E-Banking & Mobile Banking Fraud Prevention
User ID and Password Guidelines
- Create a “strong” password with at least 8 characters that includes a combination of mixed case letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Change your password frequently.
- Never share username and password information with third-party providers.
- Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves usernames and passwords.
General Guidelines
- Do not use public or other unsecured computers for logging into online banking.
- Users should check the last login date/time every time they log in.
- If the system does not recognize your computer or location, you will be asked to provide additional information to log into e-banking. This may include Out-of-Band Authentication via phone or SMS.
- Review account balances and detail transactions regularly (preferably daily) to confirm payment and other transaction data and immediately report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution.
- View transfer history available by viewing account activity information.
- Whenever possible, use bill pay instead of checks to limit account number exposure and to obtain better electronic record keeping.
- Take advantage of and regularly view system alerts; examples include:
- Balance alerts
- Transfer alerts
- Password change alerts
- Do not use account numbers, your social security number, or other account or personal information when creating account nicknames or other titles.
- Use the historical reporting features of your online banking application on a regular basis to confirm payment and other transaction data.
- Never leave a computer unattended while logged into your online banking account.
- Never conduct banking transactions while multiple browsers are open on your computer.
Tips to Avoid Phishing, Spyware, and Malware
- Do not open email from unknown sources. Be suspicious of emails claiming to be from a financial institution, government department, or other agency requesting account information, account verification, or banking access credentials such as usernames, passwords, PIN codes, and similar information. Opening file attachments or clicking on web links in suspicious emails could expose your system to malicious code that could hijack your computer.
- Never respond to a suspicious email or click on any hyperlink embedded in a suspicious email. Call the purported source if you are unsure who sent an email.
- If an email claiming to be from your financial organization seems suspicious, call your financial institution directly and verify the email’s validity.
- Install anti-virus and spyware detection software on all computer systems. Free software may not provide protection against the latest threats compared with an industry standard product.
- Update all of your computers regularly with the latest versions and patches of both anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
- Ensure computers are patched regularly, particularly operating systems, browsers, and key applications.
- Install a dedicated, actively managed firewall, especially if using a broadband or dedicated connection to the Internet, such as DSL or cable. A firewall limits the potential for unauthorized access to your network and computers.
- Check your settings and select, at least, a medium level of security for your browser.
Tips for Wireless Network Management
- Wireless networks can provide an unintended open door to your network. Unless a valid business reason exists for wireless network use, it is recommended that all wireless networks be disabled. If a wireless network is to be used for legitimate business purposes, it is recommended that wireless networks be secured as follows:
- Change the wireless network hardware (router /access point) administrative password from the factory default to a complex password. Save the password in a secure location as it will be needed to make future changes to the device.
- Disable remote administration of the wireless network hardware (router / access point).
- If possible, disable broadcasting the network SSID.
- If your device offers WPA encryption, secure your wireless network by enabling WPA encryption of the wireless network. If your device does not support WPA encryption, enable WEP encryption.
Tips for ATM Safety
ATM and Night Depository Safety
- Observe your surroundings when using a freestanding ATM facility or night depository. In the event the ATM facility is poorly lit or is in a hidden area, use another ATM facility or night depository.
- Consider having someone accompany you, especially after sunset.
- Prepare your transactions at home and have your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard out, ready for use.
- Protect your PIN while entering on the keypad so that no one can see you entering it. Do not accept assistance from anyone unknown when using an ATM facility or night depository.
- Do not display your cash; place your cash in your pocket as soon as the ATM transaction is complete. You can count your cash later when in the safety of your own car, home, or other secure area.
- Lock the doors of your car and keep the windows rolled up (except for the front, driver side window) when using a drive through ATM facility or night depository. Keep the engine running and remain alert of your surroundings.
- Turn off the engine, lock the doors and keep the windows of your car rolled up when using a freestanding ATM facility or night depository. Keep the keys to your car handy and remain alert of your surroundings.
- Cancel the ATM transaction in the event you observe suspicious activity, place your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard in your pocket and leave immediately (confirm the cancellation later). Consider using another ATM facility at a different location.
- Report any suspicious activity or crimes to the operator of the ATM facility or night depository and to local law enforcement officials immediately.
- Avoid letting someone unknown enter behind you when using an ATM facility or night depository that requires the use of your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard to open the door.
- Obtain the transaction receipt before leaving the ATM facility. Mark each transaction in your Account record later when you are in the safety of your own car, home, or other secure area.
PIN and Card Safety
- Report your lost or stolen ATM card or Visa® CheckCard immediately as set forth in the Account Agreement.
- Sign your new ATM card or Visa® CheckCard immediately upon receipt.
- Protect your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard as if they were cash.
- Keep your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard on your person when out (never leave in the glove compartment of your car).
- Keep your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard and PIN separate.
- Never write your PIN on your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard or write your PIN on a piece of paper that you keep in your wallet or purse.
- Refuse to lend your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard to anyone.
- Never disclose the PIN to your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard to anyone, including personnel at financial institutions, police or merchants.
- Select a PIN that is not obvious (something other than name, telephone number, date of birth or any
simple combination thereof).
- Verify on a regular basis that your ATM card or Visa® CheckCard are in their allocated place.
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