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