Money and Credit Tips
Cybersecurity Tips
Scam artists in the U.S. and around the world defraud millions of people each year. They use the phone, email, postal mail, and the internet to trick you into sending money or giving out personal information. Here are a few things you can do-or not- to stop scams.
- Change your passwords regularlyand make sure that you select unique ones.
- Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Keep your social network accounts private, limited to your friends only.
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and statements.
- Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
- Never set up your computer system to remember your password. This feature although helpful, allows entry into your system.
- Shred financial documentsand paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
- Under no circumstances should you give out your social security number, account numbers or PINs to anyone via e-mail or over the phone.
- Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or if you’re having work done in your home.
- Never use someone else’s computer to access any of your accounts that are set-up to require passwords or logins.
Review these additional tips to make your internet experience more secure.