Banking Safely

• Checking
• Bank & Credit Cards
• ATMs
• Banking Online
• Banking by Phone
• Traveling Overseas

Checking

In addition to the security measures provided by most banks, there are a number of things you should remember regarding security when using checks:

• Never pre-sign blank checks in your check book.
• Always mark non-cash checks “NOT TRANSFERABLE” and cross out “or bearer”.
• Remember that a cash check can be redeemed by the bearer, whether they are the person the check is intended for or not.
• Keep your check book(s) in a safe place.
• Always keep a record of the check amount, date, and payee in the section provided for this in your check book.
• Reconcile your bank statement from time to time to ensure the checks and amounts written by you match what appears on your statement.
• As an alternative to paper checks you may also want to consider electronic payment options from your bank. For more on online banking, click here.

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Bank & Credit Cards

There are a number of things you should remember regarding security for credit cards:

• Never share, write down or disclose credit card number or PIN number, access codes or passwords to anyone, or store them in a file on your computer.
• Always sign your new credit card as soon as you receive it.
• Destroy and dispose of old documents that display your credit card number such as airline tickets or receipts.
• Never email credit card or bank account details.
• Don't choose a PIN that is easily associated with you, for instance your birth date, phone number, or parts of your card number.
• Use different PIN numbers for each different card.
• Dispose of expired cards by cutting it in half.
• Make sure you get your card back after each time you use it.
• Never let anyone else use your card.
• You should automatically be sent a new credit card shortly before the expiration date on your credit card. If you have not received a new card before the old one expires, contact your issuer. If you lose your credit card, contact the issuer immediately.

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ATMs

In addition to the security measures provided by most banks, there are a number of things you should remember regarding security for ATM cards:

• Never share, write down or disclose your PIN to anyone.
• Always sign your new ATM card as soon as you receive it.
• Don't choose a PIN that is easily associated with you, for instance your birth date, phone number, or parts of your card number.
• Use different PIN numbers for each different card.
• Make sure that no one is looking over your shoulder when entering your PIN number.
• Always put cash into your pocket or wallet before walking away from the ATM machine.
• Always remember to take your ATM card back after using it.
• Always keep your ATM card in a safe place.
• If you lose your ATM card please contact the issuer immediately.
• Carefully dispose of receipts from ATM transactions once you have checked these against your statement. This will help prevent others acquiring information about you and your cards.

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Banking Online

Online banking is revolutionizing how people are able to manage their money. To learn just how much you can do online, visit our Online Banking pages.

Most banks go to great lengths to protect their customers as they bank online. But in addition to this, there are a number of things you should remember regarding security when banking online:

• Never share, write down or disclose your access codes or passwords to anyone, (other then during the normal sign in procedure), or store them in a file on your computer.
• Always access your bank’s website by starting up a new browser session and typing in the address directly into the address bar or browser. Never follow a link in an email to your bank’s website
• Never leave your computer signed in to the Internet when you are not there.
• Never open emails or attachments or run software from unknown sources.
• Install anti-virus and other security software, such as a personal firewall, and keep it updated regularly.
• Always sign or log off when you've finished an online banking session.
• If you think your online security has been compromised, it is important that you contact your bank to reset or suspend your online banking password immediately. 

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Banking by Phone

In addition to the security measures provided by your bank, there are a number of things you should remember regarding security for phone banking:

• Never share, write down or disclose your access codes or passwords to anyone, (other then during the normal sign in procedure), or store them in a file on your computer.
• A bank should never ask you to disclose your phone banking password online or over the phone. 
• Never give your credit card and bank account details to some one you don’t know over the phone

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Traveling Overseas

When traveling overseas there are a number of things you should remember regarding security:

• Do not leave travel documents, traveler’s checks and credit cards unattended.
• Wherever possible use safety deposit boxes or safes to store these items rather than leaving them in your suitcase or room.
• Travelers checks are a safe alternative to carrying large amounts of foreign cash.
• Consider using your credit card for making payments while overseas. You can transfer money to your credit card to give it a credit balance as an alternative to raising your credit limit.