Roughly 15 million people a year are victims of identity theft. While we have many systems in place to help prevent and resolve instances of identity theft, you should still take the steps necessary to protect your personal information. Here are seven, easy-to-follow tips that can help you protect yourself and your family from identity theft and fraud.
1. Use the free SecurLOCK™ Equip app with your NobleBank cards
The power to protect your debit or credit cards is in your hands – literally! Enjoy a new level of control and protection over your NobleBank cards with the free SecurLOCK™ Equip app. With SecurLOCK Equip, you decide when your cards can be used by turning them “on” or “off.” Plus, you can set up alerts based on spending limits, location, and more.
- Control how, when, and where your debit or credit card is used
- Free app for Apple® and Android™ devices
- Authorize card use by turning cards “on” or “off”
- Add an extra layer of protection from fraud
- Register as many NobleBank debit cards as you want (business and personal)
- Monitor card activity with alerts you set based on:
- Spending limits
- Location
- Transaction type
- Merchant category
- Secure – app requires a password to access it
- Entering a password incorrectly 3 consecutive times will cause the app to lock you out. In this event, please contact us to assist with resetting your access.
Download the free app now:
2. Use Strong Passwords
When signing up for a social media account, an online store, a new email address, or anything else that requires you to input a username and password, make sure you choose a strong and unique password. Below are a few simple dos and don’ts you can use when creating a password.
DO
- Use numbers, capital letters, and symbols.
- Use at least eight characters.
- Use different passwords for all sites.
- Save it in your browser.
DON’T
- Write it down on a sticky note.
- Use adjacent-key passwords, such as 123456 or QWERTY.
- Use personal details in your password.
You can avoid all of this by simply using Chrome’s Suggested Password feature when creating a new account. This will ensure that each password is unique and avoids common pitfalls.
3. Use Secure Networks & Your Computer
When making an online purchase or using online banking services, always use your computer. Other computers, especially ones in public places, could be unknowingly compromised, leaving your information vulnerable. Also, if you’re using your laptop in a public place, make sure you’re on a secure WiFi network. Better yet, use your phone’s hotspot when accessing sensitive information.
4. Log Out of Everything
No matter where you are, or what device you’re using, be sure to log out completely when you’re finished handling any financial business online. Merely closing a browser doesn’t always log you out, which can leave your information vulnerable.
5. Check for Secure Sites
Before you log on or sign up for anything, especially if the site deals with financial information, make sure the site is secure. A secure site means that your connection to the website is private.
There are a few ways you can be sure you’re using a secure site. For one, secure URLs begin with “https” instead of just “http.” You’ll also notice a small padlock icon in the address bar when you’re using a secure site.
6. Be Careful With Downloads
Downloading content to your computer is a relatively safe practice these days, and a lot of the media we consume is done through downloading. However, you should always make sure whatever you’re downloading comes from a trusted, secure site.
Never download anything from an email address you don’t recognize, and never “pirate” free movies, music, and other media. Not only is it illegal, but it also puts you at a significant risk for viruses, spyware, and theft.
7. Shred Physical Documents, or Keep Them Locked Away
Just because you’re not online doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. Bank statements, bills, credit card statements, or anything else that has personal or financial information on it should eventually be shredded or destroyed.
Any important documents that you can’t destroy should be locked away. Rather than relying on a desk drawer or a filing cabinet, keep important personal information, such as your social security card or passport, in a locked, fireproof safe, or safety deposit box.
BONUS!
You can also reach out to our SecurLOCK Fraud Service Center, 1-800-369-4887, at any time.