Protect Your Identity

Protect Your Identity

Things you should do to protect yourself online:

User ID and Password – Please follow these rules to protect yourself:

  • Never disclose your user ID or password to anyone.
  • Memorize your user ID and password, do not write them down.
  • Change your password frequently.
  • Do not use birth dates, names, or other easily guessed letters or numbers.

Do not be fooled by fraud: WE WILL NEVER SEND YOU AN EMAIL ASKING FOR YOUR USER ID OR PASSWORD.

Log Out – When you have completed using our online site, log out (look for the “Log Out” link we provide). We suggest you do this before you shut your computer off and before you surf to any other websites.

Email – Do not use email to send us sensitive information (such as social security numbers, account numbers, etc).

Public Computers, Internet Access – Do not use public computers or public internet access such as “Internet Cafes” or “Free Wifi” to conduct online banking.

Phishing, Spoofs, Hoaxes and Other Deceptive Emails – Be careful when responding to email messages that appear to be from us, a regulator or an auditor. Thieves or hackers send email messages that direct you to click on a link which redirects you to a fraudulent website, or pop-up window where you may be asked to “confirm”, “verify”, “update”, or otherwise provide sensitive information (such as your account number, password, PIN, or social security number). Sometimes these email messages will falsely say that your account will be shut down if you do not act quickly. Do not be intimidated by these threats. These links, websites and pop-up windows may look like ours, they are not. Clicking a link in one of these emails can expose your computer to viruses and spyware, even if you do not supply the sensitive information thieves want. We will never send you an email that asks you to verify an account number, password, PIN, or social security number. If you receive such a request, it is probably fraudulent. If you have any doubts about whether an email from us is authentic, do not reply to it, do not open any attachment or use the link in the email. Instead, contact us by the telephone number obtained through your own records.

Spam – Do not open attachments in email messages if you do not know the sender. Attachments can contain viruses and spyware. Delete unwanted email.

Links to Other Websites – If you click a link to another website, that website may collect, use, and disclose
information about you in ways that are different from what we do. You should review that website’s policies. We are not responsible for what the operators of other websites do with your information.

Security for Your Own Computer – Protect your own computer by doing these things:

  • Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
  • Install a personal firewall.
  • Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
  • Scan your computer for spyware on a regular basis.
  • Do not download programs or files from unknown sources.
  • Install a pop-up blocker from a trustworthy source.
  • Disconnect from the Internet when you are not online.

Additional things you should do to protect yourself:

Your Account Number – Do not share your account number with anyone. Do not give your account number to someone over the phone, especially if you did not call them. Be aware of people who try to trick you by saying you must reveal your account number in order to award you a prize. Store new checks, canceled checks, account statements and other sensitive information in a safe place.

Do Not Share Your Cards – Do not share your ATM, debit, or credit cards with anyone.

Review Your Accounts – Review your online account information frequently and your statements promptly. Let us know right away if you see something you do not recognize. Balance your checkbook every month. If you do not receive a statement, let us know right away.

Review Your Credit Reports – Obtain and review a copy of your credit report periodically. This is one way to find out about identity theft.

Your Mailbox – Check your mailbox every day. Consider dropping your outgoing mail in a US Postal Service
Mailbox (instead of your home mailbox). Use Online BillPay.

Your Telephone – Do not give sensitive information to unknown callers. Hang up and call the company using a phone number that you located in the phone book or your own records. We will never make an unsolicited telephone call requesting sensitive information from you.

Your Garbage – Shred materials containing sensitive information before you throw them away.

Identity Documents – Do not carry your social security card, birth certificate, or passport in your wallet or purse.

Social Security Number – Do not print your social security number or driver’s license on your checks.

If you are a victim of Identity Theft, follow these three steps:

1. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report that your identity
has been stolen. Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without
your approval.
a. Equifax       www.equifax.com
b. Experian     www.experian.com
c. TransUnion www.transunion.com

2. For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions to close these accounts.

3. File a report with your local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the
report in case the bank or credit card company needs proof of the crime at a later date.

Contact Information:
Nathan Bischoff
402-828-3210