Protect My Information

• Retrieve mail promptly and send bills and other sensitive documents from a secure mailbox.
• Shred private documents such as receipts, applications, bank statements, etc. Sign up for online statements to prevent theft of paper documents.
• Keep documents such as your social security card or passport in a secure area at home or in a safety deposit box.
• Review your credit report at least once a year.
• Be careful when letting your check/credit/debit card out of your sight (restaurants, etc…) as it is easy to take a picture with a cell phone and then sell your card number all of the world. 

Online, Email and Text Messages

• Never share any personal information, especially Social Security Numbers, account numbers or login and password information via email. Banks will never ask for personal information via email.
• Beware of phishing emails – These emails tell you that you must use the provided link to verify or change your account in some way. Banks will never send an email asking you for this type of information.
• Beware of suspicious text messages requesting your account information via your mobile device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, etc.). Banks will never send a text message to your mobile device asking you for this type of information.
• Keep your passwords secret and do not leave them in an unsecured area; change them regularly for better protection.

Protect Your Computer

• Install anti virus software to prevent viruses, and anti spam software to help prevent spam and junk email from entering your inbox. I recommend TrendMicro (They have lots of free tools as well.)
• Install a firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your computer.
• Install spyware software to block the installation of spyware on your computer. Spyware can monitor or control your computer use, and send you pop ups or redirect you to Web sites.
• Keep your computer operating system and internet browser current to provide additional protection against fraud and theft.
• Back up all sensitive information from your old computer before you discard and erase the hard drive.
• Change your wireless network default password as well as the default SSID (name used to identify your network), don’t broadcast your SSID and consider using encryption on your network.

E-mail or call me if you need help with any of these things… It’s what I do…

Additional Resources
View a helpful video by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) to learn more about how to recognize and combat online fraud.

Microsoft Security – find out about operating system updates and other software to protect your personal computer from viruses, and more.

National Cyber Security Alliance – this organization is a cooperative effort by government and organizations to help combat online fraud and identity theft.

Federal Trade Commission – read about how you can prevent identity theft and what to do if it happens.

AnnualCreditReport.com – allows you to access your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at no charge.

Direct Marketing Association – contact the DMA to help reduce unwanted mail or phone calls.