Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. These cyber criminals send e-mails to millions of people hoping that even a few will give away valuable information such as your username, password, or debit or credit card number. The criminal then uses this information to steal the victim’s identity. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
The Bank offers the following Security Procedures related to avoiding phishing scams:
- Do not click on links within an email unless you are sure of the sender. Many phishing emails include company logos or appear to come from government agencies, and appear legitimate. However, the links take you to a fraudulent website that has been set up to look like and feel just like the legitimate site. Check the URL carefully for differences in spelling, or go directly to a known website without the link. You may often find an alert on the legitimate site warning that a phishing email has been circulated by cyber criminals.
- Never give out your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, text message, fax or e-mail, no matter how official it may seem.
- Do not respond to text or e-mail message that may warn of dire consequences unless you validate your information immediately. Contact the company to confirm the message’s validity using a telephone number or web address you know to be genuine.
- Check your investment, retirement plan and bank account statements frequently and look for unauthorized transactions, even small ones. Some cyber criminals use small transactions in hopes that they will go unnoticed. These small transactions are also used to test the bank account and routing numbers for future use. Report discrepancies immediately.
- When submitting financial information online, look for the padlock or key icon within your web browser. Most secure Internet addresses, though not all, use “https” in the URL.
- Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center referenced at the bottom of this page. This organization is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
If you have responded to an e-mail or text message that you suspect to be a phishing scam, contact the Bank immediately so we can protect your account and your identity.
