Online Protection Tips

Emailed attempts to compromise personal information are called "phishing." In a phishing attack, scammers send millions of email messages that appear to come from websites you trust, like your bank or credit card company. 

This type of fraud seeks to gain your sensitive information like banking logins, passwords or other personal data. The pop-up windows and websites they link to are designed to look similar enough to real websites that people are tricked into believing they're legitimate. Victims deceived by these sites unwittingly provide their credit card numbers, passwords, account information or other personal data.

Beware of fake links. Phishers might place a link in the email that appears to go to a legitimate website but actually takes you to a phony scam site with a similar URL, IP address or pop-up window that looks exactly like the official site. 

Be skeptical. When viewing and/or providing information over the internet, be wary. It's better to err on the side of caution. Unless you're 100% sure that a particular message is legitimate, assume it is not.

Look for these telltale signs of a phishing email:

• Bad grammar
• Broken graphics
• Urgent requests for information that may threaten negative repercussions if you don't respond (such as, "We will close your account if you don't verify your username and password")
• Unfamiliar or suspicious links or attachments
• Was unsolicited and/or from an unknown sender
• Was sent multiple times from different senders

1. Install a firewall,  anti-virus software and spyware protection and keep security software current.
2. Exercise reasonable care when downloading software and opening email attachments.
3. Have your computer analyzed by a qualified technician if it's running abnormally, including an unusual amount of "pop-up" pages or being redirected to other web pages.
4. Beware of using non-encrypted wireless connections when sending sensitive information. Using scanning devices, individuals can intercept unencrypted signals and view or obtain your information.
5. Beware of "shoulder surfers" who may be trying to intercept your passwords or information in public areas.
6. Follow password safety best practices.
   1. Use strong passwords with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
   2. Change passwords periodically and always change pre-assigned temporary passwords. 
   3. When creating PINs and passwords, do not use birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, etc., that are easily guessed from personal information.
7. Never use the "save ID and password" option in your browser at home or public computer.
8. Don't email personal and financial information to non-secure sites.
9. Avoid storing personal information on a laptop computer that can be lost or stolen.
10. Properly dispose of old computers and ensure all sensitive information is removed from the hard drive. Reformatting the hard drive may not be sufficient. Use specialized software to erase information.
11. Review your bank statements closely. Make sure you can account for all transactions. If you find any problems, contact us immediately.
12. Check your credit report periodically.

    The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website and a toll-free telephone number through which you can order your free annual report. To order, go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. Or, get instant access to your credit score, credit report, personalized money-saving offers and financial education tips with our Online Banking and Mobile Banking App.