ABA Provides Identity Fraud Prevention Tips to Consumers

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness month, the American Bankers Association is offering tips for consumers to protect their identity.

"Financial fraud, including identity fraud, is a very real risk that must be taken seriously," said Frank Keating, ABA president and CEO. 

Identity fraud occurs when a criminal obtains and misuses someone's personal information without permission, typically for economic gain. For many victims, it can result in drained bank accounts, poor credit, and a damaged reputation.

"The best way to contend with financial fraud is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place," said Keating.  "Banks use sophisticated technology and monitoring techniques, intricate firewalls and other methods of securing customer data, but there are steps consumers must take as well."

ABA offers the following tips to help consumers protect themselves from becoming a victim of financial fraud:

• Don't share your secrets. 
  Don't provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
• Shred sensitive papers.
  Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
• Keep an eye out for missing mail.
  Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don't mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
• Use online banking to protect yourself.
  Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
• Monitor your credit report.
  Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
• Protect your computer.
  Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser's padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an "s" after the "http" to be sure the website is secure.
• Protect your mobile device. 
  Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer's recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

SOURCE American Bankers Association