Protecting Yourself

You can help prevent common types of fraud if you know what to look for.  Merrill Lynch has gathered information to assist our clients in becoming more knowledgeable about threats.

Steps you should consider taking, include:

  • Be cautious of unexpected e-mail links to online forms or telephone calls that ask you to submit or provide your sensitive personal information.
  • Check your account statements regularly and be alert to any unrecognized transactions.
  • Be aware of any missed or untimely delivery of statements or other expected correspondence.
  • Merrill Lynch recommends that you place a Telephonic Security Code on all eligible client accounts.  This security code is a personally selected series of numbers/letters that will be required in order to obtain any information or transact through the Merrill Lynch Service Center.  To do this, please speak with your Financial Advisor.  If you are a client in the U.S. you can also call 1-800-MERRILL (637-7455).  If you are located outside of the U.S, please call +1-609-818-8900.

If you have any questions or concerns about your Merrill Lynch accounts please contact us or speak directly to your Financial Advisor.

Additional Tips

  • Shred or tear up any papers or correspondence containing your personal information before you throw it away. Also be sure to shred expired credit/debit cards and any pre-approved or promotional card applications that you may receive in the mail.
  • Regularly check your credit reports.
  • Make a list of your credit card numbers, driver's license number, etc. and the telephone numbers to call if they are lost or stolen. Be sure to maintain the list in a safe place within your home or in a safe deposit box.
  • Do not request that highly sensitive personal information, such as Social Security number, be printed on checks or other documents.
  • Remember to discuss with your children and family members the risks of providing personal information over the Internet or the telephone.
  • Remember, when creating a password or PIN, choose passwords that are easy to remember, but hard for others to guess. Do not use names (i.e., your name, your spouse, a child's, nor a pet's name), birth dates, the last four digits of your Social Security number or other data that can be associated with you. Additionally, memorize your passwords, and don't record them on anything in your wallet.
  • Be aware of people around you when using Automated Teller Machines or making telephone calls. Do not share your password/PIN with anyone. If it is you feel your password or PIN have been compromised, change it immediately.
  • If someone calls about a potential attempt at credit card theft, first listen carefully.  If they ask you for very specific information like credit card numbers, hang up and call the phone number on the back of your credit card.

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