| When it comes to convenience, online | | | | you didn't call the bank. Don't respond |
| banking is perfect for many consumers. | | | | to emails regarding your banking |
| It often features lower fees, because | | | | information. No secure account of any |
| the bank has a lower cost. But there are | | | | sort will ever ask you for your login |
| some things you should watch out for | | | | information in an email. Contact your |
| when deciding to open an online bank | | | | bank if you receive any requests for |
| account. | | | | information. |
| Make sure that the bank is FDIC insured. | | | | Make sure that you have up-to-date |
| You should only do business with banks | | | | anti-virus protection on your computer. |
| that are insured by the FDIC for savings | | | | Back-up your financial files on a |
| accounts, checking accounts and CD | | | | regular basis to disk. You don't want to |
| deposits in amounts up to $100,000. | | | | chance losing all of your financial |
| You will also want to make sure that you | | | | records. |
| are on a real bank's website. Online | | | | Make sure that you always log off of any |
| criminals do make fake bank sites that | | | | online accounts. Don't simply close the |
| are only one or two letters off in the | | | | browser. This leaves you vulnerable. In |
| address. The hope is that you won't | | | | addition to this, don't have other |
| notice and will enter your personal | | | | browser pages open while you are doing |
| information. They will often link these | | | | Internet banking transactions. This is |
| from emails, so read all website | | | | hard for those who love to multitask, |
| addresses carefully. | | | | but it is best for security. |
| When it comes to an online bank, you | | | | Banking on the Internet is quite safe. |
| must treat it with the same respect in | | | | Look for the little lock in the bottom |
| which you treat your local bank. Review | | | | of your browser. Most secure sites will |
| your statements closely. Make sure | | | | start with "https," instead of simply |
| everything is accurate. If you find | | | | "http". Most banks will have a section |
| something that is off, call your bank | | | | that you can go to that educates you |
| immediately. | | | | about their site and the steps they take |
| Keep your account information, your | | | | to keep your information secure. |
| password and login name in a safe place. | | | | Online banking accounts are great. Your |
| Don't ever, ever, ever email this | | | | information is easily downloaded into |
| information. Just like your PIN number | | | | financial software. Keeping track of |
| on your debit/ATM card, keep the | | | | your account is easy. You can make |
| information private. | | | | several transaction types without even |
| If anyone every contacts you for | | | | leaving your home. If you use common |
| information, verify with your bank. | | | | sense and follow the above advice, you |
| Don't answer questions over the phone if | | | | will enjoy it as well. |