Get notified immediately if someone tries to access your account from an unrecognized device.
Setting Up Alerts
Here’s how to set up these alerts through my.USSFCU:
- Log In: Access your my.USSFCU account online or using the mobile app.
- Navigate: Select the account you’d like to set-up alerts for and then click on “Alert preferences.”
- Choose Alert Type: Select the type of alert you want to set up.
- Set Threshold: Define the threshold amount for the alert.
- Select Delivery Method: Choose to receive alerts via email, text, or push notification.
- Save Settings: Confirm and save your alert settings.
Card Management Features
Our card management features allow you to control your debit and credit cards directly through my.USSFCU, providing added security and convenience.
- Activate New Card
- How to: Select the card in the Card Management section and choose “Activate New Card.”
- Reorder Card
- How to: Select the card and choose “Reorder Card” to request a new one.
- Report Lost/Stolen Card
- How to: Select the card and choose “Report Lost/Stolen” to immediately disable the card.
- Enable/Disable Card
- How to: Use the toggle switch in the Card Management section to enable or disable your card. This feature helps prevent unauthorized transactions by locking your card when not in use.
How to Access Card Management
- Log In: Access your my.USSFCU account online or via mobile app.
- Go to Dashboard: Find the Card Management section.
- View Card Details: Check card status, last four digits, and associated accounts.
- Use Features: Enable or disable your card, activate a new card, reorder a card, or report a lost/stolen card as needed.
Be Aware of Bank Alert Scams
While account alerts are an excellent tool for managing your finances, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams. Scammers may send fake bank alerts through email or text (known as phishing and smishing) to trick you into giving out personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scam messages often ask for personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers. Here are some signs that an alert might be a scam:
- Requests for personal information.
- Prompts to log in through a provided link.
- Instructions to call a phone number that appears to be your bank’s number.
What to do if you receive a suspicious alert:
- Never give out personal information through email or text.
- Verify the alert: Contact your bank using a phone number or contact information listed on their official website.
- Report scams: If you receive a scam message, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also report spam or junk messages through your email server or messaging app.
By setting up these customizable alerts and using our card management features, you can ensure your accounts are always monitored and secure, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
For any assistance with setting up alerts or managing your cards, please contact our online and mobile support team by calling 800.374.2758. We’re here to help you stay informed and secure.