Take action to protect yourself and help avoid becoming a victim of fraud
With the growing variety of mobile devices, social networking sites, and online offers, it is important to protect yourself and your computer. We’ve compiled this list of 10 cyber security tips to help you take action now.
1. Do not use your full or partial Social Security number as a Personal Identification Number (PIN), user ID or password.
2. Make sure that your password is 8 or more characters and combines letters, numerals, and symbols. Do not use the same user ID and password for your financial accounts as you do for other sites.
3. Consider a screen lock on your mobile device. Many mobile phones offer this option, as well as other customizable security settings, which can help keep your phone and information secure.
4. Do not use your mobile device to store sensitive personal information or bank account numbers. The Bank of America Mobile Banking1 application and Text Banking2 features allow you to access your accounts and related details without exposing your account numbers.
5. Never respond to urgent email claiming to be from a bank or any company that requests your account information or personal details. Forward these emails to abuse@bankofamerica.com.
6. Limit the amount of personal information you provide on social networking sites. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a criminal to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes.
7. Be cautious about messages you receive on social networking sites that contain links. Even links that look like they come from friends can sometimes be harmful or fraudulent – attempting to gain control of your computer or steal your personal information. If you are suspicious, don’t click the link. Contact your friend or the business directly to verify the validity.
8. Keep your computer operating system and browser up to date with the latest software and security downloads. These may be called "patches" or "service packs" and should be installed as soon as possible.
9. Don’t open attachments or install free software from unknown sources; this may expose your computer and the information on it to unauthorized sources.
10. Install a comprehensive Firewall/Antivirus/Anti-spyware software package on your computer. These software suites help detect and remove viruses and spyware, which can steal vital information. Visit bankofamerica.com/mcafee for information on 12 months of free Anti-Virus protection software.3
Bank of America consumer credit and debit cards are protected with our $0 Liability Guarantee. That means less hassle for our customers since any fraudulent charges that are promptly reported are credited back as soon as the next day.4
Special offer: Bank of America knows the importance of security and protecting our customers. As a thank you to our Online Banking customers, we are offering a free 12-month subscription to McAfee® Internet Security (a $69.99 value). In addition, your subscription includes an automatic renewal at the end of the 12-month free period for another 12 months at 50% off (a $34.98 value). Click here to learn more about this exclusive offer. Please note: this offer is exclusive to customers in the United States and Canada.
What's next? 8 steps to safe online shopping
1 To access Mobile Banking, you must first enroll through the Mobile Banking App or at bankofamerica.com. Once enrolled, the same Online ID and passcode can be used to access both Online and Mobile Banking. Transfers and Bill Pay must be set up in Online Banking using a desktop or laptop browser. View the Online Banking Service Agreement for more information about both Mobile and Online Banking.
2 Bank of America does not charge for Text Banking. However, your mobile service provider may charge for sending and receiving text messages on your mobile phone. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges that may apply.
3 This exclusive offer is available only to Bank of America Online Banking customers in the U.S. and Canada. Online Banking customers receive McAfee Internet Security for PC as an online download free for 12 months, a $79.99 MRSP value, after signing up for the software through Bank of America. In addition, your subscription includes an automatic renewal at the end of the 12-month free period for another 12 months at 50% off (a $39.99 value). Prior to the expiration of the free offer, you can cancel the automatic renewal by contacting McAfee Customer Support. This offer is only available for Windows based operating systems. Customers with a current McAfee subscription are not eligible for this offer. Bank of America reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer or modify the eligibility requirements at its discretion. The minimum deposit required to open a new personal checking account are subject to the normal opening deposit requirements of the specific account being opened. There is no minimum balance required to obtain the offer. For interest-bearing personal checking accounts, please see the current accurate Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the rate chart found here. The rate may change after the account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Please consult a Banking Center, visit bankofamerica.com or see the Personal Schedule of Fees for other account fees, rates and information.
4 The $0 Liability Guarantee covers fraudulent purchases and payments made by others using your Bank of America credit and debit cards. To be covered, report purchases made by others promptly, and don’t share personal or account information with anyone. Access to funds next business day in most cases, pending resolution of claim. Consult customer and account agreements for full details.
Some accounts and services, and the fees that apply to them, vary from state to state. Please review the information for your state in the Personal Schedule of Fees (at www.bankofamerica.com/feesataglance or at your local Banking Center) and in the Online Banking Service Agreement at www.bankofamerica.com/serviceagreement.
