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» FakeChecks.Org Helps Fight Phishing
» Computer Security
» Phishing and Pharming
» Identity Theft
» Shopping Online
» Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Safety
» Secure Sign On
FakeChecks.Org Helps Fight Phishing
One of the most clever and effective campaigns against phishing is being waged by FakeChecks.org, which was created by the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation's oldest nonprofit consumer organization, as a central source of information and advice about fake check scams. The website provides a "fraud test" and great videos to illustrate the way various scams work and how ridiculous the pitches from con artists, which typically come in through email, really are. You can view this website by going to http:www.fakechecks.org.
Here are some ways to protect yourself and your personal information when using your computer:
- Install anti-virus software on your computer. You should use your anti-virus software to run scans on your computer files weekly to check for viruses. Most anti-virus software can be purchased and downloaded online but you can also buy it from electronic stores. Some popular brands include Norton AntiVirus, McAffe and Symantec. Your anti-virus software will notify you when your subscription is almost expired so you can renew it with the most current version.
- You can also purchase anti-spyware software for your computer. In fact, some anti-virus software packages also include anti-spyware.
- Your passwords should contain a mix of letters and numbers. Avoid using birthdays, Social Security numbers or anything easily associated with you. Make sure that you change your passwords regularly and do not share your passwords with anyone.
- If you have Microsoft Windows, download and install the Microsoft security patches to keep your computer up to date. You can set up your computer to automatically download all of the patches for you or you can download and install only the patches that you want.
- Use a personal firewall on your computer. A firewall prevents outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to your computer and installing spyware, viruses or other applications on your machine. All messages pass through the firewall, but the messages that do not meet the specified security criteria are blocked. Most new personal computers will come with firewall software already enabled but you should double-check your computer to make sure.
“Phishing” refers to unsolicited emails that look like they are from a trusted company or institution but are really from Internet fraudsters. Sometimes these messages will direct you to a bogus website that looks like a legitimate organization’s website. These type of emails, pop-up messages and bogus websites are attempts at luring you into providing the fraudster with your personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank account information, passwords and other sensitive information. "Pharming" crimeware misdirects users to fraudulent sites or proxy servers, typically through DNS hijacking or poisoning.
If you get an unsolicited email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply to it and do not click on the link in the message. Instead, you should contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know is genuine. You could also open a new Internet browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address yourself.
Note that State Bank of Countryside will never request your confidential information through email. If you receive an email pretending to be from State Bank of Countryside that asks for your personal or financial information, please contact us immediately.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, borrow money, charge items or even commit crimes in your name.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from this growing crime:
- Shred any financial statements, receipts, cancelled checks and pre-approved credit card offers you have received but don’t plan to use.
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail because identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and statements.
- Under no circumstances should you give out your social security number, credit card numbers, account numbers or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) to anyone via email or over the phone.
- Be sure to review your credit report each year. If someone is applying for credit in your name, a copy of your credit report may help point this out. You can obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union) by calling 877-322-8228 or going to www.annualcreditreport.com.
Some of the signs that you may be a victim of Identity Theft include:
- Fraudulent charges on your credit card statement
- Receiving bills for goods or services that you didn’t request
- Suspicious inquiries on your credit report
- Phone calls from creditors
- Suddenly being denied credit
If you think that you are a victim of Identity Theft, you should take the following steps:
- Contact your credit card company and your financial institution to close accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened.
- You should also contact the fraud department at any one of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax at 800-525-6285, Experian at 888-397-3742 or Trans Union at 800-680-7289. The credit bureau you contact will share the information with the other two and a “fraud alert” will be placed in your credit file at all three companies.
- Call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271.
- File a report with the police and get a copy of the report in case you need proof of the crime for your credit card companies or financial institutions.
- Notify the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or go to www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
When shopping online, you should make sure the website you are shopping at is secure by looking for a padlock or key image at the bottom right of your browser window. You should not provide account information on a website that isn’t secure. Also, use the log off or log out button to end a secure session instead of just closing your browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, make sure you are running the latest version. Another tip is that you can check your browser to make sure it has the security of 128-Bit Encryption. To do this, open up your Internet Explorer and click on the Help button at the top of your browser. Next, click on About Internet Explorer and then see if the Cipher Strength is at 128-bit.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Safety
Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when using an ATM.
1. Have your ATM card ready and in your hand when you approach the machine. Don’t pull it out of your purse or wallet when you get there.
2. Be aware of your surroundings throughout the transaction. Be wary of people offering help or of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. When leaving the ATM, make sure that you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or fire station.
3. Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers unfamiliar options.
4. Don’t write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your card. Also, don’t give the number out to anyone, including friends and family. Do not let people look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN.
5. Never count your cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in a secure place.
6. Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize your time at the ATM.
Secure Sign On adds another level of Security to Online Banking, offering further protection from online fraudulent activity.
Secure Sign On protects you from identity theft and fraud in two ways:
- You will know you are in the right place: Secure Sign On provides you with visual cues when you sign on, so you know that you are on our website and it is safe to enter information. This will help you protect yourself from fraudulent look-alike sites.
- We will know it’s really you: Secure Sign On helps us ensure that only authorized individuals can access financial information online
During the set up process, you will choose a picture from a picture catalogue and create a phrase. This picture and phrase will be shown after you enter your User ID so you’ll know you are in the right place. It will look something like this:
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Safe at my bank If you don't recognize your picture and personal phrase, do not enter your personal information. Instead click "Cancel," and try to sign on again, or contact us for assistance. |
HOW SECURE SIGN ON HELPS US KNOW IT’S REALLY YOU
After you set up Secure Sign On, we will have two additional ways to identify you:
- The PC you are using
- Confirmation questions with answers that are unique to you
We can recognize you based on the computer you use to access online banking. If you sign on from your own computer, we can mark it with a browser cookie that helps us recognize you every time you sign on.
If we don’t recognize your computer, we will ask you two confirmation questions. These are personal questions you have selected during set up to help us to recognize you when you log on from a new computer.
HOW TO SET UP SECURE SIGN ON
Beginning February 10, 2007 you can set up Secure Sign On. Set up will only take a few minutes.There are three easy steps:
- Set up a picture and personal phrase. These visual cues are displayed when you sign on and are your assurance that it is safe to enter information.
- Set up confirmation questions. These questions may be asked during the sign-on process to confirm that an authorized individual can access financial information online.
- Register your computer (optional). With your permission, we can automatically register this computer as a location that is authorized to access your account information. When we recognize a computer that is registered to you, you'll be able to sign on quickly, without confirmation questions.
AFTER SET UP, HOW TO USE SECURE SIGN ON
Using Secure Sign On is easy. First, after you enter your User ID, look for your picture and phrase before going further. It should be something you recognize.
If you sign on from a recognized computer, all you’ll need to do is enter your password. You’ll then be securely signed on to Online Banking. When you are using an unregistered computer, you’ll be asked to answer two of your confirmation questions. Once you answer the questions, you’ll be securely signed on to Online Banking.
As an additional benefit, if you forget your password and we recognize your computer, we’ll be able to reset your password once you answer the two confidence questions.
With these easy steps, you can continue to enjoy the added security and convenience of Online Banking, knowing you have extra protection from online fraud.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Watch the video
- Review Frequently Asked Questions
- Call us with questions 708-485-3100
