Security Center

These days, the news frequently reports on large scale data breaches. These reports have lead to people asking how they can better protect themselves from identity theft. There are a number of things you can do:

Check your credit reports. You can check your credit report for free every few months by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228. Federal law allows you to get a few copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Review your credit report for accounts you don’t recognize, which could indicate identity theft.

Report identity theft. If you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft, visit ftc.gov/idtheft for detailed instructions on what to do. Ask the credt bureaus to place a credit/security freeze on your account which will let you limit access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. A credit freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing account. If you elect to freeze your credit, you will still need to monitor your existing credit cards and bank accounts for charges you don’t recognize and report them to your bank.

Be aware of phishing scams. Delete email or text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information (credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.). The sender already may have some personal information about you, stolen as part of a data breach. Don’t let that fool you. Legitimate companies don’t ask for sensitive personal data via email or text.

Your personal identity is extremely valuable, so it’s important to keep it from being stolen by someone who can potentially harm your good name and financial well-being. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security Number, credit card or financial account numbers, passwords, and other personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.

• Email Safety: Phishing is when email is used to steal a person’s sensitive, personal information. A phishing email arrives in your inbox, claiming to be from your bank or credit union, credit card company, or another source. Often times, these emails appear authentic – but be careful! Any email that requests your personal information or requiring you to “verify” account information is usually a scam. Do not respond to the email, and don’t click any of its links.
• Phone Fraud: Millions of Americans are a victim of vishing, a telephone scam used to steal one’s identity. With vishing, someone calls claiming to be from your financial institution or some other source. They begin asking questions about you and your accounts in an attempt to steal your identity. And it can be prevented if you know how to protect yourself.
• Payment Fraud: When someone uses information from your checks, credit and debit cards, or any other form of payment without your knowledge in order to commit fraud or other crimes. Payment fraud can be avoided if you know how to protect yourself.
• Mail Fraud: Your mail – sending it, receiving it, disposing of it – can put you at risk for mail fraud. Financial information, checks, bank account information, credit card statements, and monthly bills can be stolen from your home, mailbox, or trash, and used to steal your identity.

If you’re a victim of identity theft, what should you do? If your identity has been stolen, you need to take immediate action to limit the damage and protect your good name.

(Excerpt from the American Bankers Association, aba.com) 

The increased popularity of Mobile Banking has caught the attention of fraudsters. According to a survey by the ABA, two in five Americans (39%) use a mobile device to manage their bank account at least once per month. ABA suggests following these 12 steps to protect your mobile device:

• Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
• Log  out completely when you finish a Mobile Banking session.
• Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren’t very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network.
• Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
• Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
• Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number.
• Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
• Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it.
• Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
• Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Protect your phone from viruses and malware just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

• Account Authentication & Online Banking (PDF)
• Risk Assessment & Layered Security for Online Business Transactions (PDF)