Account protection

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Always keep Social Security cards and other important documents in a secure place. Consider a safe or rented bank locker.

Never give out private information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number, on a phone call that you did not initiate.
Regularly review your credit report to monitor for suspicious activity.
Report stolen devices immediately. Items such as phones and laptops can be reported to local authorities.
Use a shredder to dispose of documents that contain private information.

Use secure websites when making online purchases. Look for a closed-lock icon and “https://...” in the address bar.

Install only the most recent security software. Use malware and anti-virus protection on your computer.
Avoid downloading programs and/or apps from untrusted sources.
Use a pop-up blocker. Set your browser security to detect unauthorized activity right away.
Don’t access websites with sensitive personal information, such as financial and health accounts, on a public Wi-Fi network.

Scam emails are common. Always look closely at the return email address and the URL.

Don’t click on any links or open any attachments unless they are from a trusted source.
Instead of clicking on an embedded link, type the URL into your browser yourself.
Never email or text your private information.

Use strong passwords, which include 10 or more characters, upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and/or symbols.

Use different passwords for each account.
Avoid using personal information in your passwords, such as your name, birthday or anniversary.
Update your passwords every 3 to 6 months.

Don’t save your passwords on your computer, smartphone or tablet in a form that is unencrypted and not password protected.

Log off completely from all websites when your transaction is completed.
Do not allow the internet browsers on your digital devices to remember (store) your passwords.
Immediately change your password if you believe it has been stolen or used on a phishing or scam website.

Check your account balance and bank statement often to detect any discrepancies or fraudulent activity.

Never write your personal identification number (PIN) on your debit card.
Report lost or stolen checks and debit or credit cards immediately.
If an ATM looks like it has been tampered with, don’t use it. A “skimmer” might be copying identifying information from cards.
Never allow a cashier, or anyone else, to enter your PIN for you, even if assisting you with a transaction.

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