Security

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and has been ranked as one of the top consumer concerns for several years.

To help prevent identity theft, please review these educational resources:

• Read this brochure titled "You Have the Power to Stop Identity Theft".
• Watch this FDIC YouTube video to learn how to avoid being victimized by online fraudulent activity. To view other educational videos visit the FDIC’s YouTube channel.
• Visit the Federal Trade Commission consumer information website to learn how you can protect yourself from identity theft.

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, these tools may help you:

• Identity Theft 12 Step Checklist
• ID Theft Affidavit
• Where to Report Identity Theft
• Identity Theft Resolution Tracking
• A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Use the checklist below to determine if you may be vulnerable to fraud. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, consider investigating further:

• Do you question whether an online transaction may be fraudulent?
• Is someone trying to give you money you weren't expecting?
• Do you wonder if your currency is real or counterfeit?
• Have you been asked to cash a check and wire funds back to the sender?
• Are you ever concerned about current fraud issues?

Click on the links below to learn about these issues and more:

• Avoid Charity Scams During Times of Disaster
• National Consumer Leagues Fraud Center
• Federal Bureau of Investigations - Be Crime Smart
• United States Secret Service - Know Your Money
• Card Cracking Information and Protection

Consumers of all ages are increasingly turning to the Internet for help with managing their finances, but knowing where to go online for reliable, practical money tips can be challenging. That's why the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has compiled a "Top 10 List of FDIC Online Resources” for consumers on subjects ranging from deposit insurance to shopping for a bank account and avoiding financial fraud.

1. "EDIE," the FDIC's Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator
   An online calculator that assists consumers and businesses in determining their deposit insurance coverage for each FDIC-insured bank where they have deposit accounts. EDIE also provides a printable report showing whether those deposits are fully protected or if some exceed the federal limits.
2. FDIC Consumer News
   The FDIC's quarterly publication for consumers offers information and tips on credit cards, bank accounts, loans, scams, money management, and much more. Consumers can also listen to articles anywhere, anytime online or by downloading to an MP3 player.
   Topics include:
   • New Realities, New Directions for Credit Cardholders: 8 Ways to Avoid Pitfalls
   • Bank Accounts Are Changing: What You Need To Know
   • Can You Spot A Scam?
   • You Can Organize and Simplify Your Financial Life: A How-to Guide
3. Bank Find
   An online directory that consumers can use to locate an FDIC-insured institution bank, learn what happened to a bank that changed names or no longer exists, and more.
4. FDIC Information and Support Center
   An easy-to-use form to submit a question to the FDIC or a complaint regarding a financial institution. Of course, consumers with questions or concerns can also call the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC, which is 1-877-275-3342.
5. Consumer Assistance Topics
   Useful information to help consumers make informed decisions about their money and to protect against financial frauds and scams.
6. Small Business Web Page
   Useful information for small businesses, especially regarding access to loans, plus an online form to ask the FDIC a question or register a concern.
7. The FDIC YouTube Channel
   Videos on topics such as deposit insurance and Internet fraud and messages from FDIC Chairman Bair.
8. Money Smart – A Financial Education Program
   A financial education curriculum concentrating on the development of consumers' financial skills and positive banking relationships.
9. Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit
   A web page that provides easy access to helpful information for homeowners on avoiding foreclosure and foreclosure "rescue" scams.
10. E-mail updates
    Sign up to receive e-mail notices of each new issue of FDIC Consumer News, Consumer Alerts, and other announcements and publications from the FDIC. You can also follow the FDIC on Twitter and Facebook.

Implementing not only one, but a series of protective layers on your systems is crucial in protecting your business's data. Read our Online Cash Management Best Practices and learn the steps you can take towards bettering your system security.