Online Security & Fraud Prevention Tips
At Merrick Bank, we take precautions to protect the security of your personal information. By following some simple steps, you also play an important role in keeping your information confidential and reducing risk of fraud and identity theft.
Check Your Account Frequently
Reviewing your account online is a great way to check for irregular activity. To view your account, or to sign up for your online access, click here.
Log Off After Your Online Session
After you have finished your secured online session, you should always click the “Sign Out” button. No further transactions can be conducted without re-entering your User ID and password after you log off.
Create a User IDs, Passwords and PINs That Only You Will Know
Your User ID and password protect the confidentiality of your account, verify who you are and enable the system to establish your secure session. Avoid using easy-to-find information such as your date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Also, be sure to use different passwords across all your banking, email and social media accounts, and consider updating all of your passwords regularly.
Secure Your Personal Information
Keep your sensitive information such as bank, mortgage, and credit card statements, Social Security cards, and other documents and passwords, in a safe place –both at home and at work. We recommend shredding these documents before discarding.
Avoid Giving Out Personal Information Over the Phone
Identity thieves often pose as a representative of a recognized organization and contact you to “verify” your account information. In particular, you should look out for this if you are not the one who initiated the phone call. Do not give out any sensitive personal information to people or companies that you do not know. If information is requested, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.
If you are contacted by someone who claims to be from Merrick Bank, you can always verify by calling the number on the back of your Card. The customer service representative can direct you to the appropriate department for assistance if it is a legitimate call.
Carry Only the Information You Need
Only bring the credit cards you need, and avoid carrying your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, except when necessary.
Review Your Credit Report Regularly
Make sure to regularly review your Credit Report for any inaccurate information, or transactions that you did not authorize.
Go Paperless
Reduce the risk of mail fraud by switching to Paperless Statements, which are accessible securely online through your password-protected Merrick Bank account. Enroll in Paperless today.
If You Are a Victim
If you believe that you are a victim of identity theft, let us know as soon as possible by contacting the number on the back of your Card. You may also visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for guidelines on how to repair any damage caused by identity theft.