Checking Account Fraud Protection

The following consumer information link – www.consumer.gov – gives you important information on checking account fraud, as well as a multitude of other subjects. Central to this page is a group of links that give you “up-to-date” articles on “current” subjects. Key banking categories include:

  • Identity Theft
  • Kid’s Privacy
  • Privacy Information
  • Know Fraud
  • Making a Buck

Identity Theft

It’s an Information Jungle out there! Nearly one American every minute is a victim of Identity Theft. The thieves don’t need much: a receipt you left behind, a bill mailed from your mailbox, a missing check, or information provided over an unsecured website. You get the idea.

Banks help catch and prosecute these crooks. You can help too.

  • Never give your Social Security number or credit information to anyone who calls you.
  • Tear up receipts, old bank statements and unused credit card offers.
  • Don’t mail bills from your mailbox. Thieves may use them to change your address.
  • Review your monthly accounts for fraud.
  • Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
  • Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Don’t carry it with you.
  • Report suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

Phishing… Protect Yourself

Fishing News… no, not that kind of fishing… PHISHING!!!

Phishing involves criminals sending individuals a seemingly legitimate e-mail request for account information, often under the guise of asking the customer to verify or reconfirm confidential personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information. We will never request this information via email. Remember to keep all confidential items secure.

Never provide this information via email.

Other Financial Help

Most of us have questions and concerns about all types of financial issues. The following link – www.pueblo.gsa.gov – can give you information and support on a wide variety of financial subjects. Your federal government provides a lot of useful information that is easily accessible through your computer. Some areas in the money section include:

  • Being an executor
  • Being sued
  • What you can do about cold calling
  • Living Trusts
  • Making a will
  • Using your home as collateral
  • Credit matters
  • How to dispute credit errors
  • Interest and saving
  • Building financial freedom
  • Retirement planning
  • From here to security (well worth seeing!)
  • Small Business
  • SBA programs

This link also provides information on subjects like travel, children educators, cars, employment, food, health, housing, and federal programs.