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Answer:
Dear
BuyandHolder,
You
are right to be concerned about Internet theft. Most
of it, however, occurs with online banking and credit
cards, not brokerage firms. In fact, nearly 2 million
people had their checking accounts raided last year,
usually as a result of bill paying and online shopping.
At
BUYandHOLD
Here,
however, your account is extremely well protected.
All of your personal and account information is displayed
through BUYandHOLD's secure server software (Secure
Sockets Layer or "SSL") which encrypts all information
you type in before that information is sent to us.
It also encrypts the information you receive in your
browser's window.
BUYandHOLD
uses the highest level of encryption to protect your
account. Encryption is the translation of data into
a secret code. Encryption is the most effective way
to achieve data security. BUYandHOLD offers multiple
levels of encryption to accommodate many different
browsers with various levels of encryption.
You
should also never tell anyone your account number,
password or password hint. You should not choose a
password that would be easy for someone to guess (e.g.,
your birthday). If you write down your account number,
username, password or password hint, place it in a
safe place and never leave it near your computer.
Always log out of your account before you leave your
computer. You should also consider changing your password
frequently.
Four
Protective Tips
While
you do not need to worry about your BUYandHOLD account,
you should be extremely careful with other online
transactions.
(1)
Do not respond. Never answer e-mail from a bank
or credit-card issuer, even if it appears to be from
an institution where you have an account. According
to the FTC, way over half of such e-mails are fake.
Never mind that they look real. Instead...
(2)
You contact your bank. If you think you've received
a legitimate e-mail from your bank or credit card
issuer, perhaps asking you to verify your password,
your account number or your Social Security number,
call them directly. Or, close the e-mail and then
log onto the Web site on your own -- to determine
if the questions came directly from the institution.
(3)
Study all your bank and credit card statements immediately.
Do not wait a week or so, or read them once a quarter.
By law, you have 60 days in which to report errors,
including suspicious checks or withdrawals. If you
wait longer than 60 days, the bank is not obligated
to investigate charges.
$Tip:
We recommend that you review your BUYandHOLD transaction
confirmations and monthly statements immediately.
We can investigate and will respond to questions regarding
suspicious activity that is reported within 2 business
days of the questionable activity. Contact us via
e-mail at service@buyandhold.com.
(4)
Go for credit not debit. For online transactions,
use a credit card not a debit card. Credit cards have
tighter anti-fraud controls.
About
Your Social Security Number
As
you know, many businesses legitimately require one's
Social Security number. Nevertheless, the FTC suggests
that you never automatically give it out -- to anyone.
Instead, ask these questions first:
-
Why do you need my number?
- How
will you use it?
- How
will you protect it from being stolen? What systems
do you use?
- What
will happen if I don't give you my number?
For
More Information
The
Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of information
about identity theft and doing business on the Internet.
For preventative tips and directions for reporting
ID theft, log on to: www.FTC.gov
and click on "Consumer Information."
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