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How to help us protect your accounts

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

 

Make sure it’s really us.

Financial institutions, including USAA, are noticing an increase in fraud scams. You can report unusual calls, texts, emails and links to abuse@usaa.com.

Phone Calls and Texts

We’ll never call or text to ask for your password, PIN or one-time code. If someone claims to be a USAA employee and asks for any of these, it could be fraud.

Emails From USAA

Our emails have a personalized "USAA Security Zone." It includes your name and the last four digits of your USAA number. If the information is wrong or missing, it's not from us.

USAA Mobile App

Make sure to download our app from an official app store. The developer should be listed as USAA. Our app is free — if it asks you to pay, it’s not really us. Keep your devices healthy.

Keep your 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 system up to date helps prevent hackers from taking advantage of those flaws.

 

Use security software.

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 computer for these threats. It can also block malicious files.

 

Update your browser.

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.

 

Use secure wireless networks.

When you’re away from home, only connect to networks you trust and avoid wireless networks with no security.

More about security at USAA

Your Privacy

Read our Privacy Promise and find out how we can use your online data.

How USAA Protects You

Learn about our 24/7 security and fraud monitoring and other ways we help you.

Reporting Fraud

If you see something unusual, find out how you can let us know.