One of the newest and easiest ways to invest as a beginner is to invest with a company online. You can handle all the transactions from home with the simple click of a mouse and at your convenience. However, as with any transaction that you perform online, staying safe and protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance. Here are a few guidelines to follow that will help ensure your experience is secure and positive.
§ Always check into the background of the company to be sure they are legitimate. You can check for their registration with proper licensing authorities to be certain that they are operating legally. Not all small companies are required to be licensed at a federal level so be sure to check your states licensing requirements as well. Also check for regular business credentials such as the BBB or other business regulating offices. If possible, get a reference from a colleague or someone you know and trust.
§ Avoid the use of public access computers to carry out any type of financial transactions. Others may be able to track what you’re doing through unsecured connections.
§ Look in the lower right hand corner of your browser window. There should be a small padlock icon there. This is one way to be certain that the site is safe and secure. You should be able to click on the icon to verify the site.
§ Never have more than one web browser open when conducting financial transactions online. Complete each activity separately before moving on to the next one.
§ Always sign into your account by typing the address into the browser bar. Getting to a web site from a link is not always secure.
§ Make certain that you receive written confirmation of all transactions and transfers. Create a dedicated file for storing this information and keep it backed up regularly in case something happens to your computer.
§ Be sure to install adequate security software on your computer and keep it updated regularly.
§ Never respond to e-mails asking that you disclose personal information. Once you have provided this information to your investment company, there should be no need to do so again. Sometimes spammers will ask that you “revalidate” your information. This is never required by a legitimate investment company.
§ Just to help increase your personal safety, it is always a good idea to change your passwords on a regular basis.
§ Whenever you have completed your online activities, be sure to sign out of the program you’re using. Never just shut down computer while still signed on. And always shut down your computer completely once you have signed out.
§ Be diligent about monitoring your account and activity. Never assume that everything is running smoothly. Check transaction statements for errors on a regular basis. Contact your investment company as soon as possible if you think something is wrong.
§ Back up the information on your computer regularly.
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