Whether you bank online, by phone, on a mobile device, or stop in to visit with us personally, your banking experience and the security of your financial and personal information are very important to us.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft is when someone else uses your personal information without permission to make illegal purchases, withdrawals, or open accounts. They may use personal information such as your social security number, credit card numbers, date of birth, and mother's maiden name to perform fraudulent activity using your identity.
Identity Fraud
Identity fraud means the fraudulent use of your personal identifying information to commit crimes, unlawfully establish credit accounts, secure loans, or enter into contracts. Identity fraud occurs when a criminal uses your personal information, such as your social security number or credit card account number, to steal financial resources. For example, identity fraud may occur when someone steals your personal information, opens credit card accounts in your name without permission, and charges merchandise to those accounts. Conversely, identity fraud does not occur when a credit card is simply stolen.
Email Fraud
In a typical case, you will receive an email appearing to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with regularly such as your bank, credit card issuer, AOL, or eBay. Most often the email threatens termination of accounts unless consumers update their billing information. The email may say that because of technical problems, billing Information and social security numbers for their accounts must be resubmitted. Thieves have the ability to make the sites in the email look authentic and could easily fool consumers.
Online Fraud
Online fraud can be caused as the result of malicious software (Malware) that can invade your computer when you open an attachment, click on a pop-up ad on a website, or download a game, software, song, screensaver, or other applications. Phone Messaging Fraud Can come in the form of a phone call claiming to be from your bank or financial institution - or any other type of company. The scammer will usually tell you that your credit card or account has been cancelled because it was involved in criminal activity, or because they suspect your card or account details have been stolen. This is a trick to get you to give them your account details.
Links for more information: Reference for up-to-date bank related information security.
OnGuardonline.gov provides practical tips from the Federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
