While you may not have any control over hackers and other thieves, there are many things you can control that will help you avoid becoming a victim.
• Get banking alerts. In addition to checking your balance and recent transactions online daily, you can sign up for banking alerts. Your bank will then contact you by email or text message when certain activity occurs on your account, such as a withdrawal exceeding an amount you specify or a change of address.
• Go paperless. Signing up for paperless bank statements will eliminate the possibility of having bank account information stolen from your mailbox. Shredding existing bank statements and debit card receipts using a diamond-cut shredder when you're done with them will greatly reduce the possibility of having bank account information stolen from your trash.
• Don't make purchases with your debit card. Use a credit card instead, because it offers greater protection against fraud. If you do make debit card purchases, don't use your PIN - tell the cashier to select the credit option. The money for your purchase will still be withdrawn from your account right away, but you won't expose yourself to PIN theft.
• Stick to bank ATMs. They tend to have better security (video cameras) than ATMs at convenience stores, restaurants and other places.
• Destroy old debit cards. Some shredders will take care of this for you.
• Don't keep all your money in one place. If your checking account is compromised, you want to be able to access cash from another source to pay for necessities and meet your financial obligations.
• Beware of phishing scams. When checking your email or doing business online, make sure you know who you're interacting with.
• Protect your computer. Use firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer, and keep it updated regularly.
• Use a secured network. Don't do financial transactions online, when using your computer in a public place and/or over an unsecured network.
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