Heading off to college is an exciting time, full of new experiences and independence. But amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to prioritize protecting your personal information and financial accounts from identity theft and fraud. Think of it as an essential course in caution—one that Federated Bank is here to help you ace, no matter where you’re studying!
Safeguarding Your Space and Online Presence
Living away from home means being extra vigilant about your personal data. When you are in a dorm or an apartment, there will be lots of people coming and going. Therefore, be careful to never leave sensitive documents like your Social Security card, bank statements, or medical records lying around. Lock them up or hide them securely. Your wallet should also be kept in a safe place, out of sight. It’s also smart to invest in a shredder for any unsolicited credit card offers or old documents you no longer need.
Online security is just as vital. Always use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, especially financial ones. Enable passcodes on your mobile devices and computer, and always log out of accounts after use. Be wary of suspicious emails; never click on links or download attachments unless you are absolutely certain of the sender. These are common tactics used by identity thieves to trick you into revealing personal information or installing malware. And while it’s tempting to share everything on social media, remember that the more information you broadcast, the easier it is for criminals to piece together details about your life and potentially misuse your identity.
Federated Bank: Your Financial Partner, Wherever You Are
One of the biggest concerns for college students is managing their money while away from home. The good news is, with Federated Bank’s mobile banking services, there’s no need to switch banks! We’ve got you covered, offering the convenience and security you need to manage your finances from anywhere.
Our mobile banking app is a powerful tool for college students. You can check your account balances at a glance, monitor transactions to quickly spot anything suspicious, and even transfer funds between accounts—perfect for managing your budget or getting money from your parents. You can also use our Bill Pay service to pay bills directly from your computer or your phone, ensuring you never miss a due date.
Even more critical for preventing fraud, our mobile banking allows you to set up account alerts. Get instant notifications for balance changes, ATM withdrawals, online spending, or even attempted password changes. These alerts empower you to take immediate action if something looks amiss. Plus, if you ever misplace your debit or credit card, our CardValet app allows you to “turn off” your card directly through the app, preventing any unauthorized transactions until you find it or order a new one.
At Federated Bank, we are big enough to provide the products and services you need, yet small enough to know you. Our robust mobile banking platform means you can maintain that personal connection and trusted relationship with us, even when you’re miles away at school. We’re here to help you focus on your studies, knowing your finances are secure and accessible.Protecting Your Finances and Future: A College Student’s Guide to Security (and Seamless Banking!)