The world's local bank
Protect Yourself Online:
Install firewall software on your computer to help prevent unauthorized individuals or information from entering your computer system. This is especially important on computers that use a broadband connection to access the Internet (Cable modems or DSL). Since your Internet connection is on when your computer is on, the risk for malicious activity to your computer increases. Two popular sites for firewall and anti-virus software are McAfee and Computer Associates.
Run a current updated anti-virus program on your computer frequently. Anti-virus software can scan your incoming and outgoing email and attachments for computer infections like worms, viruses, Trojan Horses and other malicious code that can affect your computer files and operation.
When using your personal information online, like shopping or applying for credit, look for the padlock symbol in the lower right corner of your web page or the "https://" denotation in the web page address. This commonly ensures that your online session is in a ”secured” environment and that the personal information you enter is protected.
Keep your software current and apply all security patches for your computer operating system (i.e. Microsoft Windows) to keep security information current.
Be aware that there are phoney websites designed to trick consumers and collect personal information. Verify the source and always run anti-virus software before opening email.
Remove File and Print Sharing capabilities on your computer to prevent the browsing or deleting of your computer files via the Internet. Check the User Guide for your computer setup to get instructions, or contact the manufacturer.
Password protect your computer to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your information.
Change passwords every 30-60 days and disable the 'AutoComplete’ function to prevent others from seeing your logon information. On Internet Explorer for example, the ‘AutoComplete’ function remembers data you have input including your passwords on frequently used sites. Check the User Guide for your computer setup to get instructions, or contact the manufacturer.
Avoid using Internet banking at Internet cafés, libraries, and other public sites to avoid your information from being copied, traced or reentered after you leave.
Reputable companies will never ask you for your password through email or over the telephone. HSBC will never ask you for your password or Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you are ever contacted to provide such information, please contact HSBC immediately.
Personal Internet Banking:1-877-621-8811
Business Internet Banking:1-866-808-HSBC (1-866-808-4722)
Read the privacy policy of the websites you visit to learn about how they treat the privacy of your personal information and how it is used in email offers, advertisements, sweepstakes or promotions. You can also learn how to remove your name from their promotional database to eliminate future unwanted email or spam.
Protect Yourself Offline:
Never give out personal information to anyone on the telephone or from a website unless you have verified the credibility of the source or have initiated the call to a trusted source. Reputable companies won’t ask you for your password or PIN through email or over the telephone. HSBC will never ask you for your password or PIN and you should contact the bank immediately if you receive unusual telephone inquiries regarding your accounts or unusual online requests for account information.
Sign your credit cards, BankCard and debit cards immediately upon receipt. An unsigned card that is stolen can easily be signed by a thief. This will leave little suspicion by an unsuspecting store clerk when verifying signatures during a card transaction.
Report lost or stolen credit cards, BankCard and debit cards immediately to the bank.
Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions or withdrawals and notify the bank immediately if you suspect any discrepancies on your statement. You can also verify your transactions and purchases through Personal Internet Banking or Business Internet Banking.
Memorize your PIN and password; do not carry account information in your wallet or purse.
Enroll in a credit monitoring program to stay up to date on your credit status. You can receive alerts on changes in your credit or of credit inquiries from financial sources, of which you may not be aware. If you suspect suspicious behaviour, contact one of the credit bureaus for more information:
Equifax - 1-800-465-7166
Trans Union - 1-866-525-0262 / Quebec - 1-877-713-3393
Notify your financial institution if you plan to cancel a credit card and immediately destroy the canceled card by cutting it in two, through the account number and the magnetic stripe.
Wait for your credit card and ABM receipts and do not leave them in shopping bags or at the store’s check-out. Destroy carbon copies, and once your transactions are reconciled, tear up or shred receipts at home.
When using an ABM, position yourself so that no one can view your PIN.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you suspect illegal or suspicious activity at an ABM, leave immediately and contact the police and the bank.
Store your cheques, bank statements and cancelled cheques in a safe place.
Protect Your Personal Belongings:
Keep yourself and your property safe and protected to minimize your risk of theft.
Review financial statements for unauthorized transactions.
Keep your cheque book and cancelled cheques in a secure place.
When using an ABM, position yourself so that no one can view your PIN.
Be careful of any personal information you put in the trash. Be sure to shred all receipts, pre-approved credit card applications, bank statements and bills that could contain personal information.
Don’t leave your personal items, purse, cheque book, or credit cards unattended.
Enroll in a credit monitoring program to stay up to date on your credit status. You can receive alerts on changes in your credit or of credit inquiries from financial sources, of which you may not be aware. If you suspect suspicious behaviour, contact one of the credit bureaus for more information:
Equifax - 1-800-465-7166
Trans Union - 1-866-525-0262 / Quebec -1-877-713-3393
Stay alert at drive-thru or walk-up ABMs and be aware of your surroundings. Position yourself so that others cannot view your PIN.
