Pub. 5 2015-2016 Issue 3

8 O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G C O L O R A D A N S R E A L I Z E D R E A M S FEATURE ARTICLE The American Red Cross responds to an average of about 70,000 disasters every year, and most of these are home fires. PATRICIA BILLINGER REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AMERICAN RED CROSS AND AMANDA AVERCH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS COLORADO BANKERS ASSOCIATION CBA and Red Cross Offer Holiday Safety Tips A s the financial industry is well aware, losses due to financial fraud are particularly com- monduring the holiday season. Share these tips with your bank employees and your customers – because a financially and physically safe holiday season is good for everyone’s pocketbook. Banks take a number of steps to protect their customers, including: • Strict monitoring of accounts for indica- tions of suspicious activity. • Blocking and reissuing cards for affected accountholders. • Implementing technology to protect cus- tomers as they pay online or at the register Customers, too, can take steps to protect themselves against fraud, by taking the fol- lowing steps: • Check your account often for suspicious ac- tivity – either through the Internet, phone or ATM statements • Enroll in mobile fraud alerting programs that your bank may offer to warn of suspi- cious activity on your accounts • If you have a reason to suspect fraud, con- tact your bank right away by phone, your online banking site, or at the branch • Never let your credit or debit card out of your sight • Put your cards in a protective sleeve or wallet • Protect your PIN! Don’t carry it in your wallet, and change it periodically • Choose to do business only with companies you know are reputable, particularly online • When shopping online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active, indicating a secure transaction • Tear up or shred receipts before throwing them away. The website: http://goo.gl/xgXopf is home to a wealth of information consumers can use to guard against fraud and financial crimes. There, consumers can find tips on how to pre- vent credit card, computer and identity theft to warning signs of predatory lending, as well as tips for making a home purchase and choosing the right bank. FinancialInfo.org is CBA’s one- stop-shop for consumers to keep themselves financially savvy.