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security
“Online access helps improve your financial security, rather than detracting from it. Besides, it’s easier and faster than trying to do things the old-fashioned way with checks and monthly statements…Use online bill pay. It’s faster, safer and easier to track than putting checks in the mail.”
~ US News & World Report, “Simple Savings Steps”
Overall identity theft in the U.S. declined 12 percent in 2007, thanks to greater consumer awareness and vigilance, as well as improvements in systems and practices by companies who manage personal information.
However, that doesn’t mean you should stop protecting your personal information.
According to experts, identity fraud is primarily a low-tech crime that occurs most often in traditional physical channels, such as in-person transactions and the direct theft of personal data by individuals.
...identity fraud is primarily a low-tech crime
Reduce Your Chances of Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft
Replacing paper bills and statements with electronic versions allows you to reduce the flow of personal information from unsecured mailboxes, where it can be a target for theft.
Additionally, monitoring your accounts regularly online helps speed the detection and resolution of identity fraud.
To learn more about identity fraud and reducing your chances of becoming a victim, check out The Six Most Effective Ways to Protect Your Identity.
If you're concerned about using the Internet for financial transactions, don't be. Paying and receiving bills online is more secure than mailing paper checks. And when you use a bank website or portal powered by CheckFree to pay and receive bills online, your protection is guaranteed in the unlikely event of unauthorized transactions or processing delays.