Citizens Security : Protect Your Identity

Protect Your Identity

You've probably heard about identity theft, people stealing other people's personal information to use for illegal purposes. In a new scheme called "phishing," (pronounced "fishing") ID thieves trick people into providing their Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN numbers, mothers' maiden names, or other personal information by pretending to be someone they're not. Pharming and pretext calling are other forms of identity theft. In an effort to educate our customers on these concerns, we have posted some helpful information.

Phishing

Phishing is fraudulent emails alleging to be from your bank or a similar trusted source that lures you to a copy cat website (one that may look just like your bank's site). Once there you are instructed to "verify" certain information, which is then used to hijack your accounts and your identity. If you receive a suspicious email, delete the message and call us to inform us of the email. Our phone number is 1.888.272.8866.

Smishing

This is very similar to "phishing". However, smishing is when an SMS text message is sent to a mobile phone. This text message will try to get you to give information including a name, date of birth, address, phone number, social security number, account number, password, etc. Citizens Security Bank will never send you a text message asking you to verify information. If this occurs or you have any questions, please contact us at 1.888.272.8866.

Pharming

Pharming is when computer hackers redirect a website to a false website that looks similar to the original. This false website will often ask for personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. These hackers will use your information to access your bank account, steal your identity, or commit other fraud in your name. Please contact us if you notice any suspicious activity.

Pretext Calling

Pretext calling is when someone calls the bank and pretends to be a customer. They will provide certain information to retrieve more information including biographical and account information. The bank takes steps to prevent this, such as giving limited information over the phone. They will also only give information to those who have identified themselves correctly. For this reason, you should be very careful with personal information, PIN numbers, passwords, and so forth so that it does not end up in the wrong hands.

Keystroke Logging or Keylogging

Keylogging is a method by which fraudsters record your actual keystrokes and mouse clicks. Key loggers are "Trojan" software programs that can detect and copy any files opened on your computer, internet pages visited, information keyed in, and much more. Passwords and personal information can be stolen using this method. To protect yourself from fraudsters using keylogging, make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are valid and up to date.

How do thieves get your personal information?

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of ways to gain access to your personal information. For example, they may:

Steal your wallet or purse.
Steal your mail.
Complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.
Rummage through your trash or public trash dumps.
Collect your information through e-mail or phone, sometimes by pretending they're from a legitimate company and claiming that you have a problem with your account.

How can you tell if someone has stolen your information?

Failing to receive bills or other mail on time.
Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply.
Denial of credit for no apparent reason.
Receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about products or services you didn't buy.

Precautions you should take:

Carefully monitor te balances an statements of all your financial accounts.
Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.
Place passwords on all of your financial accounts.
Limit the number of credit cards or other identifying information that you want to carry.
Tear or shred any identifying information before throwing it away. Don't forget pre-approved credit offers, charge receipts, checks and bank statements and insurance forms.
Update the virus protection software on your PC regularly; do not open files from strangers or companies you don't know.
Use a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive disposing of a computer.

Citizens Security Bank's Role

Please remember that Citizens Security Bank will never send an email or make a phone call prompting you for personal information such as account numbers, pin numbers, social security numbers, mother's maiden name, and so forth. If you do receive an unexpected email asking you for personal information, do not click on any links in the email. If you have received an email such as this, please notify us immediately at 888-272-8866.

What should you do if you are victim of a phishing scam?

If you provided account numbers, PINs or passwords to a phisher, notify the companies with which you have those accounts immediately.
Put a "fraud alert" on your files at the credit reporting bureaus. For information about how to do that and other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Clearinghouse at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or toll-free, 877-438-4338. The TDD number is 202-326-2502.
File a "Miscellaneous Incidents" report at a police station where the identity theft occurred, and get a copy of the police report. It can help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime.
Even if you were not victimized, you should report phishing to the company or agency that was being impersonated and to the National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org or toll-free 800-876-7060. The TDD number is 202-835-0778.

Remember, security tools such as PIN numbers and passwords help keep your transactions safe. Keep them private. Learn more about how to protect your personal and financial information at www.phishinginfo.org.