Exam Council Offers Guidelines To Head Off Y2K-Related Fraud

Federal regulators issued new guidelines Tuesday to prevent year-2000-related fraud.

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council told banks, thrifts, and credit unions to enhance internal controls and security procedures.

Specifically, the umbrella agency of regulators urged financial institutions to limit access to computer systems and to review security procedures covering cash storage, automated teller machine use, branch activity, and electronic transfers.

Tellers and customer service representatives should be trained to recognize potential year-2000-related fraud risks, the Exam Council said.

Finally, banks, thrifts, and credit unions should alert law enforcement agencies of suspected criminal activities.

The Exam Council also compiled a list of reminders financial institutions may give customers.

The "Year-2000 Related Fraud Advisory" tells customers to never give out account information to someone they do not know, to review their statements, and to report suspicious requests for confidential account information.

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