1. Never write your PIN on your card.
2. Keep a record of your PIN in a secure place at home.
3. Do not tell anyone your PIN.
4. If you choose your own PIN, don't select your birthday or any other set of numbers
that could easily be figured out.
5. Change your PIN if you feel it has been compromised.
6. eCriminals leave no fingerprints!
7. Consumers need to utilize safe Internet practices

The Internet has indisputably changed the face of business, becoming extremely popular with
consumers and merchants alike. Unfortunately though, the Internet has also become a favorite
tool of criminals who operate within the anonymity and secrecy of the Web. Texasgulf Federal
Credit Union suggests that you familiarize yourself with these basic safety practices:

Check out online merchants before shopping
Look over the site carefully, and take time to read the Privacy Policy. It should be prominently
displayed and should clearly tell you whether or not the company collects your information,
how that information is collected, and how it may be used. Whenever you have the opportunity,
you should opt-out of third-party information sharing. Another key element of a safe shopping
site is the Better Business Bureau’s BBBOnLine icon. If you click on the icon, it should link
you to the BBB site. This will tell you that the company is a member of their local Better
Business Bureau, having pledged to uphold the standards of the BBB and live up to their promises.

Protect your personal information
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with passwords and user names if you use the Internet often. Common
sense dictates that you shouldn’t write down your passwords just as you don’t write down your
PIN. Try to use the same password and user name at each site, and don’t choose passwords that
would be easy for someone else to acquire. For instance, your mother’s maiden name, your Social
Security number and your birth date are three pieces of information that you should avoid using.
There are plenty of words and numbers that would be easy for you to remember, but nearly impossible
for another person to guess or even consider, for instance your best friend’s birth date, your
pet’s name or your favorite flavor of ice cream. Think of something unique that will streamline
your Internet usage and protect your privacy.

Keep a record of your Internet transactions to help you review your monthly statements
If you monitor your accounts each month, you will be much more apt to spot any inaccuracies
that could indicate the fraudulent use of your account numbers. Another way to help simplify
your record-keeping is to use only your Texasgulf Federal Credit Union Credit Card for all your
Internet purchases. This means you’ll only have one account number floating around in cyberspace,
and it should help simplify your recordkeeping.

Reject “cookies” whenever possible
Cookies are information-gathering devices which track your habits and allow a site to learn more
about you. Not all sites use cookies, and not all browsers support them. In fact, some browsers
allow users to reject all cookies. The site’s Privacy Policy should tell you about the use of
cookies on that particular site.

Monitor children’s use of the Web very closely
This may mean relocating the computer to a place where you can be nearby while they are
online. Children need to understand that they should never give out personal information
over the Internet unless they are supervised by an adult. Online research and shopping will
become increasingly more common in the future. If children are taught safe Internet practices
from the beginning, it will become as routine as buckling their seat belt and not talking
to strangers.

Be aware consumer-protection resources
Zero Liability is a valuable benefit for consumers, virtually guaranteeing protection
against card fraud. Simply stated, if your card or your account number is stolen and used
fraudulently, you will not be held financially responsible.

The Internet is a valuable resource, but it must be used with care. If you suspect that
the security of your card has been compromised, stop using the card immediately and
contact Texasgulf Federal Credit Union at 1-800-647-8428.

With knowledge, caution and common sense, you should be able to explore and enjoy the
limitless possibilities offered online.