Phishing is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country with the number of "attacks" rising steadily each month. The term "phishing" comes from the analogy that Internet scammers are using e-mail lures to "fish" for passwords and other personal information from the vast sea of Internet users.
Phishers send an e-mail or popup message that claims to be from a business or organization you deal with, for example, your bank. When you click on the link, you are sent to a phony web page that imitates, sometimes quite exactly, the look of the legitimate business. The scammer usually tries to create a sense of urgency by including upsetting or exciting statements in the message. For example, it may state your account will be frozen unless you act now or update or validate your account information by clicking on the link provided. The link takes you to a Web site that appears to be a legitimate site—but isn't. Its only purpose is to trick you into providing personal information so the cyber criminals can steal your identity and run up bills, remove money from your account, or commit crimes in your name.
MainStay Investments Never Uses E-Mail to Ask for Personal Information
MainStay Investments makes every effort to safeguard the personal information of our clients. As far as we know, Internet scammers have not targeted MainStay Investments and its clients. If you are a MainStay customer, please note the company will never use e-mail to ask you to provide your PIN number or other personal information. Whenever you do supply personal information, such as your name, address, telephone number, or e-mail address, it is kept secure.
Yes. My Accounts is secure because it encrypts your data with Secure Socket Layer (SSL), the standard for Internet security. SSL scrambles data transmitted from your browser over the Internet, making it virtually impossible for anyone to access your confidential information. There are various levels of encryption from 40-bit to 128-bit, which is one of the highest levels of encryption.
My Accounts supports all browsers from 40 to 128 bits of encryption. However, for the most secure level, we highly recommend that your browser supports 128-bit encryption. Check below to see if your browser supports this technology.
Browsers that support 128-bit encryption
Netscape 4.08 and higher
Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher for Windows
Internet Explorer 4.51 and higher for Macintosh
AOL 4.0 and higher
If your browser does not support 128-bit encryption, you’ll need to upgrade your browser by clicking on one of the links below depending on which browser you have. As a general rule, before upgrading or installing any new software, be sure to back up any critical files.
After identifying the platform you use, select "Download strong U.S./Canada-only encryption." For Macintosh, not Power PC, click on "Other Platforms."
For AOL Users
If you have lower than version 4.0, you can use the Internet Explorer or Netscape upgrade links above. Be sure to download the 128-bit encryption version.
Additional Security Steps to Take
As a MainStay shareholder, there are additional things you can do to maintain your security:
Never give out your PIN to anyone. MainStay Shareholder Services Representatives will never ask for your PIN.
Do not store your PIN or other sensitive data on your computer.
Log out of My Accounts when you are done using it. For added protection, My Accounts will log out automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Our policies and procedures protect the privacy of our online users.
Types of Information We May Collect
In the normal course of business we may collect:
Data about your online transactions (such as the type of products you purchase and your account status).
Information gathered from our site, such as through online forms, site visit data, and information collection devices ("cookies").
Safeguarding Your Online Information
We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that meet state and federal regulations. Access to information gathered on our site is limited to personnel who need the information to perform their job responsibilities.
How We Use Your Online Information
We may share the information we collect about you as allowed by law, including for normal business administration and related business services. The information may be shared:
With non-affiliated companies, such as firms that perform services on our behalf including administering our products. We require these companies to meet strict privacy standards.
With non-affiliated entities when required by law, such as to respond to a subpoena, to prevent fraud, to comply with legal requirements, and to respond to a government inquiry.
If you need more information about our privacy policy, you can call us toll free at 800-MAINSTAY (624-6782).
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