Stay on top of your bank accounts (and catch problems early)

Keeping a close eye on your financial information is essential to help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Here are some practical steps to help you monitor your accounts effectively.

Signs something might be wrong

Knowing early warning signs helps you act fast. Watch for:

• Charges you don’t recognize. Unfamiliar account activity is a warning sign. Fraud may often start with small, “tester” transactions.
• Errors on your credit report or accounts you didn’t open. Someone may be using your identity.
• Missing mail or phone calls. This could indicate changes to your contact information.
• Alerts about password resets or login attempts you didn’t make. This is also a common scam tactic, so always verify the source.
• Messages claiming account trouble or “urgent” action needed. These could be phishing attempts.
• Missing deposits. Such as paychecks, tax refunds, or benefit payments.

If something feels off, it’s worth a closer look.

If something looks off, start here

If you spot strange activity, these quick actions limit damage while you sort out what happened.

• Lock your debit or credit card. Most banks (including Huntington) let you lock your card instantly from your phone or online banking. This stops new transactions until you unlock.
• Change your online banking password and use MFA. Use a strong, unique password and remove any registered devices you don’t recognize to ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required.
• Report suspicious charges as soon as possible. Banks can investigate disputed transactions, but timing matters. Acting quickly is key.
• Call your bank directly, not the number in a text or email. If you received a suspicious message, go straight to your bank’s “Contact Us” page or your known contact to verify what’s real.
• Freeze your credit if identity theft is suspected. A credit freeze keeps criminals from opening new accounts in your name.

Build strong habits to help protect yourself

A few easy routines help mitigate fraud and catch issues early.

• Set up account alerts. Get notified for things like purchases, low balances, large withdrawals, and login attempts. Alerts give you real-time visibility without lifting a finger.
• Verify messages before responding. Scammers often pretend to be your bank. Signs of a scam include urgency, links that look odd, or requests for personal information they should already have. When in doubt, delete the message and contact your bank directly.
• Check your statements regularly. A quick monthly scan helps you catch anything you might’ve missed.
• Use secure devices and Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into financial accounts on shared computers or public Wi-Fi.
• Keep contact information up to date. This helps alerts, fraud notifications, and identity-verification prompts stay in the right hands.

Keeping your accounts safe is a team effort between you and your financial institution. Banks work continuously behind the scenes to monitor unusual activity, and the habits you build (like checking statements and verifying alerts) play an equally important role. When Staying alert and taking quick action helps your security.