ANSWERS: 5
  • The internet is a dangerous place to give out financial information. I use my debit card to phone in most of my major bills. i can also access my bank account by phone, so I don't see it necessary to log onto the computer to check my account. I don't buy anything over the internet unless I absolutely trust the company, and I get the toll free number off the site first. Then I call them to place an order, again using my debit card. I don't keep any of my financial records on my computer. You may think this seems too paranoid, but there are hackers out there and there are phony web sites that will steal your money. There is no reason to use internet banking. You'll get your statements every month through the mail anyway, and if you need to check something just pick up the phone.
  • There are some basics here. Do not share your username and password with anyone, not even to people who say that they are calling from the bank. Make sure that once you are done using the banking page you sign out and do not just close the window. As much as possible try using your PC or laptop for internet based transactions. Change your password often. Most banks today have put in place adequate security measures for online users. Sites like http://rudder.com/default.aspx help you manage all your bank and credit card accounts in one place and are quite secure to use.
  • In many ways financial transactions are safer on the internet than by phone because by phone someone could just write your bank details down and use them for themselves. I use internet banking, pay all my bills and bought most of my Christmas gifts on-line, booked train tickets, ordered interflora flowers and books and dvd's to get delivered straight to friends and family. I even bought my laptop straight from the Dell website. It can be really useful. You must make sure you have good internet security such as McAfee with anti-spyware etc. Ask your bank for their published guide to internet security. For purchasing goods on line, make sure you use reputable companies. Many smaller companies use paypal which is good too. You should always check your bank/card statements regularly and contact your bank if there are any anomalies. However, no one can make you use the internet for financial transactions, including your bank if you are not comfortable doing so. Good luck.
  • I've been using it in one form or another for the last 10 years - if you value your time you'll most likely love it.
  • Internet banking is safe if you take care. I wouldn't use a laptop, which I use outside my home, to store financial information. In fact I use McAfee and the Anti-theft security for my financial information. But the simplicity and usefulness of internet banking is superb. I have only had 1 incident of attempted fraud and that was subsequent to using a credit card by telephone on a secure line to a reputable auto-insurance company. My credit card company spotted the fraud, changed my card, account number and card security number. Other than that contact, I was unaware that the attempt had been made. You're right to be wary but the tools are there,the system is extremely useful and is as secure as telephone banking, in my experience more so.

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