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Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft is the act of stealing or using an individual’s personal information without their knowledge or consent, to illegally apply for credit, make purchases, or gain access to funds. Since the statements or bills created from the fraudulent accounts are often sent to a different address, the victim may not be aware of the increased debt until they are tracked down by creditors or are turned down for credit themselves. Identity theft can take months to detect and even longer to clear. Reduce your risk and protect your personal information, online and off:

Protect Yourself Online:

  • Be aware that there are "phishing" or fraud schemes sent via email of web sites posing to be legitimate (banks, credit card companies, online auctions, etc). The "spoofed" sites are designed to trick consumers and collect personal information for identity theft purposes. If you receive suspicious email, don't input personal information, but rather contact the company from which the email was received to report the suspicious email.
    • You should contact HSBC immediately at 1-800-975-HSBC (1-800-975-4722) if you receive suspicious e-mail.
    • HSBC will use the secure Bankmail feature of Personal Internet Banking for online account correspondence, which you initiate.
    • Only provide information that you initiate through an application, an online transaction or through the normal Log-in/Sign-Up process.
    • No one at HSBC will EVER ask you for your password.
    • If HSBC sends e-mail to your personal e-mail address, it will always include a personal or account identifier. Any links included will be to an HSBC web site information page, not directly to a page that requires log-in credentials or personal information.
    • Phishing and spoofing schemes have become a very widespread problem online. Therefore it is critical that you become familiar with the types, requests and traits of a fraudulent email to know how to identify and what to do if one is received. Visit the Fraud and Online Security section of this site to learn more about phishing, spoofing and other online fraud schemes. Also visit the Alerts! section of this Security site to learn of any new phishing schemes that have been perpetrated against HSBC and other banks.
  • Install firewall software on your computer to prevent unauthorized individuals or information from entering your computer system. This is especially important on computers that use a broadband connection to access the Internet (Cable modems or DSL). Since your Internet connection is on when your computer is on, the risk for malicious activity to your computer increases. Three popular sites for firewall and anti-virus software are Symantec ,  McAfee and Computer Associates® .
  • Frequently run an updated anti-virus program on your computer. Anti-virus software can scan your incoming and outgoing e-mail and attachments for computer infections like worms, viruses, Trojan horses and other malicious code that can affect your computer files and operation.
  • When shopping or applying for credit online, look for the padlock symbol in the lower right corner of your web page or the https:// denotation in the web page address. This will insure that your online session is in a secured environment and that the personal information you enter is protected.
  • Keep your software current and apply all security patches for your computer operating system (Windows, MAC, etc.) to keep security information current.
  • Remove File and Print Sharing capabilities on your computer to prevent anyone on the Internet from browsing or deleting your computer files. Check the User's Guide for your computer setup to get instructions, or go online to the manufacturer.
  • Use a password on your computer to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your information.
  • Change passwords every 60 days and disable the 'AutoComplete' function in your browser to prevent others from seeing your log-in information each time you use Internet Banking. On Internet Explorer for example, the 'AutoComplete' function remembers data you have input including your passwords on frequently used sites. Check the User's Guide for your computer setup to get instructions, or go online to the manufacturer.
  • Avoid using Internet Banking at Internet Cafés, Libraries, and other public sites to avoid your information from being copied, traced or reentered after you leave.
  • Reputable companies will not ask you for your password through e-mail or over the telephone. HSBC will never ask you for your Password or PIN. If you are ever contacted by email to provide such information, please call HSBC immediately at 1-800-975-HSBC (1-800-975-4722).
  • Read the Privacy Policy of the web sites you enter to learn about information privacy and how it is used in e-mail offers, advertisements, sweepstakes or promotions. You can also learn how to remove your name from their promotional database to eliminate future unwanted e-mail or spam.

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Protect Yourself Offline:

  • Never give out personal information to anyone on the telephone or from a web site unless you have verified the credibility of the source or have initiated the call, by phone and online. Reputable companies won’t ask you for your password, PIN or other personal information through e-mail. HSBC will never ask you for your Password or PIN and you should contact the bank if you receive unusual email or telephone inquiries for personal information.
  • Sign your credit cards and ATM/Debit cards immediately upon receipt. A thief can easily sign an unsigned card that is stolen. This will leave little suspicion by an unsuspecting store clerk when verifying signatures during a card transaction.
  • Report lost or stolen credit cards, ATM and Debit cards immediately to the bank.
  • Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions or withdrawals and notify the bank immediately if you suspect any discrepancies on your statement. You can also verify your transactions and purchases through Personal Internet Banking or  .
  • Memorize your PIN and Password; do not record account information in your wallet or purse.
  • Enroll in an Equifax credit monitoring program to stay up to date on your credit status. You can receive alerts on changes in your credit or of credit inquiries from financial sources, which you may not be aware. If you suspect that your credit has been compromised, contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus for more information:
    • Equifax  1-800-525-6285
    • Experiantm 1-888-397-3742
    • Trans Unionsm 1-800-680-7289
  • Notify your financial institution if you plan to cancel a credit card and immediately destroy the canceled card by cutting it in two, through the account number and the magnetic stripe.
  • Wait for your credit card and ATM receipts and do not leave them in shopping bags or at the store’s checkout. Destroy carbon copies, and once your transactions are reconciled, tear up receipts at home.
  • When using an ATM, position yourself so that no one in line behind you can view your PIN.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you suspect illegal or suspicious activity at an ATM, leave immediately and contact the police and the bank.
  • Store your checks, bank statements and canceled checks in a safe place. Consider enrolling in HSBC’s free RecordCheck® service that retains your canceled checks for you so they don't get into the wrong hands.

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Protect Your Personal Belongings:

Keep yourself and your property safe and protected to minimize your risk of theft:

  • Review financial statements for unauthorized transactions.
  • Keep your checkbook as well as new and canceled checks in a secure place. For your convenience, HSBC offers RecordCheck® , a free service that will retain your canceled checks for you to help reduce filing and storing issues.
  • Be careful of any personal information you put in the trash. Be sure to shred all receipts, preapproved credit card applications, bank statements and bills that could contain personal information.
  • Don’t leave your personal items, purse, checkbook, or credit cards unattended.
  • Enroll in an Equifax credit monitoring program that will keep you updated on your credit status and will alert you to changes in your credit or of credit inquiries from financial sources, which you may not be aware. If you suspect suspicious behavior on your credit, contact one of the three credit bureaus for more information:
    • Equifax 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian 1-888-397-3742
    • Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
  • Stay alert at drive up or walk-up ATMs and be aware of your surroundings. Position yourself so that those in line behind you cannot view your PIN.

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