 |
 |
At First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas protecting your finances and privacy is an important matter. In addition to the many security features we offer, we also believe in keeping our customers and employees up to date on effective methods of preventing fraud and identity theft. We have compiled the following information to help you protect yourself.
v Keep your personal information such as PIN numbers and ATM/Debit cards safe. Do not share these with anyone.
v Shred all ATM receipts.
v Be aware of your surroundings including anyone who may be loitering around the ATM you are using. Make sure you keep your PIN number out of view.
v Do not count your cash where someone could easily see you.
Shred any papers with confidential information such as canceled checks or duplicate copies of checks. First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas allows you to reorder checks through Deluxe.com, a secure website for ordering. You can also order from a Customer Service Representative by calling us at (479) 738-2147 or (479) 582-0700.
Secure Code is a new service from Shazam and MasterCard that is an easy way to help protect you from identity theft and fraud when using your debit card. The objective of this new program is to improve the security of payment transactions via the internet. A simple enrollment process will provide you with a password much like your PIN number to use in completing online transactions. To enroll visit the Shazam Secure Code site at https://www.shazam.net/SecureCode.
Phishing, or hoax emails that appear to be from reputable companies are becoming more common. These emails usually ask you to click a link to the company’s website to provide or update your personal information. However, not all phishing emails ask for information, but instead download logging software or viruses on your computer when you click the link. Some signs that an email may be a phishing email are: the message seems to require immediate attention; links look legitimate since they contain all or part of real company’s website, or the email has spelling errors (these help the emails avoid spam filters). You can report phishing scams by forwarding the email to reportphishing@antiphishing.com or by forwarding the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov.
It is the policy of First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas to never email customers to verify or request any personal information. If you think you may have been a victim of phishing on your First State Bank of NWA account please contact us immediately at (479) 582-0700 or (479) 738-2147.
For more information on avoiding phishing scams read, “How Not to Get Hooked by Phishing Scam” (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm).
v Keep all of your passwords private. Passwords can only serve their purpose if they are kept to yourself.
v Always use the “Log Off” button to exit your internet banking session.
v Carefully read any privacy or security statements provided by online banking or other consumer related sites.
v Make sure that the security symbol appears in the lower right corner of your browser screen before sending any personal information via the internet.
How to Report a Possible Fraud
Your first step to report a possible fraud is to contact your local police department to file a report. You can call all three credit bureaus to flag your accounts and to obtain a copy of you credit report so you can identify any unusual activities. Notify your banks and credit card companies. These companies can help you monitor your accounts.
Identity Theft occurs when a criminal uses a person’s personal information to take on that person’s identity. This type of crime is the fastest growing white collar crime in the United States.
While you can’t completely keep yourself out of harms way, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim to ID theft by monitoring your credit report for suspicious activity. You are entitled to a free credit report once every twelve months under the new Fair Credit Reporting Act. To order your free report visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.
v WALK ALERT! Avoid suspicious situations or individuals.
v Stay out of “arms reach” of bushes, parked cars, alleys, doorways, and people asking directions.
v Avoid high-risk areas
v If being followed by:
o A car: turn around and walk the other direction.
o Someone walking: go to nearest well lighted area and/or other people.
v Do not accept rides from strangers!
Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov
FirstGov for Consumers: www.consumer.gov
Identity Theft Resource Center: www.idtheftcenter.org
Victims Assistance of America: www.victimsassistance.com
Home | About First State Bank | Internet Banking | Personal Banking | Business Banking
Services | Financial Calculators
Contact Us at:
479-738-2147 or
479-582-0700
© 2004. First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas. All rights reserved.
Read our privacy policy.