FDIC Consumer News - Winter 2016
A Message to Readers
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been publishing FDIC Consumer News quarterly since 1993 to help people protect their money, including tips in practically every issue about how to avoid financial fraud and theft. A lot has changed over the years, especially consumers’ increased reliance on computers and the Internet — the “cyber” world — for everything from shopping and communicating to banking and bill paying. While the benefits of faster and more convenient cyber services for bank customers are clear, the risks posed by these services, as well as the strategies for preventing or recovering from cyber-related crimes, may not be as well-known by the average consumer and small business owner.
That is why the FDIC has produced this special edition of our newsletter — a guide to safe online banking that features precautions to take at home and when banking remotely (using laptop computers, smartphones and other mobile devices). We include tips and information for parents and guardians wanting to protect their children from online fraud and identity theft, and for small businesses needing to secure their computer systems and data. You’ll also learn about what banks and bank regulators are doing to protect your money.
Note: This and other issues of FDIC Consumer News can be read or printed at www.fdic.gov/consumernews. Check back there for versions of this issue for e-readers and portable audio (MP3) players. Single copies of this special edition and articles referenced here are available upon request to the FDIC’s Public Information Center (toll-free 1-877-275-3342 or publicinfo@fdic.gov). Our publication also may be reprinted in whole or in part without permission.