Things to help you bank safely

Downloading Software

Beware of offers for free online software, such as those that improve your computer's internet speed or allow you to watch movies for free. This type of software may be infected with malware (malicious software) that enables fraudsters to monitor your activities or capture personal information. In some cases, downloading the software can enable scammers to intercept the data entered between your device and the websites you visit – capturing your credentials and personal information. If you need certain software, only download it from reputable companies and websites.

Password Protection

Website passwords and PINs help identify who you are. Keep your passwords/PINs for all of your accounts and the sites you visit safe at all times. Never write down or share your passwords or PINs with anyone. When selecting a password/PIN, avoid choosing numbers or letters that fall in a sequence or pattern. Also, avoid the obvious choices like your birthdate, address or family names. When selecting a security question, make sure it's something meaningful, so you'll remember it, and personal, so nobody else can figure it out.

Online Purchase Authentication

When using your Tangerine Client Card or Tangerine Credit Card online, we may use Online Purchase Authentication to help us verify that purchases are legitimate and being made by you. Online Purchase Authentication uses a one-time security code sent by text message that you’ll be prompted to enter as you complete the transaction. This extra step helps ensure that the person using your Card is you and helps protect you from fraud. Make sure your contact information under ‘Profile & Settings’ is up to date, since we send these messages to the mobile number we have for you on file.

Other helpful tips to protect yourself online

• Protect your electronic devices by installing anti-virus and anti-malware software and by keeping your software up-to-date.
• Set up a firewall on your home internet to limit unauthorized access.
• Always use secure passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple websites. The safest passwords often contain a mix of special characters, numbers and uppercase/lowercase letters, which make them harder to guess.
• When shopping online, choose reputable retailers that provide a street address, a working phone number and offer clear return policies.

Some ways to spot a scam

• Check the source: Is the message from an unknown or suspicious person?
• Check the links: Does the website URL start with "https" and display a tiny padlock icon in the address bar to signify it’s secure?
• Check the language: Is the message demanding urgent payment or threatening to contact authorities?

Unsure if a communication you receive is legitimate? Give us a call at 1-888-826-4374 (or go to our Contact Us page) to confirm if it’s a real communication from us.

Want to learn more? Here are are few articles from our Learning Centre "The Juice" that provide some more information on what to look our for : Job Scams: Know the Red Flags and Protecting Yourself Against Fraud.

Other helpful tips to protect your identity

• Be suspicious of requests for your personal information. If in doubt, contact the organization on another verified channel to confirm it’s real.
• Sign up for credit report monitoring, or review it yourself by obtaining a copy of your credit report from a credit bureau, to check for unauthorized use of your identity.
• Review your transaction history and banking statements regularly. If you notice any suspicious transactions let your financial institution know right away.