By Rosanne Schwab
It’s hard to believe summer is here. This leisure time of year provides the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with family and friends and explore the Internet with its vast array of information and resources. Computer interconnectivity has produced enormous benefits, but it has also enabled criminal activity that exploits this interconnectivity for financial gain and other malicious purposes. Peapack-Gladstone Bank encourages its clients to take an active role in protecting their personal information online by using good judgment and following these tips:
Create complicated passwords – Avoid birthdays, pet names and simple passwords like abc123. It is important to change passwords at least three times per year. The American Bankers Association advises individuals to not share their passwords with family members, coworkers and friends, because friendly theft by someone the victim knows is the most common type of identity theft or fraud.
Continually monitor accounts – Check account activity and online statements often. You are the first line of defense in detecting a fraudulent transaction. If you notice unusual or unauthorized activity, notify your bank right away. When a customer reports an unauthorized transaction, Peapack-Gladstone Bank will take appropriate measure to ensure your account’s safety.
Protect yourself online – Be sure your computer and mobile devices are equipped with up-to-date anti-virus and malware protection. Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited email, no matter how official it may seem. Your bank will never contact you by email asking for your password, PIN or account information. Only open links and attachments from trusted sources.
If you are a victim of fraud and suspect your personal information has been compromised, call your bank and credit card issuers immediately so they can take the necessary steps; file a police report or call the fraud unit of the three credit reporting agencies; and maintain a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter in the event you need to re-contact or refer to them in the future.
Everyone, young and old alike, should be aware of potential threats and can benefit from learning better Internet safety practices. The National Cyber Security Alliance and Peapack-Gladstone Bank is encouraging all Internet users to:
STOP: Before using the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
THINK: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety or that of your children and family.
CONNECT: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard you, your family and your computer.
For more information visit the security center at www.pgbank.com/home/security.
About Peapack-Gladstone Bank
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is a bank holding company with total assets of $1.64 billion as of March 31, 2013. Established in 1921, Peapack-Gladstone Bank is a commercial bank that offers a full range of quality banking products and services to businesses and consumers through its New Jersey locations, an online branch, a wealth management division, and its subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware. For additional information about Peapack-Gladstone Bank or to open an account online, visit www.pgbank.com or call 908-234-0700. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
