Don’t Let Weak Passwords Put Your Accounts at Risk

A recent study analyzing over 19 billion passwords revealed a startling truth: only 6% were unique. That means most people are reusing passwords— creating an easy target for cybercriminals. At Advancial, your security is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about password protection, evolving scams, and how to keep your accounts secure.
 

Why Password Strength Matters

Reusing the same password across multiple websites is one of the most common and risky mistakes. If even one of those sites is compromised, your other accounts could be exposed. Hackers often launch large-scale attacks using leaked password databases to access financial accounts. If you’re using passwords like “123456,” “password,” or common names and cities—it’s time for a change. A strong password should include a mix of:

• Uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Special characters

The more complex and unique your password, the harder it is to crack.
 

Watch Out for Scam Messages

Scammers are getting smarter— and text message phishing (also known as “smishing”) is on the rise. These messages often appear urgent or legitimate, claiming to be from trusted sources, including financial institutions.

Some even impersonate Advancial. Members have reported:

• Texts about suspicious purchases at major retailers
• Calls claiming to be from Advancial’s fraud department

Remember:

• Advancial will never ask for your One-Time Passcode over a voice call
• We will not request your Social Security Number, account or routing number, or online banking password

When in doubt, stop and verify the message before taking any action.
 

Common Scams to Avoid

Stay alert to these frequent tactics used by fraudsters:

• Work-from-home scams. You’re asked to deposit a check and send part of it back. The check later bounces, and you’re left covering the loss.
• Romance scams. A fake online relationship eventually leads to urgent money requests.
• Investment scams. Promises of fast returns that end in lost funds.
• Crypto and gift card scams. You’re told to pay a fee using cryptocurrency or gift cards. Advancial will never request payments this way.

How to Protect Yourself

Use these tips to strengthen your password security:

• Don’t reuse the same password across accounts.
• Update any shared or weak passwords immediately.
• Delete accounts you no longer use.
• Create complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid personal details like names, birthdates, or easy patterns.
• Use a password manager like DashLane to store and generate secure passwords.
• If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text— report it and do not respond.

Staying vigilant online is one of the best ways to safeguard your finances. For more tips on protecting your identity, visit our Fraud & Security page.