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