Enhancing security on your online banking account

Author: Centris Federal Credit Union -

Article:
Crimes like identity theft, credit card fraud and other
Internet-based fraud attempts are on the rise. New terms like
'Phishing' , 'Pharming' and 'Spyware' affects everyone using the
Internet. At Centris, we believe the more you understand about
these new threats, the better equipped you will be to take
precautions to protect yourself. We have provided valuable tips
on everything from Internet threats to how to identify fraud and
to how to report it.

Preventing Account Fraud Protect your accounts. Never
loan your credit or ATM debit card or share your passwords with
anyone who is not authorized on your account. Do not share your
account numbers with anyone unless you initiated the contact.

Report lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately.
Review new checks to make sure none were stolen in transit. Be
aware of the expiration date on your credit card; if you do not
receive a reissued card before the expiration date, notify
customer service.

Store new and cancelled checks securely and always use
tamper-resistant checks. You can have new checks delivered to a
branch office to be picked rather than your mailbox. Question
suspicious emails or phone inquiries. Unless you initiated the
contact, Centris will not request your personal information
(account number, Social Security number, or mother's maiden
name) through an email, U.S. mail, or by phone.

Guard your ATM and online banking information. Be creative in
selecting PINs, passwords and security codes. Do not use birth
dates, social security numbers, street address or children's
names. Do not store your Pins with your cards

Curtail the use of paper documents. Centris has several options
such as OnLine account access, Free Bill Pay & Presentment and
FREE OnLine eStatements.

Avoid using easily available information like your mother's
maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN
or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers or
keyboard strokes.

Preventing Identity Theft Don't give out financial
information online or on the phone unless you initiated the
contact, and know the party you're dealing with.

Shred unnecessary financial documents, including old bank
statements, invoices, and unwanted pre-approved credit offers.

Retrieve incoming mail from your mailbox and don't put outgoing
mail in your residential mailbox.

If regular bills or statements stop reaching you, call the
company's customer service. Someone may have filed a false
change-of-address notice to divert your mail.

Receiving suspicious charges on statements? If doubtful call
immediately to resolve the discrepancy.

Keep personal numbers off your checks. Never preprint your
driver's license or Social Security number on your checks.

Never leave your computer unattended while in an OnLine banking
session. When ending an OnLine banking session be sure to select
the "Sign Off" icon to securely log out of your account.

Check your Credit Report

Centris recommends that you check your credit report on a
regular basis.

About the author:
Tim Mogler is the Internet Marketing Specialist at Centris with
over 6 years experience in OnLine Banking products.