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Fraud Prevention and Cyber Security

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Protect Your Personal Information

Safeguard your privacy with these fraud prevention tips:

  • Do not share your User ID or Password with anyone. First State will NEVER ask for your personal information through email.  
  • Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Never respond to, click any link in, or open an attachment in an email that requests information about you or your accounts.
  • Pay close attention to the URL (internet address) behind the link. Often in phishing attempts, if you hover the cursor over the link the fraudsters want you to click on, it has nothing to do with the actual company they claim to be.
  • Select a PIN that you can easily remember. Never keep your PIN written down in your wallet, purse or on the debit card itself.
  • Be aware of devices designed to steal information from ATMs. If you notice the keypad seems to protrude oddly from the surface around it, or you can see an odd color change between the pad and the ATM, it could be an ATM skimmer capturing your information.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from accessing your information.
  • Check your account regularly. Contact First State immediately of any questionable or unauthorized account activity.
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Cyber Security Tips

  • Use Password-Protect – Make sure that your devices require a password and lock your device when you step away from it. This ensures that you are the only one who can log in to your device and access private information.
  • Manage Your Passwords – Avoid writing down your passwords.  Make sure your passwords are unique for each site.  If you use the help of a password manager, you can check and change any weak passwords.
  • Don’t Over-Share – Don’t share your log in credentials with anyone- friends, family or coworkers. Consider configuring your social media accounts so that only your friends can see your posts and limit the amount of personal profile information that is publicly visible.
  • Keep Malware Out – Ensure that your device has antivirus protection and avoid downloading pirated movies or music. Even if you’re on a legitimate site, these things can expose you to malware.
  • Don’t Be Fooled – Be cautious of text messages or emails claiming you’ve won a big reward or ask for personal information.  Be aware of phishing messages that pretend to be from a trusted site.  If you are unsure whether the message is valid, navigate to the site yourself and check it out, or phone the relevant department; do not click on any links.
  • Beware Insecure Networks – If you use an institution’s network or free Wi-Fi, your connection could be open to snooping by other users.  A VPN (Virtual Private Network) utility will both protect your connection and let you surf anonymously.
  • Secure Your Phone - Set up a lock screen using a PIN, swipe code, facial recognition or anything your phone supports. Remember, your phone contains contacts, photos and other personal information you don’t want leaked.
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Password Tips to Keep Your Accounts Secure

  • Create original passwords that contain a combination of letters, numbers and special characters (#, &, %) if allowed
  • Passwords should be at least 8 characters
  • Use both capital and lowercase letters
  • Change passwords often. Even if it is not required, it is a good practice to change your passwords at least every six months. An easy way to remember: change them when you change your clocks to adjust for Daylight Savings Time.

Avoid Using:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Account numbers
  • Phone numbers or addresses
  • Birthdates or anniversaries
  • Obvious or common nicknames
  • Common words from the dictionary
  • The word "password"
  • Additional Precautions:
  • Use a unique password for each service or website
  • Choose a password you can easily remember so you don't have to write it down
  • Avoid using software that saves or remembers your passwords