At CommunityAmerica, protecting your financial well-being is always a top priority. To help you stay informed and confident, we’ve answered some of the most common member questions around fraud prevention, credit protection, and safe digital habits. These insights are designed to help you build stronger defenses and peace of mind—every day.
Protecting Your Credit, Accounts, and Identity
Is it safer to use a credit card or a debit card?
Both offer fraud protection. The main difference is if your credit card is compromised, your personal funds remain untouched — unlike a debit card, which is directly linked to your checking account.
What does it mean to “freeze your credit”? Is that the same as freezing a credit card?
Freezing your credit restricts access to your credit reports, making it harder for fraudsters to open accounts in your name. It’s free in the U.S. and can be done with each major bureau:
- Equifax or call 800.349.9960
- Experian or call 888.397.3742
- TransUnion or call 888.909.8872
Freezing a credit card is different—it temporarily blocks new charges on that card.
Note: When you freeze your credit, you’ll need to manually unfreeze it before applying for new credit. This can be done quickly online or by calling each credit bureau individually.
Does freezing or closing a credit card hurt your credit score?
No, freezing your credit does not affect your score. Closing a credit card, however, might temporarily lower your score due to changes in credit utilization and account age. This is temporary and can vary based on scenario.
How can I make sure my cards work when traveling internationally?
Contact us before your trip to review any restrictions, potential fees, or travel-related fraud alerts.
Are services like LifeLock® or other credit monitoring programs worth it?
Credit monitoring services like LifeLock® can offer helpful identity theft protection and insurance coverage. Alternatives include:
- Free credit freezes
- Free monitoring after data breaches
- Checking your credit reports directly
If I become a victim of fraud or identity theft, are my CommunityAmerica accounts protected? Can I get my money back?
If you monitor your accounts and report fraudulent activity promptly, our team will work with you to recover any losses and guide you through next steps.
Spotting and Stopping Scams
How can I reduce scam calls, texts, and emails?
Most states offer a “No-Call List”. By registering, you should not receive unsolicited telemarketing calls. Some organizations such as charities and businesses that you have existing relationships with are exempt and may call you.
Major carriers (e.g., T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) also offer built-in scam-blocking tools.
Can the government stop scammers?
Not entirely. Issues like caller ID spoofing and international jurisdiction limits make enforcement difficult. Staying vigilant is key.
How can I protect myself from fake email attachments or PDFs?
Only open attachments from verified senders. If you're not expecting the email, don’t click the link—no matter how legitimate it looks.
Occasionally, a pop-up takes over my phone saying I have a virus and need to click a link to fix it. Is that a scam? How can I stop it?
This is a common type of scam. If a pop-up suddenly appears claiming your device has a virus, don’t click any links—even if it looks urgent. Instead, close the pop-up, update your device’s software and antivirus protections, and contact your service provider for support if needed.
I’ve been receiving dozens of fraudulent packages sent to my address from a company overseas. Have you seen this type of scam before?
Yes, we recommend contacting the U.S. Postal Service to assist you with stopping the deliveries and investigating the source.
I’ve heard about scams where someone steals your home title and sells it without your knowledge. How can I protect against that?
Some county recorder offices offer free fraud alert services. Check in with your local office to see if you can be notified whenever a document is filed against your property.
Smart Security Habits
How do I safely clear my browser before shutting it down?
Use your browser’s built-in privacy tools to clear history, cookies, cache, and saved passwords.
What does “password complexity” mean, and what are the best practices for creating strong passwords?
It refers to how hard a password is to crack. When creating strong passwords, follow these best practices:
- Use twelve or more characters
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Add numbers and special symbols
- Avoid predictable patterns (e.g., "123456" or "password")
What’s the safest way to share bank information when necessary?
Use a secure portal when possible. While most email services encrypt data in transit, secure portals offer additional layers of protection through authentication and encryption.
Data Breaches and Monitoring
Should I sign up for multiple free credit monitoring services after breaches?
Yes. Since most free services last only a year, enrolling in multiple programs can extend your coverage.
What if I don’t bank with CommunityAmerica—where can I report fraud?
Start with your financial institution, then visit FTC.gov for additional support and resources.
CommunityAmerica-Specific Questions
How do I report fraud or suspicious activity to CommunityAmerica?
Call us, email [email protected], or stop by any CommunityAmerica branch.
What steps has CommunityAmerica taken to protect member data?
We continuously invest in advanced technologies, robust processes, and expert staff to safeguard your information and prevent unauthorized access.
Protecting your financial future starts with awareness and consistent action. Fraudsters are evolving—but so are your tools to fight back. By monitoring your accounts, practicing strong password habits, and leveraging credit protection tools like freezes or alerts, you can stay a step ahead.
Simple, proactive choices today can help safeguard your identity and accounts tomorrow. At CommunityAmerica, we’re here to help every step of the way.
