How can I safegaurd personal identification numbers and passwords?

Keep PIN numbers and passwords secure

Banks typically provide secure access to bank accounts online, via the telephone, or at ATM machines, by utilizing a combination of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), usernames and passwords. Depending on the bank and the way the consumer sets up te account, the ATM PIN number may double as a password for the online account or telephone access code.

Both PIN numbers and passwords should always remain secret. And both should be easy for the consumer to remember without ever writing down, but difficult for anyone else to figure out.

Some examples of what not to use for PIN or passwords:

• Phone number
• Birthdays
• Middle names
• Social security numbers
• A pet’s name

Consumers should create the longest PIN or password allowed for the system, and ideally mix numbers and letters to make it harder for someone to guess or hack.

Ideally consumers should never write down PIN numbers or passwords. But if that’s the only way one can remember the codes, make sure never to write either code on debit or ATM cards, account statements, or anywhere in the records of the banking relationship. Manny experts recommend that consumers use different PIN numbers and passwords for every account.