PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD |
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(NAPSI)-Fraud and identity theft aren't going away, but consumers are getting smarter about how to protect themselves and their financial future. The experts at Wells Fargo, the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research offer some tips that you can immediately put into action. 1. Review your account activity regularly--Monitor your accounts using your trusted financial services' Web sites, ATMs or telephone contact centers. Regular account review helps to quickly detect fraudulent activity. Set up alerts that can be sent both online and to a mobile device. 2. Protect your private information--Unless you initiated the interaction, do not provide sensitive financial information over the Internet or telephone, including Social Security numbers, passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) or account numbers. Use legitimate sources to verify your financial institution's contact information, including contact information on your bank statements, phone numbers listed on your ATM, debit or credit card or phone numbers listed in the phone book. 3. Online services can help reduce certain risks--Replacing paper invoices, statements and checks with electronic versions can help reduce your risk of mail theft. Also, consider using an online bill payment service. To increase your online safety, consumers should remember to install and regularly update anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep operating systems and browsers updated. 4. Be aware of those around you--Be mindful of your environment and others who may be in proximity of overhearing sensitive financial or personal information or watching you type a text message on your mobile device. Cover the PIN pad when you enter your PIN during transactions at stores. Watch for suspicious persons or activity around the ATM. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, come back later or use an ATM elsewhere. 5. Ensure cards are protected--Obtain credit and debit cards from financial institutions that provide zero liability if a card is ever lost, stolen or used without authorization. 6. Review your credit report at least once a year, looking for suspicious or unknown transactions--You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus at the AnnualCreditReport web site. In addition, you can subscribe to a daily credit-monitoring service that includes identity theft insurance, access to a personal credit report, and quarterly updates from the three major credit bureaus. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your money, visit Wells
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Keeping personal data private is an important step in
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