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 With
Fall just around the corner, now is the time to protect
what you have sown and reap your harvest with these
financial tips.
Phishing Online
If you receive an e-mail supposedly sent from your bank
or credit card company asking you to update your account
information and passwords because of suspected fraudulent
activity going on with the account, do not respond. Your
bank or credit card company already has your account
information. By clicking on the site and providing your
personal information, you immediately become part of an
illegal identity theft collection system. Never provide
personal and financial information online, unless you have
initiated the e-mail.
When Disaster Strikes
If you had to vacate your home today because of a
hurricane, flood or other disaster, be sure your important
papers and documents such as insurance policies, social
security cards, credit card and bank account numbers are
where you can access either originals or copies.
Be sure you have enough checks with you to last a few
weeks and have your checking account number with you if
you need to make a payment over the phone. Your debit card
will provide quick access to cash in case your bank may
not be able to function as usual for a brief period.
How to Combat Identity Theft on your Computer
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation suggests the
following steps:
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Be sure your virus protection programs on your
computer are updated regularly.
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Do not open files sent to you by someone that you do
not know.
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Use firewall protection on your computer.
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Use a secure browser.
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Do not store personal financial information on your
laptop computer in case it is stolen.
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Before disposing of an old computer, be sure to
delete personal information.
Conquering the Clutter in your Financial Closet
You need only to keep credit card receipts, ATM
transactions, deposit and debit card receipts until you
verify the transaction on your monthly statements and then
you can shred them. Always remember that any financial
transaction, receipt or account statement should be
shredded. NEVER throw them in the trash.
PERMANENT items you may want to keep:
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CURRENT items, which need to be reviewed
every 3-6 years, before deciding whether to continue
keeping or shredding them include:
Advantages of Direct Deposit
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You don’t have to worry about lost
checks should the postal service be disrupted due to a
terrorism attack or other catastrophe;
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Your money is safe in your account, even
if the weather outside is frightful and you can’t get to
the bank or you’re sunning at the beach on vacation;
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You don’t have to stand watch at your
mailbox until your check arrives, fearful that some
thief might steal your check; and
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You don’t have to wait in long teller
lines at the bank to do yourself what could be done for
you—easily, conveniently and efficiently.
Monitoring Your Credit Report
You are entitled to a free credit report
from each of the three national credit reporting companies
each year. Log on to
www.annualcreditreport.com. You may also call
877.322.8228 to request the form.
While you’re checking your credit report,
you will also have an opportunity to check your credit
score. This report will cost you a nominal fee, but it is
important to know your score. Each year on your selected
date, you will be able to order your free credit report
and purchase a copy of your credit score.
These are just a few suggestions from your
local community banker for a bountiful financial harvest.
CONSUMER TIPS is provided as a public
service by the Missouri Independent Bankers Association
AND
Community Bank of the Ozarks
P.O. Box 43
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
(573) 374-5245
1-800-927-4314
www.cbobanker.com
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