As we have already stated elsewhere, most identity theft does not occur online. Even though, there are still some things that you can do to reduce the chances of online identity theft even further:

Choose Good Passwords - A good password contains a mixture of uppercase characters, lowercase characters, and numbers. Even with these constraints, it can be easy to develop good passwords that you can remember. For example, let's assume that you want to use the password "peaches". To make this password more secure, we'll change the letter "A" to the number "4" (since they look similar) and add an uppercase letter to get "Pe4ches".

Do Not Allow Your Computer to Store Passwords - If you allow your computer to automatically store your passwords then it is possible for your online accounts to be accessed by someone else that has access to your computer, or by someone that may steal your computer. Do not keep passwords stored on PCs or anywhere that is accessible by others or easily found.

Only Share Personal Information with Secure Websites – When shopping online, be sure to look for the “lock” icon in your browser's status bar, or "https://" in your browser's address bar, before sharing personal information with any website. If you don't see these things then don't conduct business with that site. On our WebBanking sign-in page we provide information about our internet security.

Sign up for Verified by Visa, a free service that allows you to protect your existing Visa card with a personal password, giving you reassurance that only you can use your Visa card online. Using Allegacy’s Visa Credit Cards and processing Visa Check Cards as a “credit” instead of a “debit” also automatically protects you with international Fraud Alerts & Protection by Visa USA.

Be Aware of Phishing Email Scams - “Phishing” is an email scam that attempts to trick consumers into revealing personal information—such as their credit or debit account numbers, checking account information, Social Security numbers, or banking account passwords—through fake Websites or in a reply email. Typically the emails and Web sites use familiar logos and slick graphics to deceive consumers into thinking the sender or website owner is a government agency or a company they know. Sometimes the phisher urges intended victims to “confirm” account information that has been “stolen” or “lost.” Other times the phisher entices victims to reveal personal information by telling them they have won a special prize or earned an exciting reward.

Visa and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have partnered to educate consumers on: how to identify phishing scams, how to avoid becoming a victim, and how to report a suspicious email. Comprehensive phishing resources are available at www.callforaction.org.

To maximize your email security, take note of these simple tips.

• View any email request for financial information or other personal data with suspicion. Do not reply to the email and do not respond by clicking on a link within the email message.
• Contact the actual business that allegedly sent the email to verify if it is genuine. Call a phone number or visit a Web site that you know to be legitimate, such as those provided on your monthly statements.
• Do NOT send personal information (e.g. credit or debit card number, Social Security number, or PIN) in response to an email request from anyone or any entity.
• Be cautious. Check your monthly statements to verify all transactions.
• Forward any emails claiming to be from Visa or your Visa card issuer asking you to provide your personal account information to phishing@visa.com. You can also forward any suspicious email to the BBB at nophishing@cbbb.bbb.org, and immediately call your issuing financial institution.