- Don’t include your Social Security number or driver’s license number on sensitive documents.
- Don’t leave incoming mail lying around.
- Drop your mail in an official postal mailbox.
- Shred or destroy any receipts, junk mail or documents containing your personal and financial information before you throw it away..
- Use a safe deposit box to protect important documents.
- Review your credit report at least once a year. For more information about ordering free credit reports, go to the special Web site established by the three credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228.
- Look beyond the bank’s logo. To make fraudulent emails or Web sites appear real, scammers often include actual logos and images of legitimate companies. They also convey a sense of urgency, stating that if you fail to provide, update, or verify your personal or account information, access to your accounts will be suspended. It’s important that you look beyond the logo and not give out your information.
- Use your spam filter. Many email services now have spam filters that minimize the amount of spam you receive. The filters can help you minimize the number of fraudulent emails in your inbox.
- Type, don’t click. Even if you do open a suspicious email, don’t click on any links. By clicking on the links, you could unknowingly download a virus or spyware to your computer. Even if you think the email is legitimate, type Web addresses into your browser instead of clicking on links. If the email is from an institution you know, use a bookmark that you’ve already created to visit the company’s Web site.
- Change your online passwords often. The best practice is to change your password every 30 to 60 days. Be creative with your passwords – stay away from obvious passwords like your ZIP code, year of birth, or sensitive information such as your mother’s maiden name or your Social Security number. Include numbers and letters so passwords can’t be easily intercepted or guessed by others.
- Update your anti-virus and anti-spam software. By keeping anti-virus and anti-spam software up to date on your computers, you make it more difficult for scammers to access your personal and account information. You can purchase anti-virus and anti-spyware software at major retail stores, as well as on the Internet.
- Delete emails from unknown senders.
- Sign the back of your Credit or Debit cards immediately once they arrive in the mail.
- Memorize your PIN and never write it on anything.
- Don’t enter your credit card information online unless you’re on a secure site. (Look for a lock in the bottom right hand of your screen or for “https” in the web address)
- Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and contact information for each issuer. This will come in handy if your wallet is lost or stolen.
- Report a lost or stolen card right away. Quick action will minimize potential loss and liability.
- Save your receipts to compare against your billing statement. When discarding receipts, tear them up or shred them.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements monthly, making sure you recognize all charges. If you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately.
- Don’t leave your purse, wallet, cards, or receipts unattended. Always keep them secure or in your sight.
- Only carry cards that you need; leave others in a safe place at home.
- Don’t give out your account number unless you know and trust the company.
- Shield your hand from view of others when entering your PIN at ATMs.
- Use Direct Deposit for paychecks, Social Security payments, and other regular deposits.
- Be aware of fake check scams that promise easy money for working at home, winning sweepstakes, or depositing checks from foreign countries.
- Notify a lender immediately if you receive a call, confirmation, or decline letter on a loan for which you did not apply.