then, keep track of receipts, decide what you need to keep and then destroy the others that have full account information on them. You may even cross through numbers printed on receipts to deter fraudulent use. Don’t walk out of a convenience store and just toss a receipt in the trash—check it to make certain that it does not disclose your full account number.
Credit Reports
Get copies of your credit report(s) yearly and look for accounts you aren’t aware of or other suspicious activity. Legislation now requires the three major credit-reporting agencies to provide consumers with one free credit report each year. Branch staff is available, free of charge, to help members understand their credit reports, no matter where obtained.
Internet
Always know with whom you are dealing on the Internet. Use caution when giving out sensitive information such as credit card account and Social Security numbers. Guard passwords to Web sites. Use a combination of symbols, numbers and letters so a thief will have a less-likely chance of figuring out your passwords. Try making a sentence and use only the first letters; “I drive 20 miles to work everyday!” would be “id20mtwe!". Also, use Verified By Visa® when using your check card for online purchases.
Anti-Virus Software
For optimal protection, purchase full-feature anti-virus software. Full-feature programs provide regular updates and are one of the most effective ways computer users can protect their data. They seek and destroy viruses, worms and programs written to track where you go on the ‘net…or even what keys you strike. There are some free programs out there, but if you are online frequently, go with a full-feature product so you can keep up with problem-causing viruses regularly.
Regularly practice basic e-mail precautions: Don’t open e-mail attachments from unknown senders; keep passwords to yourself and change them often; don’t respond to unknown or unsolicited senders;
