Helpful tips to stay ahead of cyber thieves!

• Do not disclose personal financial information to anyone whether requested online or via text, phone, or email.

• Unless you call us for information, we will NEVER ask you for any personally identifiable information such as account number, debit card number or expiration date, username or password.

• Do not call the number provided if you are warned of suspected “account takeover” Call your bank, credit card company etc. directly if you are unsure about the communication received.

• Do not open unexpected email attachments or click on any suspicious links from a sender you may or may not know.

• If you find yourself curious about an email solicitation, don’t click on the link. Instead look up the URL in your search bar

• Keep all anti-virus software up-to-date

• Stay current on your online accounts.

• Review your activity on a regular basis. If you identify any suspicious activity, report it immediately.

• When you are not online, disconnect from the internet.

• If your tablet or phone is stolen or lost, disable it immediately.

• Contact your cell phone provider if you need assistance.

• Keep your devices password protected.

Fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to steal your money. You can protect yourself and keep your money safe by knowing what to look out for. Below are some common scams.

• Charity Scams- a fraudster poses as a real charity or makes up a charity that sounds real in order to get money from you. These types of scams often increase during the holidays or after natural disasters and emergencies. Be careful when any charity calls to ask for donations, especially if they say they are following up on a pledge that you don't remember making. Ask the charity for their information, Including address and phone number. Do your research before pledging money!

• Debt Collection Scams – scammers pose as debt collectors to get you to pay for debts you don't have or for ones you have already paid. Ask for their contact Information, and if your state requires licensing for debit collectors, ask for their license information. Do not give personal or financial information. Ask for a written letter confirming the debt.

• Debt Settlement and Debt Relief Scams - tricksters promise to renegotiate, settle, or change the terms of a debt you owe to a creditor or collector. Avoid doing business with a company that guarantees they can settle your debts, especially if up-front frees are require for services. You can work with free or non-profit counseling programs to help with any troubles you might have with creditors or debt collectors.

• Grandparent Scams - these involve someone posing as a grandchild or relative asking you to wire or transfer money, or send gift cards to help them get out of trouble. Reach out to your loved ones and ask if they are ok!

• • Impostor Scams - scammers try to convince you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or should trust like a sheriff's office, local/state/federal government employees, or charity. You can't always trust caller ID! You can call the organization or government office and ask if they are calling people to ask for donations. This can also be done via mall. A common mall fraud tactic is to ask you to send money or personal Information in order to receive a prize later, like sweepstakes or vacations. The USPS has identified common postal or mail fraud schemes. Mall Fraud (usps.com)

• Money Mule Scams – a money mule is someone who receives and moves money that came from victims of fraud. Some mules may not know that they are assisting with criminal activity. Mules can be recruited through online job or social media posts that offer easy money. Don't agree to send money or packages for people you don't know or have never met, and be cautious of jobs that promise "easy money."

• Romance Scams – you are tricked Into sending money to a new love interest whom you have likely met online and have NEVER met in person. These scammers will sometimes develop a fake profile on social media and take time to get to know you and develop your trust before asking for a loan or access to your money.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for more information on identifying scams. 

Scams - Consumer Advice (ffc.gov) and reporting fraud Report.Fraud.ftc.gov

• Protect your Social Security number, credit card/debit card numbers, PINs, passwords, and other personal information.

• Watch out for people trying to look over your shoulder while you use the ATM.

• In case your wallet is lost or stolen, carry only the identification you really need; checks, credit or debit cards.

• Do not preprint your Social Security #, telephone #, or

• driver's license # on checks.

• You do not have to give merchants your Social Security number; if requested, ask the merchant to use another form of identification that does not include your Social Security number (e.g., a passport or driver's license).

• Protect incoming and outgoing mail by using locked mailbox, P.O. Box, or promptly removing delivered mail, ask checks to be delivered to the bank, sending outgoing mail in "blue box."

• Sign up for direct deposit and automatic bill pay.

• Keep your financial trash “clean” (shred confidential documents and unsolicited offers for credit cards, etc.).

• Monitor timing of banks statements and credit card bills

• Review free credit report annually at Annual Credit Report.com

• If you believe the thief or fraudster is local, contact your local police or sheriff's department.

• Call your bank(s) and credit card companies. Keep these phone #'s on a list that you can access quickly.

• Depending upon the situation, the bank may freeze your card/accounts or issue you a new card and ask you to close the account the fraudster may have access to and open a new account.

• Put a fraud alert on your credit report. You will only need to contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion (888) 909-8872, Experian (888)397-3742, or Equifax (800) 685–1111).

• Make a formal complaint to the Federal Trade Committee 

• Order your free annual credit report

• Continue to monitor your account activity.