Security Tips

1. Never give out personal information via email or phone.

Legitimate companies and financial institutions don’t request personal information via email or over the phone. And remember, it’s never safe to send your personal information in an email because emails are unsecure.

2. Keep your computer secure and up-to-date.

Protect your computer from malicious attacks by installing and updating antivirus and virus detection software, personal firewalls, adware and spyware blocking software. Download regular updates to continuously protect yourself against new malicious activity.

3. Check your credit report annually.

Order copies of your credit report at least once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus --  Experian, Trans Union and Equifax -- to ensure that the data reported is accurate. You only need to contact one of the three and they will inform the other two companies if there is a problem.

• Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• Trans Union: 1-800-916-8800
• Equifax: 1-800-685-1111

4. Make sure online transactions are secure.

If you purchase something online using a credit card, make sure you use a "secure" form. Look for the LOCK icon in the lower right toolbar of the browser and the letters "https" at the beginning of the web site URL in your web browser. The “s” in https stands for secure.

5. Log off when you’re done.

Always log off a session and close your browser when you’re finished using Online Banking to prevent someone else from gaining access to your information.

6. Protect account numbers, PINs and access codes.

Keep credit card and bank account numbers to yourself. Don't carry information with you or give it to anyone who asks during an unsolicited sales pitch. And treat your online PINs and access codes as you would any sensitive, personal information. Do not share them with anyone.

7. Invest in a shredder.

Shred or destroy mail solicitations that you are not interested in. Destroy any financial documents before disposing of them.

8. Ask about a company's privacy policy.

Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others.

9. Be wary of sudden warnings.

If you receive an email that warns you, with little or no notice, that an account will be closed unless you reconfirm your billing information or provide other confidential information, do not reply or click on the link in the email. Instead, contact the company cited in the email using a telephone number or website address you know to be genuine.

10. Don't use the same password for multiple online services.

Using the same password for multiple websites increases the likelihood that someone could learn your password and gain access to your accounts.

11. Avoid paying up-front.

Be wary of any telephone or email solicitations that ask for an up-front fee for advance-fee loans or tempt you with unidentified investment opportunities or the promise of a later payoff if you submit money now. These are common scamming tactics and should always raise a red flag.

12. Remember-if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!