Working together to protect you
While we use sophisticated fraud detection processes, we’re most effective in fighting fraud when we work with you.
We recommend you monitor your account activity on a regular basis and take advantage of all the tools available to lower your risks when checking your account online.
Choose a secure way to log on.
We’ve adopted proven industry standards like multifactor authentication to help protect you. We offer several ways for you to log on online and verify your identity over the phone. Also, be sure to change your password regularly.
Respond quickly to fraud alerts.
Our extensive security program includes dedicated teams to detect and investigate potential fraud. If something seems unusual, we'll send you an alert. The quicker you respond, the faster we'll be able to help prevent loss.
Examples of potential fraud
Potential fraud could include:
- Unusual debit or credit card activity.
- Large wire transfers.
- Debit card withdrawal limit changes.
- Updates to your Online ID or password.
Keep your phone and other devices healthy.
Accept operating system updates.
Your operating system is the foundation of your device. As flaws are discovered, manufacturers typically offer free security patches to address them.
Keeping your apps and operating system up to date helps prevent hackers from taking advantage of those flaws.
Use security software and strong authentication.
Financial malware, viruses and spyware can take over your system, slow it down and put your data, privacy and accounts at risk. Antivirus software scans your device for these threats and can block malicious files.
And using strong passcodes, fingerprint or facial recognition helps keep your device and accounts secure.
Update your browser and be careful with apps.
All browsers are susceptible to malware and security problems. One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself is to keep your browser up to date.
We support Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome. We also recommend only downloading apps only from official stores and reviewing app permissions.
Use secure wireless networks.
When you’re away from home, only connect to networks you trust and avoid wireless networks with no security.
If you have to connect to a public network, use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, to encrypt your data and keep it safe.
Get remote tracking and wiping tools.
Remote tracking allows you to locate and lock your phone if it’s lost or stolen. You can also protect your personal data by erasing it completely with remote wiping.
Protecting your accounts FAQ
We're here to help you keep your accounts safe and secure before, during and after your deployment. Take the following steps before you leave.
- Let us know you're deploying by calling 877-2DEPLOY (877-233-7569).
- Explore our deployment resources at usaa.com/deployment.
- Download the USAA Mobile App. You can help secure your communication with us by using Quick Logon.
- Strengthen your login security by setting up an enhanced logon method.
There are a few things you can do.
- Limit sharing personal details. Avoid sharing your child's Social Security number unless you need to, and ask how it'll be used and stored.
- Secure documents. Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other sensitive documents in a safe place.
- Be cautious online. Teach your children to avoid sharing personal information on social media, gaming platforms or websites without your approval.
- Freeze your child's credit. Restrict access to their credit report by contacting credit bureaus to freeze their credit.
If someone is already using your child's personal information, you may notice the following warning signs.
- You get bills in your child's name, but it's not an account you opened.
- The IRS says your child didn't pay income tax or that their Social Security number was used on another tax return.
- You're turned down for government benefits because your child's Social Security number is tied to another account.
If you know someone is using your child's personal information, take these steps.
- Call the companies involved.
- Contact all three major credit unions, Equifax, Experian or Transunion, to review activity and ask for credit reports to look for fraud.
For Equifax, go to equifax.com (Opens in a New Window). Or call 888-378-4329.
For Experian, go to experian.com (Opens in a New Window). Or call 888-397-3742.
For TransUnion, go to transunion.com (Opens in a New Window). Or call 800-680-7289. - Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov (Opens in a New Window).
- File a report with your local police department.