Scams | Security | Safety
Cashier's Check Fraud - How to Spot Cashier's Check Fraud
Cashier’s check fraud is one of the most popular crimes in the internet age. Once thought to be safe, cashier’s checks now require extra attention from sellers. Make sure you know all the red flags of cashier’s check fraud so you can avoid expensive scams.
What to do in a Bank Robbery
Bank robbery is too common in the US. If you’re ever in the bank when there is a bank robbery, you need to know how to handle yourself. A few simple tips will help you survive the incident and perhaps catch the robber.
Test Your Computer's Security
This site offers a wealth of information on securing your computer in order to minimize the threat of identity theft and unauthorized account access. Start with the ShieldsUp test, which will let you know where your computer's vulnerabilities are.
ATM Scams - Hidden Cameras
See how this scam can capture your card and PIN number. Thieves use a hidden camera and card 'skimmer'. After reading this, you'll know what to look for.
Fifteen Tips for Protecting Your Identity
This concise resource will help you make it hard for identity thieves to steal your identity.
Identity Theft
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has created this extensive resource to help you avoid identity theft. Perhaps more importantly, they give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix ID theft after it happens.
Government Mandated Free Credit Report
U.S. laws require that consumers be entitled to a free credit report each year. Don't be tricked into signing up for a subscription service -- or worse, a phishing scam. Keep an eye on what's happening with your credit.
Deposits at ATMs - Risks
Deposits at ATMs can be convenient. However, you may run into trouble or have doubts about deposit ATMs. Are they safe? Do they have special rules? Learn about a few pitfalls of deposit ATMs so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
What is the FDIC?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is a government agency that insures bank deposits and is involved with consumer protection.
Failed Institution Protection
Sometimes financial institutions fail. If your money - a savings account, 401k, or investment account - is with a failed firm, you might wonder if it’s safe. Will you lose everything? For most people, the answer is no. Let’s look at the safeguards in place to protect your money when a financial institution fails.
Your FDIC Coverage
FDIC coverage can be complex. It is important that you keep all of your money insured in case your bank goes under. You can use a variety of tricks and services to stay within FDIC coverage limits. Let’s review what you can do, and how to make sure you’re properly using FDIC coverage.
What Does FDIC Stand For?
The FDIC is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an agency of the US Government. Find out more about the FDIC.
What to Do if Your Bank Is Destroyed - Preparation
We all think of a bank as the safest place for our money. What happens if the bank is destroyed (by natural disaster, an accident, or terrorism)? Hopefully your institution will be prepared for any problems. If not, you can at least put some safeguards in place to minimize your suffering.
Bank Runs
Bank runs occur when customers flock to the bank to grab their cash. They are caused by a fear that the bank will fail before customers can get their assets out. This page covers the basics of bank runs and why they happen.
Five Ways to Bank Safely at the ATM This Holiday Season
ATM convenience is essential for hectic shoppers to get quick cash this holiday season. While Americans make more than 11 billion ATM transactions annually, December is always the busiest month for ATM usage. When ATM transactions increase, so do fraud, ID theft and crime at the ATM.