There are many things you can to do help protect your accounts and prevent fraud and identity theft.

Online Security

• Keep passwords to yourself. Never share your passwords or PINs with anyone.
  
• Memorize your passwords. Never write your passwords.
  
• Create difficult passwords. Be creative with your passwords. Stay away from obvious passwords like your zip code, year of birth or sensitive information such as your mother's maiden name or your Social Security Number.
  
• Change your password often. Change your passwords every 30 to 60 days.
  
• Do not share your passwords. If you share your passwords, you've given that person or entity permission to access your personal and account information.

Online Banking

• Stay at your computer once you sign on. Never leave your computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
  
• Sign off when you're done. It's important to sign off completely when you are finished banking online. This is even more critical if you're using a computer that other people can access.
  
• Use only secure sites. If you are providing financial information, be sure the site uses secure communications. One of the ways to determine if a site is secure is to look for the padlock icon usually located at the bottom of the Web page. If you double click on the icon, a pop-up window will appear with information about the Web site. The information in this window should match the Web site you're visiting.
  
• Do business only with financial institutions that you trust.
  
• Be on the lookout for suspicious Web sites. Watch for copycat sites that may try to look like financial institutions or other trusted companies that you do business with. To make sure you're visiting a legitimate site, type the business' address directly into your browser or use a bookmark that you previously created.
  
• Verify that it's FDIC insured. If you're considering an online bank, verify the bank is legitimate and that its deposits are insured by the FDIC.
  
• Use public computers with caution. Only access your personal financial information from a computer you trust. Internet kiosks and cyber cafes may not be as secure as your personal computer.

Shopping Online

• When placing orders online, check for the "closed padlock" , which is usually located in the bottom corner of your browser. The padlock   icon indicates that when you submit your information, it will be sent securely. If you double click on the icon, a window will appear with information about the Web site. The information in this window should match the Web site you're visiting.
  
• Only shop with online stores that you know and trust.

Browsing the Internet

• Review site policies. Before entering any personal or financial information on a Web site, review the security and privacy policies posted on that site. These policies usually describe how the Web site collects and uses information about you. By knowing more about the policies of a site, you can decide if you want to continue visiting the site.
  
• Keep your browser updated. Newer versions of Internet browsers have the latest safety features that protect your computer from dangerous programs like spyware and viruses. If you have an older version of a browser, make sure you install the latest versions on your computer.
  
• Use caution when downloading. Some software downloads from the Internet can harm your computer and compromise your security. Do not download any software from Web sites you do not recognize or trust.
  
• Keep anti-virus software up to date. By keeping anti-virus update to date, you can not only avoid viruses but help decrease the number of fraudulent emails and Web pages you might encounter.
  
• Delete personal or financial information on public computers. If you use a public computer, someone else may be able to access your information or trace the Web sites you visited. To avoid this possibility, delete the cache memory on the computer to remove any traces of your visit. All Internet browsers have a "help" section that tells you how to delete the cache.
  
• Beware of spyware. Spyware is software that tracks how you use your computer and which Web sites you visit. Spyware programs could get installed on your computer without your knowledge when you visit certain Web sites, open unsolicited emails or click on links in e-mails.

E-mail

• Use secure messaging when it's available. You can access secure email when you log into online banking. You can also securely communicate with the NewBridge Bank through our secure contact forms. Secure e-mails and online forms ensure that your personal information is transmitted safely over the Internet.
  
• Use caution when opening unsolicited emails and attachments. Viruses can be passed along via email and harm your computer. Be careful when opening emails - especially from someone you don't know.
  
• Never respond to unsolicited emails asking you to provide, update or verify your personal and account information. These e-mails are scams. NewBridge Bank will never send emails asking for personal or account information, such as passwords, Social Security Numbers, PINs, credit or Check Card numbers, or other confidential information.

Credit Card Security

Credit card fraud costs cardholders and banks hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Credit card fraud often occurs after the card is stolen. However, thieves can also fraudulently use your account number while your card sits safely in your wallet or purse. These tips will help you minimize the chances of credit card fraud:

• Sign your cards. Sign your cards immediately once they arrive in the mail.
  
• Store your PIN in a safe place. Memorize your PIN. Do not write it down.
  
• Use your credit card number carefully. Don't enter your card number online unless you're on a secure site, and don't send your credit card number to anyone in an unsecured email.
  
• Maintain your records. Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and contact information for each issuer in a secure place. This will come in handy if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
  
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately. If you act quickly, you will minimize the potential loss and liability to your accounts.
  
• Save and match receipts. Save your receipts and compare them against your billing statements. When discarding receipts, tear them up or shred them so no one can access them in your trash.
  
• Monitor your statements monthly. Make sure you recognize all charges on your financial statements. If you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
  
• Watch voided transactions. Keep a close watch on store credits and other cancelled transactions. Carefully review your receipts and statements and make sure voided transactions do not post to your account.
  
• Destroy duplicates. Do not leave carbon copies of our receipts behind. Make sure you tear or shred the receipts when you discard them as they contain important information about your identity and accounts.
  
• Carry only what's necessary. Only carry cards that you need, leaving others in a safe place at home.
  
• Transact with only those you trust. Don't give out your account number unless you know and trust the company.

ATM Security

• Avoid going to the ATM alone at night. If you do need to access your accounts after dark, make sure the ATM and parking lot are well lit.
  
• Don't use an ATM if you notice any suspicious activity. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you notice suspicious activity, find another ATM or come back at a later time. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.
  
• Don't count your money at the ATM. Wait until you are in your car or, even better, safely at home.
  
• Keep your car running. When using a drive-up ATM, keep your doors locked, passenger windows rolled up and the car running.
  
• Prepare ahead of time. Fill out all deposit slips before you reach the ATM.