internet banking security

Scams - It's Personal

Scammers do not stop at anything to target victims, including adopting a personal touch. Watch out for scammers - whether you are answering a phone call, opening mail, online chatting with friends, shopping or even looking for love. A phone call, SMS, letter, email, fax, blog, online chat or dating service - scammers will use any of these means to target you

Protect yourself from 'free' offers on the internet.

Members are warned against the dangers of signing up for free trials with one on the many health products such as acai berry, colon cleanse, tooth whitening etc sites. In 99% of cases members do not know that they have signed up for a 12 month supply of the respective health products. In addition it appears that there is a link between these free trials and card details being compromised.

It is important to realise that nothing is free and members should be careful so as not to compromise their cards.

For further information on how you can protect yourself from these 'free' offers, click here.


INTERNET BANKING DO's & DONT's

It is your responsibility to ensure you protect your system by having a Firewall, which protects your PC against intrusion, an Antivirus and Adware/Spyware software program with an auto update feature.

Remember to change your password regularly.

NOTE: Having protection software will not completely guarantee against unauthorised access or virus contamination, but may increase the security of your computer systems.

DO's

  • Change your password regularly
  • Add your bank's website address to your list of favourites
  • Contact SGE Credit Union if you have concerns about your account
  • Always log out after a banking session
  • Check the internet banking pages for the padlock security symbol


DONT's

  • Don't follow links within emails. Always type in the web address manually
  • Don't give your account details to anyone
  • Don't leave your computer while you are logged on to internet banking
  • Don't use memory storers or retainers for important information on websites
  • Don't use a computer or equipment that you do not trust


ONLINE SECURITY TIPS FOR VISA CARDHOLDERS


Shopping online with Visa is a simple, convenient and safe way to make purchases, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Consider these basic steps to help you avoid risk and stay secure when you're online -- whether you're using email or shopping at your favourite merchant.

  • Protect your Visa card with Verified by Visa, where available. Added password protection helps ensure that only you can use your Visa card online. Visa International does not have your personal email address and will never contact you personally.
  • Be discriminating when providing personal information online. Never give out your personal or account information to anyone you do not trust. And make sure to verify a business' legitimacy by visiting its website, calling a phone number obtained from a trusted source, and/or checking with a reliable source.
  • Keep your passwords secret. Some online stores may require you to register with them via a user name and password before buying. Online passwords, including your Verified by Visa password, should be kept secret from outside parties the same way you would protect your ATM PIN.
  • Look for signs of security. Identify security clues such as a lock image at the bottom of your browser, or a URL that begins with https://. These signs indicate that only you and the merchant can view your payment information.
  • Never send payment information via email. Information that travels over the internet (such as email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. Most reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data from being accessed by others as you conduct an online transaction.
  • Keep a record of your transactions. Just as you save store receipts, you should keep records of your online purchases. Back up your transaction by saving and/or printing the order confirmation.
  • Review your monthly account statement thoroughly. Immediately investigate suspicious activity to prevent any possible additional fraud before it occurs. Promptly notify SGE Credit Union of any suspicious email activities.
  • Only open and respond to emails that pass some basic tests, such as:
  • Is this email from someone you know?
  • Have you received email from this sender before?
  • Are you expecting email with an attachment from this sender?
  • Does email from this sender with the contents described in the subject line and the name of the attachment make sense?
  • Does this email contain a virus?