General Tips for Online Privacy & Security

• Never include your account numbers, user names, passwords, Social Security number, PINs or credit card numbers in e-mail correspondence.
• If you receive any suspicious e-mail requesting sensitive personal information (e.g., a message saying your account will be closed or suspended unless you confirm certain information):
• Do not reply or click any links in the e-mail.
• Do not cut and paste the Web site address into your browser.
• Enter the company's Web site address in your browser's address bar yourself or contact that company's customer support to inquire about the request.

• Do not share your user names, PINs and passwords with anyone. Never write them down where anyone can find them or figure out what they are. Don't use birthdays, phone numbers or names that others can guess.
• Do not have your Internet browser save your login information, and do not store user IDs or passwords into automatic login scripts, macros, etc.
• Change your online passwords regularly.
• Log out of a site as soon as you finish your activities. If you entered personal information on the site, such as an account number or credit card number, close your browser to clear your personal information from your browser's memory. Never walk away from your computer with your personal information on the screen.
• When applying online for any account or ordering a product or service online, check out the company's Web site privacy policy and ensure that you are dealing with a reputable institution with secured Web pages.
• Before providing sensitive information on a site:
• Look for "https:" in your browser's address bar. The "s" following "http" in a Web site's URL denotes that the site is secure and uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology.
• Make sure there is a locked padlock or a joined key icon in the lower right corner of your browser window. This locked padlock or joined key also denotes that the site is secure and uses SSL technology.
• Find out if the site is legitimate by clicking the locked padlock or the joined key symbol in the lower right corner of your browser window. Compare the Web site address listed in the window that opens with the address that is listed in your browser's address bar. If the two Web site addresses don't match, do not enter your information on the site.
• Use the latest version of your Internet browser. However, we do not recommend using test ("beta") versions.
• Make sure your anti-virus software is current and enable your personal firewall. Although it is sometimes a bit tricky to install, you may also want to consider using a physical device called a "router" to serve as an additional firewall.

• Contact the fraud departments at the three major credit bureaus (i.e., Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and tell them you are an identity theft victim.
• Contact the creditors/companies for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor/company, and follow up with a letter.
• If you feel that your A.G. Edwards account information has been compromised in any way, immediately call our Contact Center toll-free at (877) 835-7877.
• File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the online fraud took place. Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime.
• Keep records of everything involved in your efforts to clear up fraud, including copies of written correspondence and records of telephone calls.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).