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Security Warning 2007-2008

Beware of the Following threats to your Personal Account Security with The Western Capital Family of Companies, Posted by Robert Paisola, CEO

Phishing & Spoofing
The most common type of online fraud includes email messages sent to you for the purpose of stealing personal and financial information. This practice is known as "phishing" or "spoofing". These emails claim to be from legitimate sources you use and trust. They try to entice you to provide different types of personal and confidential information including your online ID's, passwords, Social Security number and bank account numbers. This is done by asking you to reply directly to the email, or by asking you to link to a phony Web site that appears legitimate.

Key logging
Key Logging software can record everything that is typed on your computer and send the information to an outside party. The unwanted software usually infects a computer in the form of a virus attached to an e-mail or other type of download. These are often referred to as "Spyware" or "Adware."

Western Capital Recommends the Following to Combat Security Threats

Be suspicious of e-mail fraud (Phishing & Spoofing)
Fraudulent email messages try to obtain your personal information. Western Capital will NEVER send you an e-mail asking you to provide such information. Remember:

  1. Never respond to an e-mail asking for personal login information.
  2. Always make certain the correct site address is listed in the address line of your Internet browser when you login to our website (i.e. www.mycollector.com).
  3. If you receive a suspicious e-mail, contact Western Capital immediately.

Use a personal firewall
A firewall is an extra level of protection for your home or work network. Your operating system may already provide this service. If you do not currently have a firewall, we recommend that you obtain this valuable software to help protect yourself.

Use the most current operating system
Older operating systems do not provide the same level of security as newer systems do. For the most secure connection, you should update your computer to the latest operating system your computer can support.

Update your operating system often
In addition to having the most current operating system, check your operating system manufacturer's web site often to make certain you have the recommended updates. Most operating systems allow you to request a notification when a new update is ready, or even automate your system to receive and install updates automatically.

You can check to see if you are using the most current software by visiting one of the following sites:

http://www.microsoft.com

http://www.apple.com

Use the most current web browser
By using the most current web browser, you are assuring the most secure connection. Western Capital recommends the following browsers for use with our sites:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later ( visit www.microsoft.com)
  • Netscape Navigator 6.0 or later (visit http://browser.netscape.com)

Use up-to-date virus protection software
Anti-virus software provides protection against viruses that compromise your computers security. Once installed, make certain to take advantage of the continuous updates provided by the software manufacturer to combat the latest virus threats.

Prevent "Spyware" from infiltrating your PC
"Spyware" and "Adware" can record your browsing activity and report it to disreputable sources. They can even record information you have provided for account access - e.g. credit card numbers and login information. There are two ways to keep this type of program off your computer.

  1. Avoid downloading software from unknown sources. Never accept an invitation to download software from a source that you do not know and trust.
  2. Scan your computer for Spyware and Adware often. There are publicly available programs which scan your PC and help eradicate any existing Spyware and Adware.

Use secure sites when shopping or banking online
When shopping or banking online, it is important to make sure you are utilizing a secure connection. You can check for a secure site by looking at the web site address. Look for an "s" to follow http (i.e. https://). Also, many web browsers show an image of a lock in the lower right-hand corner to indicate a secure connection.

Exercise caution with your username and password
High tech methods are not the only way for unscrupulous individuals to access your personal information. Your username and password grant access to your banking account and should be guarded just as you would your banking ATM PIN. Use the following discretion with your information:

  1. Create a username and password that are random and difficult to guess. Social Security Numbers, birthdates, anniversary dates or other easily guessed pieces of personal info should never be used as your username or password. If possible, select a username and password which contains both letters and numbers.
  2. Change your password often. You can change your password at Western Capital online in moments by logging-in and selecting "Change Password" under the "Services" tab.
  3. Never share your username and password with anyone.
  4. When using a public computer, be certain no one is watching when you enter your login information.
  5. DO NOT allow a system or browser to "remember" your password and username on a computer to which others have access.
  6. Never write down your username or password.

Assistance is Available

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a variety of useful information and resources related to identity theft, including an ID Theft Affidavit for disputing accounts opened in your name without your authorization. Visit the FTC ID Theft Web site: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

If you suspect your personal information has been hijacked and misappropriated to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately. Contact any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. You also can order a credit report to identify any unauthorized activity.

CREDIT BUREAUS

Equifax - www.equifax.com
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111
To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285
TDD 800-255-0056 and write:
      P.O. Box 740241
      Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian - www.experian.com
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TDD 800-972-0322 and write:
      P.O. Box 9532
      Allen TX 75013

TransUnion - www.transunion.com
To order your report, call: 800-888-4213
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289
TDD 877-553-7803; fax: 714-447-6034;
email: fvad@transunion.com or write:
      Fraud Victim Assistance Department
      P.O. Box 6790
      Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Online Account Access with Western Capital is a safe, secure, convenient way to access your personal account 24/7. Taking prudent precautions will ensure your information remains private. If you have any questions regarding Internet Banking security, or if you believe that your account security has been compromised, contact an Internet Services representative at 877-517-9555, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. MT, Monday through Saturday.

Regards,

ROBERT PAISOLA

Robert Paisola
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Western Capital Family of Companies

 

 

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