Online and Computer Security Tips

Familiarize yourself with the tips below to help protect your computer and personal information.

Online and Email Safety

• Do not share your login or password for Online Services with anyone.
• Do not access your bank or other financial services information at Internet cafes, or other public spaces.
• Limit financial information on your laptop or hand-held device
• Never leave your computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
• Do not respond to emails appearing to be from your bank, government office or other entity that request personal information such as User IDs, Passwords, PINs, Social Security Number, etc.
• Delete email messages that appear to be spam or contain suspicious attachments.
• Do not open unexpected attachments from known or unknown sources.

Virus Protection, Spyware and Firewalls

• Update your virus protection software regularly.
• Use Spyware detection and elimination programs.
• Use a firewall, especially if you have a high-speed, or "always on," connection to the Internet, such as DSL or cable modem.
• Check to make sure that your virus definitions and anti-Spyware are up-to-date.
• Perform frequent scans on your computer to help detect viruses.
• Keep your operating systems and software up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.

Login Safety and Password Protection

• Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves your Password.
• Always log off of Online Services when you're finished. Do not just close or shut-down your browser.
• Enable the "time out" feature that locks your computer when unattended.
• Never share your Password or PIN with anyone.
• Never write down your Password or PIN where others may find it.
• When selecting a Password and Secret Questions and Answers, don't use information easily linked to you such as your date of birth, pet's name or especially your Social Security Number.
• Change your Password frequently for greater protection, we recommend at least every 72 days.
• Use both numbers and letters in your Password and avoid reusing the same Passwords.
• Avoid using Passwords that are names of people, sports teams, cities or common phrases found in dictionaries.

Security Savvy Dos & Don'ts

• Do not download files from strangers or unknown sites.
• Do not click on email links from unknown senders.
• Do use online banking services so that you have electronic records and you don't have to safeguard all the paper statements, and review your bank statements regularly.
• Delete any personal information stored on your computer before you dispose of it. You can do this by using a "wipe" utility program, which overwrites the entire hard drive.
• Read Web site privacy policies for answers to questions about access, accuracy, security and control of personal information the site collects, as well as how sensitive information will be used and whether it will be provided to third parties.
• Set up your Wireless equipment correctly. Read the instructions and follow the manufacturers recommended security implementation.

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Phishing

Comerica is committed to safeguarding the privacy of your personal information. But there are some steps that you can take on your own to protect yourself to the fullest extent possible. Comerica, nor any affiliated representative, will never request for your personal information (i.e. SSN, password, PIN) via phone or email.

What is phishing?

The increasing popularity of Internet Banking has brought with it an increase in Internet fraud called "phishing." Phishing occurs when you, a cardholder, receives an e-mail, which appears to originate from a financial institution, credit/debit Card Company, government agency, or other well-known/reputable entity.

The message describes an urgent reason you must "verify" or "re-submit" personal or confidential information (e.g. Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords) by clicking on a link embedded in the message. The provided link appears to be the fraudster/scammer.

Once inside the fraudulent website, the consumer may be asked to provide Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords or other information used to identify you, the cardholder. When you provide the information, those perpetrating the fraud can begin to access your account or assume your identity. The Phishing email could also contain harmful viruses.

Minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft.

How to protect yourself

• Take care to shield the electronic keypad when entering your PIN number at an ATM or merchant location.
• Always take your receipt with you.
• Don't write your PIN number on your debit card.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or have service work done in your home.
• Don't carry your social security card; leave it in a secure place. Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary.
• Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.

Protect Your Documentation

• Shred or tear up outdated web statements, or notes taken from the IVR when retrieving your balance.
• Carefully monitor your account transaction history.
• Detect unauthorized charges or withdrawals quickly by calling the Customer Call Center or visiting our website www.USDirectExpress.com.
• Immediately report such unauthorized use to the Comerica Customer Call Center using the number on the back of your card.

What to do if you suspect Identity Theft or have questions

Call Direct Express customer service if you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft (i.e., you notice unauthorized transactions on your debit card transaction history). It is important to act as quickly as possible to minimize the loss of funds in your account. Please contact us at the number located on the back of your debit card.