Millions of people go online every month to pay their household bills. While paying your bills online is convenient, it’s also a popular way for thieves to steal your identity and financial information. In case you haven’t heard, identity fraud is on the rise.
If you’re paying your bills online, here are 7 Safety Tips to Remember.
1. If your bank offers online bill payment services directly through their website, it’s the safest and best way to pay those bills online. In addition, it’s quicker than running from company site to company site.
2. Before deciding to pay your bills online…find out if there are any fees associated with this type of payment? Some companies allow you to do this for free and others charge a small fee.
3. Always make sure you are securely logged online. Don’t log on from coffee shops, hotels or other public places where you don’t have secure wifi. If you’re going to be traveling, try paying those bills before you leave.
4. Make sure you are securely logged into the particular website that you’re using. You should see a little lock in your browser bar or at the bottom of your browser page, letting you know that you’re securely logged in. When your finished, always make sure you click the log out button.
5. Don’t store your banking information, account numbers, PIN, social security number, etc. on your computer or electronic device. If your device is every lost, stolen or hacked, you don’t want that type of information to fall into the wrong hands.
6. Select one credit card, debit card or bank account and use ONLY that card or account to pay your bills online. Don’t use multiple accounts and cards!
7. Never give out your personal information and/or financial information via email. No reputable company will ask you for your personal info and/or payment information via email.
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I m glad that you posted these tips. It is a shame that we have to worry so much about using the internet, but it does make it much easier to pay bills.
It’s a shame that we have to think of all these things. It’s a good reminder though to not get lazy with security.
These are great tips. I do pay my bills online but I always worry.
These are great reminders. I always hated even checking emails from a hotel. I would take my iPod and check it on that. There is nothing but music there.