Banking Online? Tips for Staying Safe
Phony E-mails asking for personal information and other scams can drain your accounts
Shouldn't you also always look for the "https" at the top of the computer, instead of the normal "http," when you're entering personal information online?
Yes, that helps, but those things can be spoofed. It's possible to take what's fraudulent and make it look authentic. You should always ask yourself, "How did I get to this site?" Was it via another site that's legitimate? Think about the context—just as you would in the physical world.
What kind of security measures do you look for in your personal bank?
I probably gravitate toward more security. One size does not fit all. For a brokerage account, you probably want more security, because it may have your life's savings. It's all a matter of degree. Adding too many layers of security is like creating a building that no one can get in and out of. There's a balance between needing more security and usability. You can't make bank accounts too hard to access, or no one will use them.
If consumers are scammed online and lose their money, would the bank give them their money back?
In most cases, they are protected. [Laws require banks to reimburse customers for all but $50 of their losses, as long as they report the fraud within a certain time frame.] Most banks, for good customer relations, will cover more than is required by law.
Problems in your financial life? Maybe it's a misleading marketing campaign, workplace frustrations, or a money meltdown. E-mail us at alphaconsumer@usnews.com. We'll pick cases to investigate and share with you the best advice we find in our new Web column, Alpha Consumer.
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