Ameriprise Financial Internet Privacy Statement

Ameriprise Financial respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it at all times. This Internet Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information on this website.

Our Privacy Notice (PDF), which explains how the Ameriprise Financial companies collect, share and protect your personal information, is also available for review.

Please click here for more information about Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates as we no longer are a part of American Express. All information collected online by Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates on or after the date of separation from American Express on September 30, 2005, will be governed by the Ameriprise Financial Internet Privacy Statement. All information collected online by Ameriprise Financial prior to that date will be governed by the American Express Internet Privacy Statement in effect at the time.

Effective Date: 10/1/05

Please select from the following topics:

• Information We Collect and How We Use It
• How We Safeguard Your Information
• Your Opt-Out Choices
• How You Can Protect Your Personal Information
• Phishing FAQs

• Information We Collect About You Online
• How We Use The Information We Collect
• Tracking Activity On Our Website
• How We Use Your Email Address
• Ads That Link To Our Website

Information We Collect About You Online

We want you to get the most out of your visits to our website. To provide our users with these and other online tools, we will, from time to time, request that you provide us with your personal information, such as your name, address, email address and telephone number. We may also receive your contact information via a third-party website if you request information about financial products and services on another website.

1. Website users: We will ask you for certain contact information when you register for online services and products.
2. Ameriprise Financial clients: We will ask you for certain personal information if you want to access your Ameriprise Financial accounts online or request online services and products so we can provide you with secure online account access or the requested services or products. In some instances, we will need to supplement the information you provided with certain personal information about you obtained from third parties to process your online transaction, such as a credit check when applying for a brokerage margin account.

We will maintain information about your account, online account activity, online services and products requested, and your usage of our website. This will help us administer your online account needs and continually improve your online experience by providing you with customized, relevant information and offers.

TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER 13: We do not knowingly solicit data online from or market online to children under the age of 13. If you are a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13 and believe that personal information may have been collected about such child, please see How We Use The Information We Collect and Your Opt-Out Choices.

How we use the information we collect

Whether you are a new website user or an Ameriprise Financial client, we use personal information collected on our website to handle the transactions you initiate. In some instances, we will share your contact information with carefully selected service providers to assist us in processing your online transactions or to deliver the services, products, and marketing you request online. For example, in order to mail you the financial guide you request online, we will supply your contact information to a third party vendor who will process and mail the guide, on the behalf of Ameriprise Financial.

We will also share your personal information with carefully selected non-affiliated companies who provide transactional services or send offers on behalf of Ameriprise Financial. For example, Ameriprise Financial may offer frequent flyer miles to prospective clients upon meeting with an advisor for a complimentary consultation. Consumers who accept the offer and meet with an advisor will have their information shared with the airline company only for purposes of ensuring that the consumers receive the miles in their frequent flyer accounts.

In an effort to ensure that you get the most out of your visits to our website, we may use your personal information in combination with other information we have about you as an Ameriprise Financial client and information provided to us by third parties to present you with customized and relevant information and offers. For example, we may send offers pertinent to your home ownership that may help you protect your assets.

To better meet your overall financial needs, we may also share your information with our affiliates who we believe can offer complementary services or products to our clients or that we believe may be of particular interest to Ameriprise Financial clients.

Tracking activity on our website

In order to make your visit to our website as productive as possible, we track activity on our website. However, we want you to know that the tracking technology we use does not identify any personal information about you. They cannot retrieve data from your hard drive, pass on computer viruses, or capture any personal information about you, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address. We only know who you are if you tell us. You may, however, be asked to provide personal information such as name, address, phone number or email address to us when you register for online services or products.

1. Cookies: One way we track activity is by using cookies. A "cookie" is an electronic file that holds small strings of text. When you visit our website, we send a cookie to your browser so that we can recognize it when you return to our website. We want to recognize your browser so we can make the best use of your time when visiting our website. For example, when you visit our website, we present an introductory page to all new users. The fact that you have already visited the introductory page is recorded in a cookie so you won't see the introductory page again. For your security, if you are registered for online services and/or have an account with Ameriprise Financial, we can not give you access to your account information on our website unless your browser is set to accept cookies from us.
2. Advertising: When you visit our website by clicking on certain banner ads or special offers on our partners' website, we track this information to improve navigation and deliver relevant information when you arrive at our website. We also do this because we want to determine if our ads and special offers are appealing to our users. In the course of serving our ads to you, a unique third-party cookie may be placed or recognized on your browser. In addition, we use web beacons, provided by our third-party ad server, to help manage and optimize our online advertising. These web beacons enable us to learn which ads we place on third-party sites bring users to our website. They do not capture or convey any personal or sensitive information about you. We also place web tags on certain pages of our website. These tags enable selected companies with which we have strategic alliances to determine if you initiate action on a joint offer. This allows the other company to avoid serving you ads for the same offer on subsequent visits to their website.
3. Browser settings: You can adjust many browser preferences so that you are alerted when a cookie is placed in your browser, or adjust preferences to decline cookies altogether. Recognize that cookies enable you to visit our website without reviewing introductory information. In addition to allowing us to recognize you, cookies also enable us to securely provide our registered users with account information.

How we use your email address

We recognize that email can be the preferred mode of communication for some of our website users. If you provide us with your email address when registering for an online service or product or when accessing your account online, we will use it to contact you about online services and products for which you have registered or about your account.

We may use your email address to send you the following types of messages:

• Service notifications related to your accounts(s)
• Regularly scheduled email newsletters related to Ameriprise Financial
• Products or services you are enrolled in
• Requests for names and contact information of individuals you think could benefit from our products or services
• Optional email communications which you have signed up for (e.g., newsletters on a selected financial topic)
• Occasional updates about our products and services as well as Ameriprise Financial marketing offers
• Valuable offers from non-affiliated companies that we send you on their behalf

Also, once you have requested information from us, we may communicate with you via email regarding your request to provide additional information related to your initial information request. For example, we may send you materials to help you prepare for an upcoming meeting with an Ameriprise financial advisor. However, we will never ask you to send personal information such as account or Social Security numbers by non-secure email.

To make our email offers more relevant to you, we may use information you provided in your initial transaction with us, in surveys, from information we have about you as an Ameriprise Financial client and information available from external sources such as census bureau data.

Email communications sent to you by Ameriprise Financial or its service providers may contain web beacons. The web beacons allow Ameriprise Financial to know which emails are opened and acted upon so we can provide more relevant content or offers in the future.

We do not share your email address with non-affiliated companies so they can market their products or services directly to you. However, we may partner with selected non-affiliated companies to offer certain products or services we believe may be of interest to you.

You may receive email offers from other companies for Ameriprise Financial products and services if you registered to receive offers on their website, or if you receive ongoing email newsletters from the other companies that include third-party ads. If you have recently opted out of receiving email offers from Ameriprise Financial, we will process and honor your request as soon as administratively possible. In certain circumstances, you may receive email offers for Ameriprise Financial products and services from other companies during the time period when we are processing your opt-out request.

To opt-out of receiving offers or email newsletters from other companies, follow the instructions provided by those companies.

Ads that link to our website

Ameriprise Financial may use third parties to place banner ads on other websites and will perform tracking and reporting activities through use of Ad Servers. We do not provide Ad Servers with your personal information and Ad Servers do not collect your personal information.

Ad Servers are subject to their own privacy policies. If you would like more information about the privacy policies of these Ad Servers, including information on how to opt-out of their tracking methods, please click here to visit the Network Advertising Initiative website.

Ameriprise Financial realizes how important security is to you, so we've taken a number of steps to enhance the protection of personal or confidential information sent to, or from Ameriprise Financial over the Internet. First, we require that a "secure session" be established, using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Technology. This is done any time you supply or access personal or confidential information in one of our secure online areas.

SSL Technology creates a private conversation that only your computer and Ameriprise Financial systems can understand. The SSL Technology encodes information as it is being sent over the Internet between your computer and Ameriprise Financial systems, helping to ensure that the transmitted information remains confidential. The use of SSL requires two components: an SSL-compatible browser and a Web server to perform the "key-exchange" that establishes a secure connection to Ameriprise Financial Web server systems. In addition, all of our secure sites require that your browser support 128-bit encryption.

In order to securely access your personal information via our website, you will need the latest browser version available with SSL and 128 bit encryption capabilities.

Second, many areas of the site require the use of a user ID and password as an additional security measure that helps protect your confidential information. This allows Ameriprise Financial to verify who you are, thereby allowing you access to your account information, and preventing unauthorized access.

When you have finished using a secure area of Ameriprise Financial, make sure you always click on the "Log Out" link which appears on the top of every secure page. When you click on it, no further secure transactions can be conducted without re-entering your user ID and password. This also helps prevent unauthorized access to your account if you walk away from your computer.

You should be aware that browser software often "caches" a page as you look at it, meaning that some pages are saved in your computer's temporary memory. Therefore, you may find that clicking on your "Back" button shows you a saved version of a previously viewed page. Caching in no way affects the security of your confidential user ID or password. If you use a computer in a public place to access your account information, simply quit/exit the browser software before leaving to minimize the possibility of anyone else viewing your confidential information.

Third, in order to bring you the many online products and services offered on ameriprise.com, we work with carefully selected vendors and non-affiliated companies. If we have to share any information with these companies in order to provide a product or service to you, we first conduct a careful evaluation of their information and security systems and practices, and require administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of Ameriprise Financial client information. At any time, we may audit these companies to verify the continued security of their systems and practices.

Lastly, you should be aware that other Internet sites that you link to from the Ameriprise Financial site or an Ameriprise Financial email may contain privacy provisions that differ from the provisions of our Privacy Statement. To ensure your privacy is protected, we recommend that you review the privacy statements of other Internet sites you visit.

We strive to send you email communications that are informative and relevant, but also appreciate that you are in the best position to evaluate the type and frequency of our communications to you.

There are two types of email communications we will send to you: service communications and marketing communications. Service communications may include information about your online registration, verification that your account has been accessed online, in response to a service related inquiry or confirmation of an online transaction. Marketing communications may include information about Ameriprise Financial services and products, newsletters, and joint or special offers or information from our selected non-affiliated companies and Ameriprise Financial affiliates.

To opt-out of receiving email offers or newsletters, click here. All email offers and email newsletters sent to you by Ameriprise Financial provide instructions on how to opt-out of receiving future offers or newsletters. These instructions are located at the bottom of the email message. You may receive separate newsletters pertaining to different Ameriprise Financial products and services that you are enrolled in automatically when you register for those products or services. In this case, you must reply to and decline the newsletters individually. If you opt-out, we will still send you email with service updates as well as other important information related to the Ameriprise Financial online products or services for which you have signed up.

 

• Identity Theft 101
• Preventing Identity Theft
• Detecting Identity Theft
• Restoring Your Good Name

Identity Theft 101

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name or personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, telephone number or other account numbers, without your permission. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and make major purchases — all in your name. Information can be used to take over your existing accounts, or to open new accounts. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denials of credit and job offers.

EXAMPLE #1 - One evening, you sit down to pay your monthly bills. You write the checks, toss the statements in the trash and put the container out on the curb for the morning's trash pick-up. While you sleep, "dumpster-divers" go through your trash looking for the papers you've thrown away. They discover a gold mine of information that can be used for fraudulent purposes — your name, address, phone number, utility service account numbers, credit card numbers, and your Social Security number.

EXAMPLE #2 - You receive an email message from what appears to be your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The message requests that you update the information they have on file about you — your name, credit card number, bank account number, etc. — by replying to the email or going to a specific website address to provide the information. However, neither the message nor the website address is from your ISP. They belong to someone who wants to get your information to steal your identity.

Preventing Identity Theft

1. Secure your personal information at home and at work. Consider keeping your sensitive personal information - such as bank, mortgage, and credit card statements, Social Security cards, and other documents and passwords - in a safe location accessible only to you.
2. Protect yourself online. Avoid accessing your financial accounts online from public computers at libraries, hotel business centers or at airports. These are prime target areas for thieves using keystroke monitoring tools to steal your usernames and passwords. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer and regularly update these programs. For more information and helpful tips, visit the SEC website or the FINRA site.
3. Shred documents containing your personal information before discarding them. Identity thieves have been known to “dumpster dive” to obtain discarded documents with personal information.
4. Obtain your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every six to 12 months. Review these reports for any inaccurate information, or any transactions that you were not aware of or did not authorize. You may wish to consider occasionally reviewing Credit Bureau Reports on your children. Identity thieves have been known to steal children's Social Security numbers in order to create fraudulent accounts, as their information is not likely to be reviewed regularly.
5. Avoid giving out personal information over the phone especially when the telephone call is initiated by another party. Identity thieves may pose as a representative of a legitimate organization with whom you do business and may contact you to "verify" your information.
6. Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.
7. Do not give out your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.
8. Carry only the information you need. Only take with you the credit cards you need, and avoid carrying your Social Security card, your birth certificate or your passport except when necessary.
9. Have the Postal Service hold your mail if you are going to be gone for a few days or more. Since identity thieves have been known to obtain personal information by collecting an individual's mail, promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes. Have the Postal Service hold your mail at the post office if you are planning on being away for any period of time. Install a locking mailbox if mail theft is a problem in your neighborhood.
10. Create unique passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) and avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Use passwords on your banking and brokerage accounts, and update all of your passwords regularly.

If you need further guidance, you may wish to consult the consumer affairs office of the company involved, the U.S. Better Business Bureau, or your local or state consumer protection agency.

Detecting identify theft

Fortunately, detecting identity theft can be fairly simple for diligent consumers. Just follow these three steps:

1. Contact the credit bureaus

   First contact each of the three national bureaus and request copies of your credit report.

   EQUIFAX
   Order Credit Report: (800) 685-1111
   equifax.com

   EXPERIAN
   Order Credit Report: (888) 397-3742
   experian.com

   TRANS UNION
   Order Credit Report: (800) 888-4213
   Fax: (714) 447-6034
   transunion.com

2. Review Your Credit Reports

   Review all three of your credit reports carefully and recognize all accounts listed in your report and confirm that the balances are in line with your records. Make sure you:

   • Recognize all persons and entities that have requested or received a copy of your report. (If you do not recognize a person or entity, you may want to inquire further).
   • Find no inquiries to your credit report for loans or accounts you did not apply for. (If there are accounts you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity thief has fraudulently opened an account in your name).
   • Confirm there are no addresses listed for places you have never lived. (If there are addresses you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity thief has redirected your mail).
   • Check that your Social Security number and employment history are accurate.
   • Check that all this information is consistent across all three credit bureaus.

3. Correct your information

   If you find any incorrect or suspicious information, contact the credit bureau(s) immediately. If the incorrect or suspicious information concerns a particular creditor, you will want to contact that creditor as well.

Restoring your good name

These step-by-step guidelines were developed by the FTC, and are provided by Ameriprise Financial to help you repair the damage caused by identity theft. Here you'll find contact information on the relevant authorities, forms and sample documents you can download, as well as useful identity theft links. More information is available from your local police and the agencies themselves.

1. Contact the police
Contacting the police allows them to start investigating the crime. You will also want to obtain a copy of the police report, the police report number, and the name of the investigator. Banks, credit card companies, and other agencies may require this information as proof of a crime.

• When filing a police report, provide as much documentation as you can to prove you have been a victim of identity theft. Documentation including collection letters, credit reports, and an Identity Theft Affidavit can help the police create a thorough report.
• If the identity theft occurred while you were away from home, you may also need to file a police report in the jurisdiction where the theft actually occurred.
• Get a copy of the police report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of a crime.
• Be persistent if necessary. You may be told they cannot provide a report. Be sure to let the police know that you need a report to provide to other agencies in order to resolve the identity dispute. If your local police will not file a report, contact the county and state police. You may also ask that they file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.

2. Contact the credit bureaus
Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Trans Union) that you have been a victim of identity theft and request that your file be flagged with a "Fraud Alert." Fraud Alerts expire after six months, so you may want to ask how you can extend it if needed.

Request copies of your credit report from each bureau to review. If information contained within your report is inaccurate, you may dispute it and request that it be changed. Request your credit report again in a few months. This will help you confirm that the requested changes have been made and whether your report has been changed without your knowledge. This may also identify additional occurrences of identity theft.

EQUIFAX
Order Credit Report: (800) 685-1111
Report Fraud: (800) 525-6285
equifax.com

EXPERIAN
Order Credit Report: (888) 397-3742
Report Fraud: (888) 397-3742
experian.com

TRANS UNION
Order Credit Report: (800) 888-4213
Report Fraud: (800) 680-7289
Fax: (814) 447-6034
transunion.com

You may also want to file a "Victim Statement" with the bureaus asking them to notify you before any new accounts are opened or any existing accounts are changed in your name. This may reveal illicit attempts to open additional accounts in your name.

3. Close suspect accounts
Close the accounts you know or suspect involve identity fraud.

Checks: If your checks have been stolen or you suspect they have been misused, contact your financial institution to stop payments. Familiarize yourself with your state's laws concerning stolen and forged checks. You can contact your State Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency to find out about any laws in your state related to identity fraud. Most states hold the financial institution responsible for losses related to a forged check. However, it may be your responsibility to notify the financial institution of the possible forgery in a timely manner.

• You may also want to contact the major check verification companies directly. These companies can alert retailers who use their databases not to accept your checks:

Telecheck: (800) 710-9898
Certegy, Inc: (800) 437-5120

• You can also find out if the thief has been passing bad checks on your account by calling SCAN at (800) 262-7771.

Credit accounts and ATM cards:
Report the incident to all institutions with which you hold credit and ATM cards. Ask the financial institution or agency to send you a fraud dispute form to complete. When reopening new accounts, be sure to use new PINs to reduce the risk of future identity theft.

• If your financial institution is not assisting you with the issues related to your identity theft, you may contact the agency with jurisdiction over your financial institution. If you are not sure what agency has jurisdiction over your particular financial institution, you can find out by visiting ffiec.gov/enforcement.htm.
• If you suspect your investment or brokerage accounts have been altered without your permission, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can file a report using their online Complaint Center at sec.gov/complaint.shtml.
• Keep in mind that each creditor may have its own process for handling a case of identity theft. Therefore, be sure to specifically ask each creditor what its process is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from them.

4. Contact the authorities

Federal Trade Commission
FTC Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580