General Online Security Tips for Consumers

• Use a current browser that supports secure and private transactions.
• Install and regularly update virus detection software.
• Do not allow unauthorized access to your PC.
• Do not install pirated software or software from an unknown source.
• If using cable modems for Internet access, don't keep the connection active when not in use; install personal firewall software.
• Do not open e-mail attachments from unknown sources.

Consumer Tips for Securing Online Financial Transactions

• Conduct financial transactions first in any online session. After completing financial transactions online, including a credit card purchase, logoff before continuing other online activity. This may help to protect your confidential data (account numbers, passwords, etc.).
  
• Protect your PINS and passwords; create alpha-numeric PINS and passwords that do not use readily identifiable information like names, birth dates, phone numbers or other familiar words.
  
  
• When applying online for any financial account, ensure that you are dealing with a reputable, federally insured institution with secured Web pages.
  
  
• Notify us immediately of any changes in your account information.

Tips for Preventing Identify Theft

• Do not give personal information, such as account numbers or Social Security numbers on the telephone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact or know with whom you are dealing.
  
  
• Store personal information in a safe place and tear up old credit card and ATM receipts, old account statements, and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
  
  
• Protect your PINS and other passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four-digits of your Social Security number, your phone number, etc..
  
• Carry only the minimum amount of identifying information and the number of credit cards that you need.
  
  
• Pay attention to your account billing cycles and statements. Make sure they arrive the same time each month.
  
  
• Check account statements carefully to ensure all charges, checks, or withdrawals were authorized.
  
  
• Guard your mail from theft. If you have the type of mailbox with a flag to signal the box contains mail, do not leave bill payment envelopes in your mailbox with the flag up. Instead, deposit them in a post office collection box or at the local post office. Promptly remove all incoming mail.
  
  
• Order copies of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year to ensure they are accurate. Consumers are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus annually. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for more information.
  
  
• If you prefer not to receive preapproved offers of credit, you can opt out of such offers by calling 1-888-5 -OPTOUT or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.
  
  
• If you want to remove your name from many national direct mail lists, send your name and address to: DMA Mail Preference Service, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512.
  
  
• If you want to reduce the number of telephone solicitations from many national marketers, send your name, address, and telephone number to: DMA Telephone Preference Service, PO Box 1559, Carmel, NY 10512.