KENNEBEC SAVINGS BANK OFFERS TIPS FOR A MORE SAFE AND SECURE INTERNET SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

 NOVEMBER 23, 2009: AUGUSTA, ME - More than half of consumers are expected to do their holiday shopping over the Internet this year. Kennebec Savings Bank today issued tips to help consumers stay safe and secure when ordering online.

“A few simple precautions can make a big difference,” said Andrew E. Silsby, Executive Vice President & Treasurer., “Community banks are committed to making sure that our customers have the information they need to shop safely and securely anywhere, anytime. It’s even more important at this time of year to remind people of the steps they can take to protect their personal information when shopping online and lessen the likelihood of fraud.” 

1. Make sure your computer and browser are secure. Set your firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software to automatically update and scan your PC regularly.
2. Don’t create passwords that include easily accessed personal information, such as mother’s maiden name or date of birth. Instead, use something unique that only you know. And, change them periodically.
3. Don't give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you know who you’re dealing with and preferably only if you've initiated the contact. Never give out Social Security or driver’s license numbers. If you must share personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization.
4. If you receive an e-mail asking for personal information, do not hit the reply button or click on any link in the e-mail. Instead, go directly to the sender's Web site by typing in its Website address.
5. Look for secure sites with an "s" in the URL (https://) and a closed-padlock icon on the Web page. These sites contain a higher level of security than other sites.
6. Always double-check the URL to be sure you are shopping with the company you intended to shop with. What appears to be a simple URL typo could take you to a bogus site where identity thieves can steal your personal information.
7. If you’re using a company’s site for the first time, consider checking it out with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
8. Never respond to an offer by way of a spam or bulk e-mail. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
9. Consumer protections in the federal Fair Credit Billing Act apply to online credit-card purchases. Keep records of all your purchases in case there’s a problem.
10. Avoid providing unnecessary information such as annual income, spending habits, hobbies and lifestyle data.
11. Shop with U.S.-based companies, where state and federal consumer-protection laws apply. You’ll be protected and have recourse should something go wrong.
12. Register your credit and debit cards at www.verifiedbyvisa.com or www.mastercardsecurecode.com for a more secure online shopping experience. Some credit-card companies offer virtual account numbers that are generated each time you make a purchase, and some e-mail providers let you create several aliases to protect your personal e-mail address.

“The Internet offers incredible convenience, and most businesses online are legitimate,” Mark L. Johnston, President & CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank said. “We just urge our customers to use their good common sense.”

Kennebec Savings Bank is a $713 million state-chartered mutual savings bank with a team of 82 employees and branches in Augusta, Waterville, and Winthrop, and two
24-hour electronic banking centers called KSB Anytime, one on Route 202 in Manchester and one in the Augusta foyer.  We are proud to the bank where “the feeling is mutual.”