Protect Your Privacy

Some consumers may want to know how their personal information is used by their financial institution and whether it is shared with affiliates or other parties.

Financial institutions are required to give you a copy of their privacy policy once you become their customer, regardless of whether you are conducting business online or offline. You may also see a copy of it posted at their Web site. By reviewing this policy you can learn what information is kept about you, and what information, if any, it shares with other companies.

Financial institutions may want to share information about you to help market products specific to your needs and interests. If you do not wish to participate in information sharing, however, you have the right to prevent your financial institution from sharing your private personal information with parties not affiliated with the bank or credit union, except in certain limited circumstances. Your financial institution should provide a clear method for you to "opt out" of this type of information sharing.

You may have heard that some companies track your Web browsing habits while at their site, to understand your interests and then to market particular services or promotions. You may want to ask whether your financial institution tracks your browsing habits if these practices concern you. Also, your Web browser may enable you to block the ability of outside companies to track your browsing habits.

Your financial institution and your internet service provider may have more information about how to protect your privacy online