You work hard for your money, and we know you want to keep your finances as safe as possible. Storing your money in a trusted financial institution is an important first step. In the growing world of financial technology, it can seem more difficult than ever to ward off hackers and scammers. Here are five ways to keep your finances safe and secure, from digital payments to online shopping.
How to Help Keep Your Finances Safe and Secure: 4 Tips
Learn more about how to secure your finances with our best four tips.
1. Use trustworthy websites
According to Oberlo, about 266.7 million people shop online regularly in 2022. While traversing the world of shopping online, you need to be careful about which websites you plug in your credit or debit card information. Before deciding to share any financial information on the internet, be sure that the website you are ordering from is reliable and trustworthy. Look for website reviews on Google Business, Amazon or even Yelp. If you are suspicious at all, it's best to err on the side of caution.
2. Store your money in an insured account
When you put your money in a bank like Vectra Bank, you are depositing money into a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured account. The FDIC is a government agency that was created to maintain a reliable national financial system. According to their website, "The FDIC insures deposits; examines and supervises financial institutions for safety, soundness, and consumer protection; makes large and complex financial institutions resolvable; and manages receiverships." An insured bank is one of the most important things you can have to protect your financial interests.
3. Protect your passwords
Because there are so many ways to access your bank account information online and through digital portals, you need to protect your passwords well. At Vectra Bank, we add a layer of protection through multi-factor authentication, one-time passcodes and enhanced account protection. Make sure to pick a complicated password that isn't easily guessed and don't save it on your web browser. In addition, it's recommended to change your banking password at least every 12 months.
4. Sign up for credit report alerts
In order to protect yourself from potential fraud, you can sign up for suspicious activity alerts along with credit reports. According to Experian, "fraud alert messages notify potential credit grantors to verify your identification before extending credit in your name in case someone is using your information without your consent." When you get an alert, you can get ahead of the scammer and freeze your credit as soon as possible so that it isn't ruined. A credit freeze helps protect your credit score and stops the fraudster from continuing to misuse your personal information.
Are you ready to learn more about FDIC-secured bank accounts? Reach out to Vectra Bank today.
Content is offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial or business advice. Please contact a professional about your specific needs and advice. Content may contain trademarks or trade names owned by parties who are not affiliated with Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Use of such marks does not imply any sponsorship by or affiliation with third parties, and Zions Bancorporation, N.A. does not claim any ownership of or make representations about products and services offered under or associated with such marks.