top of page

Guarding Your Financial Information


Protecting your financial accounts and information is extremely important. Here are some steps to help you:


Passwords and PINs

Create strong passwords that contain numbers, letters, and symbols, and don’t share them or store them on your computer. If you need to write down your passwords and PINs, put them in a secure place. You should change your passwords and PINs on a regular basis.


Keep Your Computer Secure

It is best to always use your own computer or device to access your financial accounts. Make sure your computer has up-to-date security software, including anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection.


Completely Log Out

Always click the log out button to terminate your session. Access to your account may not be terminated by closing your browser or entering a new web address.


Use Secure Wireless Connections

Only use secure wireless connections when accessing your financial accounts, as they provide much more security. Be cautious of using hotspots in public areas, like airports, hotels, and restaurants, because they often reduce their security settings to make it easier to access their wireless networks.


Protect Your Apps

If you access your financial accounts through an app on your mobile device, make sure you use the highest security setting that is available and that your device is password protected.


Check for Secure Websites

Most financial institution sites are very secure, but when shopping online with your credit card, make sure you are using a secure site. The address of a secure website connection starts with https instead of just http and has a key or closed padlock in the status bar.


Never Respond to Emails Requesting Personal Information

If you receive emails that request personal information, such as your Social Security number, passwords, or PINs, do not respond to them. A legitimate company or financial institution would not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through email.


Review Your Statements

Make sure to review all of your monthly financial account statements to ensure that all transactions are accurate.


Secure Your Documents

Find a safe location to maintain your financial documents. When disposing of any financial information, make sure that you shred the documents before throwing them away.


Protect Your Social Security Number

You should keep your Social Security card in a secure place and not carry it with you. You should also never use your Social Security number as a username or password.


Check Your Credit Reports

By reviewing your credit report on a regular basis, you may be able to identify inaccuracies or unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from the three different credit bureaus by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

Comments


Hattig Financial Company is not a registered broker-dealer nor a registered investment advisor. Hattig Financial Company and Vanderbilt Financial Group are separate and unaffiliated entities. Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name for Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates. Securities offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC. Registered with MSRB. Clearing agent: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions. Advisory Services offered through Consolidated Portfolio Review. Custodians: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions, Charles Schwab. Insurance Services offered through Vanderbilt Insurance and other agencies. 

Neither Vanderbilt Financial Group, nor any of its associates provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advisors regarding your personal circumstances.

Supervising Office: 125 Froehlich Farm Blvd, Woodbury, NY 11797 • 631-845-5100. For additional information on services, disclosures, fees, and conflicts of interests, please visit www.vanderbiltfg.com/disclosures

bottom of page