Identity Theft and Fraud

Email Fraud, also called phishing occurs when a large mass of emails are randomly sent and falsely represent a store or bank without their knowledge.  If you would like to check the authenticity of the email; contact the company appearing to be the sender of the email.

Online Security

• Never give out your passwords/PIN to anyone.
• Routinely update your anti-virus software and place firewalls to protect your computer.
• Never respond to a pop-up window and give your personal information.
• Only purchase items from a secure, well known website.

Protect Yourself

• Never give your password/PIN to anyone or write your PIN on your ATM/Debit Card.
• Don’t use obvious passwords/PINs for your internet banking.
• Never give your personal information including your banking information to anyone you don’t know over the phone.
• Shred your documents.
• Don’t carry more information with you than you have to. Clean out your wallet, carry credit and debit cards that you regularly use.
• Don’t carry your social security card with you.
• Know when you should be expecting bills and bank statements in the mail. Sign up for electronic bill and bank statements and review your statements closely.
• Question unexpected bills or denials regarding credit requests that you have not applied for.
• Review your free credit report annually. You are allowed one free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually.

ATM Security

• Only use an ATM that has proper lighting. Ask yourself, “Do I feel safe?”
• Be aware of individuals that stand too close to you at an ATM.
• Remember to take your receipt.
• Block the screen and PIN-pad with your body against prying eyes.
• Remember to take your card before you leave the ATM.

If you believe you are a victim of Identity Theft contact a bank representative immediately: 763-862-6500.