Protect Your Accounts
Protect Your Bank Account
- Monitor your account online at least once a week or more frequently and review your account details and transaction history for suspicious activity.
- When available, sign up for online statements and shut off paper statements.
- Set up account alerts when available.
- Review your account statements carefully and report any unauthorized charges immediately.
- Do not write or print your social security number or your driver’s license number on checks.
- Store new and cancelled checks in secure locations, accessible only to trusted persons.
- Shred old checks, receipts, account statements, and documents that contain sensitive information.
Protect You Credit and Debit Cards
- Never lend your ATM/debit/credit card to anyone.
- Never let anyone watch you enter your PIN at an ATM or point of sale terminal.
- Memorize your passwords and PIN numbers and change them regularly.
- Avoid using obvious or easily obtainable information as your passwords or PIN numbers, and never write them down anywhere or reveal them to anyone.
- Do not trust a site just because it claims to be secure. Before using the site, check out the security and encryption software it uses. Obtain a physical address rather than a post office box and a telephone number, and call a seller to see if the telephone number is correct and working.
- Check out the Better Business Bureau from the seller’s area.
- Be cautious when dealing with individuals or companies from outside your immediate area.
- Do not send your card number through email or SMS text as it is typically not secure.
- Do not give out your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Review your statements to verify that they properly reflect the amounts you have authorized.
- Keep a list of your credit card account numbers and telephone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen. Make sure the information is stored in a secure place.
- If you receive a replacement card, activate it properly and destroy your old card.