Security

FDIC Safety Tips 

Here are some basic precautions to consider especially when engaging in financial transactions with strangers:

• Do not cash or deposit any checks including cashier’s checks or money orders from strangers who ask you to wire any amount of money back to them. If the check or money order proves to be a fake, the money you wired out of your account will be difficult to recover.

• Be wary of unsolicited offers guaranteeing to rescue your home from foreclosure. These calls are fake; it is a way for fraudsters to collect your personal information. If you need assistance, contact the company that collects the monthly payment for your mortgage to find out if you qualify for programs that will prevent foreclosure. Often your mortgage company will work with you.  

• Monitor your credit card bills and bank statements for unauthorized purchases, withdrawals, or anything else suspicious and report them to your branch right away. With online banking and mobile apps, you can now monitor your bank transactions daily.

Here are some helpful hints on how to protect yourself:

• Never divulge your social security number, credit card number, account passwords and other personal information unless you initiate contact with a person or company you know and trust.

• Do not carry around more checks, credit cards and other bank items than you really need. Never write your Social Security Number on your checks.

• Use a paper shredder to discard all personally identifying information useful to an identity thief. Keep extra checks, credit cards and documents that list your Social Security Number in a private location. Contact your branch immediately if you lose your checkbook or debit card.