With the holiday season approaching, the Corporate Information Security Office recommends employees follow these tips to protect their credit card information:
n Protect your information while shopping or banking online. Use only sites whose Web addresses begin with “HTTPS://.”
n Close your browser after you have been on a site that asks for credit card information. Clear your login name and passwords, if using a public computer. Change passwords monthly and use different login IDs and passwords for each website.
n When possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card. Federal laws provide consumers more protection for credit cards.
n Keep track of bank and credit card statements, as well as retail purchase receipts, to more quickly identify unauthorized transactions.
n Be wary of emails that ask for credit card information. In most cases, these emails are either a phishing attack or spam to collect credit card information. If you’re unsure whether the email is legitimate, go directly to the company’s website. Don’t use links in emails.
n Take advantage of free annual credit reports available from the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Go directly to their websites, since there are many sites that charge for this service.
n Shred outdated credit card or bill statements.
If you think you are a victim of credit card theft or fraud, contact your financial institution immediately.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Officer, 12-25-14
