Protect Yourself

There are simple steps you can take to make yourself less vulnerable to identity theft and computer viruses. Also be sure to find out how Citi uses advanced security measures to protect its cardmembers.

When You're Online

When You’re Everywhere Else

Print a checklist to make sure you've covered all the bases.

When You're Online

Online Protection Suite

Safe Shopping

• When a website is secure, a padlock or key image should appear at the bottom of your browser window.
  
  
  
  
• Check your browser to be sure it has the added security of 128-Bit Encryption.
• Look for privacy statements on each merchant website to learn what information is being collected, and how it will be used. Review Citigroup's Privacy Policy—it's an excellent example.
• Look for logo links that verify a website’s security and identity. Citi uses VeriSign.
• Use the log off or log out button to end a secure session instead of closing your browser.

Credit Card Care

• Provide your account number only when you're ready to purchase with that account.
• Review your order confirmations, credit card and bank statements frequently and report any unusual activity immediately. This is the best defense against online fraud. A great way to get access to your Citi statements is through Account Online, which features our All–Electronic Program.

Password Tips

• Passwords should be easy to remember, but difficult for "outsiders" to guess.
• Avoid using birthdays, Social Security numbers or anything easily associated with you.
• Use a mix of letters and numbers.
• Don't share your Password with anyone—ever.
• Don't re-use the same password for every site.
• Change your Passwords regularly.

Email Safety

• Only open email messages or attachments sent by people you know. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus that could access your personal information.
• Don't use email to send sensitive information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers or passwords. Email is not a secure channel and should not be used to send such information.
• Most fraudulent email contains spelling or grammatical errors. Don't respond to email with obvious mistakes.
• Citi would never ask you to type personal information into a pop-up window.
• Citi would never send you an email asking you to verify your account information online.

Protect Your Computer

• Install anti–virus software and update it regularly with the most current version. Make sure you purchase a program that regularly upgrades your virus protection. Also, scan all files on your computer periodically for viruses. Citi recommends the Online Protection Suite to protect your hard drive from viruses.
• Install firewall software and update it regularly with the most current version. Firewalls prevent outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to your computer. All messages pass through the firewall, and those that do not meet the specified security criteria are blocked. The Online Protection Suite provides excellent firewall protection.
• Remove sensitive information from your hard drive and place it on removable diskettes and CDs.
• If you are using Internet Explorer, make sure you are running the latest version. From Internet Explorer, select the Help menu at the top of the screen, and then select About Internet Explorer. The pop-up window will explain what version you are using, and provides an Update Information link where you can download the latest version or patch.
• Though there is little chance a cookie will ever harm your computer, you can reject them by reconfiguring the preferences in your browser. If you choose to do so, you may not be able to use certain services or features on our website.

Back to top

When You’re Everywhere Else

Protect Your Debit and Credit Cards

• Sign all new cards immediately.
• Store your cards in a safe place where you will know right away if one is missing.
• Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
• Don't ever leave your card as a "security deposit." Use your driver's license or other ID if necessary.
• Never let anyone borrow your card.
• Watch your mail closely if you are expecting a new or replacement card.
• Never carry your PIN with you or write it on the back of your card.
• Don't use an obvious number, such as your date of birth or phone number for your PIN.
• Always notify your bank and other credit issuers with change of address or phone number.
• Close all inactive accounts.
• Register for Account Online and enroll in Citi Cards' All-Electronic Program and receive your statements only online—it reduces the chances of your personal information ending up in the wrong hands. Or, continue to receive paper statements but make payments electronically and securely with Citi Cards' Click-To-Pay^® Program.

Secure Your Personal Information

• Don't carry your Social Security card with you or write your number down on anything you carry.
• Don't leave receipts at ATMs, bank counters, supermarkets or gasoline pumps.
• Don't throw any personal information in a public trash container.
• Tear up or shred all receipts and mail you no longer need before throwing them out.
• Never let anyone put your bank or credit card account number on a check or any other document not associated with a purchase on your account. (This is against the law in some states.)
• Remove mail as soon after delivery as possible.
• Never give your account number, Social Security number or any other identifying information when receiving an unsolicited phone call.

Guard Your Credit

• Keep a list of account numbers in a safe place along with contact numbers and addresses. This information is crucial if you're reporting a problem to your creditors.
• Review your credit reports regularly. This is the best way to find out if you've been a victim of identity theft.
• Enroll in Citi Credit Monitoring Service, a comprehensive suite of tools that helps you proactively monitor, manage and protect your valuable credit and identity information (requires a fee). Learn more.
• You also can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of the following credit bureaus:
  • Equifax—1-800-685-1111
  • Experian—1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion—1-800-916-8800

Learn How To Use Credit Wisely