Keep Your Information Secure
PaycardUSA is dedicated to ensuring that your account remains secure and your personal information remains private. To that end, here are some tips that will help you feel comfortable when you work with, as well as give you some peace of mind in all of your online activities.
Personal Information Protection
- Carry only necessary identification. Do not carry your Social Security card with you.
- Make copies of all the information that you carry daily, such as credit cards, driver's license, and insurance cards, and keep the copies in a secure place.
- Be cautious when providing your Social Security number. Verify every time you provide it whether it is needed for the application or transaction.
- Be cautious of telephone and door-to-door solicitations.
- Never provide personal information unless you have initiated the contact and have confirmed the business or person's identity.
- Confirm the validity of all requests for sensitive personal, financial, or account information, particularly if they are made with an urgent or threatening tone.
- Don't leave personal information in your car. It's even more valuable than your stereo.
- Shred unnecessary financial documents immediately. Discard unused instant credit offers, ensuring that they are properly shredded.
- Eliminate as much paper as possible, and be cautious with the paper you receive.
- Take steps to reduce the amount of mail you receive that displays personal information.
- Collect your mail promptly. Use U.S. Postal Service mailboxes for outgoing mail when possible.
- Monitor all of your accounts regularly.
- Check your credit report annually.
Personal Computer Usage
- Use a current web browser. Newer browsers are being deployed with your security in mind.
- Install all security updates offered by your software provider(s).
- Install a personal firewall on your computer.
- Protect your computer against viruses and spyware by using anti-spyware software, anti-virus software, and automatic upgrades.
- Scan your computer regularly for both spyware and viruses.
- Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Some source may have hidden forms of spyware or viruses that could compromise the security of your computer.
- You can verify secure sites by "double-clicking" on the padlock icon located at the bottom of your browser application and reading the site info in the box that appears.
- Activate a pop-up blocker.
- Leave suspicious sites. If a website does not appear to be what you expected it to be, leave immediately.
- When your computer is not in use, shut it down or disconnect it from the Internet.
- Be vigilant in your online activities. Always keep in mind that forging emails and creating fraudulent websites is not difficult.
- Confirm the validity of all requests for sensitive personal, financial, or account information, particularly if they are made with an urgent or threatening tone.
- Read and familiarize yourself with the Privacy Policies and legal disclosures of software providers.
- Always sign off from your Online Account session.
Email
- If you receive a suspicious email using PaycardUSA's name and asking for personal or PaycardUSA account information, you can forward the email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
- Question suspicious emails. We will never send you an email asking for your online ID or passcode.
Eliminate Paper
- Receive and store as many of your account statements electronically as you can.
- View your account activity electronically often.
- Eliminate as much paper as possible, and be cautious with the paper you receive.
- Shred unnecessary financial documents immediately.
- Use direct deposit to have paychecks, dividends, and other recurring credits deposited directly to your account.
Passcode or P.I.N.
- Choose passcodes and personal identification numbers (PINs) that are difficult for others to guess.
- Use a different passcode for each of your online accounts.
- Do not share your IDs, passcodes, or PINs with anyone.
- Change your passcodes often.
- Try not to use personal information in your passcodes or PINs. Passcodes that contain information such as your name, date of birth, or telephone number are not as secure as more random information.
- Never carry your credit card PIN (Personal Identification Number) on your person. Memorize it, or keep the number in a safe place at home.
- Make copies of all the credit card information that you carry daily and keep it in a secure place.
ATM's
- Use ATMs with surveillance cameras. Select an ATM located near the center of a building. An ATM further from the corner reduces the element of surprise by an assailant and increases effective reaction time by the user.
- Stay Alert. Be especially cautious when strangers offer to help you at the ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction.
- Avoid ATMs which have messages or signs fixed to them indicating that the screen directions have been changed, especially if the message is posted over the card reader. Banks and other ATM owners will not put up messages directing you to specific ATMs, nor would they direct you to use an ATM which has been altered.
- Put away your card and cash. After completing your transaction, secure your card and cash immediately, before exiting the ATM area. Count your cash later, in the safety of your locked car or home.
- Treat your card like cash. Always protect your card by keeping it in a safe place. If your card is lost or stolen, contact us immediately.
- Memorize your PIN. Do not write it down or keep it in your wallet or purse. Do not tell anyone else your PIN (including PaycardUSA employees, the police, etc.).
- Change your PIN periodically, and, if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.
- Protect your privacy. Shield the ATM keypad with your hand or body while entering your PIN. Do not leave your transaction record at the ATM. Keep your transaction record in a safe place, so you can compare it to your monthly statement later.
- Be cautious at drive-up ATMs. If you use a drive-up ATM, be sure your passenger windows are rolled up and your doors are locked.
- Report suspicious behavior. Report all crimes immediately to law enforcement officials.
- Request emergency assistance and security. If you need emergency assistance, call 911 from the nearest telephone.
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