Security & Fraud
Security & Fraud
Report the scam. You should call your financial institution if you are suspicious of an email, letter or phone call that claims to be from them or if you think someone may have access to your accounts. They can advise you on what to do next. Make sure the telephone number you use is from the phone book or your account statement, ATM card or credit card.
Protect your computer. If you were using your computer when you got scammed, it is possible that a virus or other malicious software may have infected your computer. Run a full system check using reliable security software. If you do not have security software (such as virus scanners) installed on your computer, a computer professional can help.
Change your passwords. Scammers may have also gained access to your online passwords. Change your passwords using a secure computer.
There are things you can do if you receive a suspicious message. If you receive an email, phone call or other message supposedly from your bank or another organization requesting your personal details, delete the message or hang up your phone. Even if the email or message urges you to act quickly, do not panic—this is just a trick to make you respond immediately without giving you a chance to talk to others or to check if it is a scam.
If you receive a suspicious call or message that you think might be genuine, do not divulge your details until you have made some extra checks to satisfy yourself that it is not a scam. Call your bank or the company yourself to find out if it is a genuine message but never use the number provided in the email or message—a scammer will not give you the correct number!
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Use passwords on all accounts and your PC that are difficult to guess...don’t use the same password for everything.
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Don’t use passwords that relate to family names, birth dates, your SSN, addresses or your job.
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Change your passwords frequently.
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Do not keep passwords on your person and don’t write them on your debit/ATM Cards, or on notes attached to your computer or desk.
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Never lend your password to anyone.
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Don’t give private information to anyone unless you are positive who the person is and that they have a legitimate need to know.
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Shred or tear up your charge receipts, credit card solicitations, expired cards, statements, check, outdated documents and other sensitive personal information.
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Carry only the identification and bank/credit cards you actually need.
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Review your monthly statement promptly.
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Secure confidential information at home.
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Call your credit card company immediately if your new card has not arrived.
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Destroy and cancel old, unwanted or unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough.
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Guard your mail.
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Be absolutely positive of the identity of anyone telephoning or e-mailing you to request personal information.
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Be especially cautious of anyone claiming to be a bank or law enforcement official. Arrange to call the person, using a phone number you can verify in the phone book.
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Do not give out personal data over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.
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Periodically check your credit report to see if there are loans or credit cards outstanding that you don’t know about.
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Guard your Social Security Number. Never carry it in your wallet or write it on checks.
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Give your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other identifiers when possible.
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Be careful of who is around you at ATMs. “Shoulder surfers” can get your PIN number and gain access to your account.
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Do not allow your credit card out of your sight when paying for products or services.
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Do not leave your wallet/purse/checkbook in your car.
We offer different services to help prevent fraud, including free credit checks, account password protection, along with various account monitoring options.
Also check out the Safety and Security information on our website for FAQ's.