Electronic banking offers exceptional convenience and efficiency for customers, and we use the latest technology and tools to ensure it’s safe and secure as well.
Along with everything we do, you play the most important role in protecting your personal information and accounts. Being aware and informed about how to protect your personal information is the first line of defense. Criminals look for opportunities to gain access to your accounts by tricking you into giving them personal information in different ways. You can avoid giving them what they need by staying informed about common practices.
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH GOOD HABITS
- Protect your usernames and passwords or PIN’s. Don’t give them to anyone
- Contact your bank regarding any suspicious activity
- Keep your social security number in a safe place – never carry it with you
- Report lost or stolen credit cards, debit cards, driver’s license or ID cards immediately
- Shred any documents you no longer need that have personally identifiable information
- Report any missed account statements to your bank in case they have been stolen from your mailbox
- Sign up for eStatements. This keeps your information out of the hands of thieves who might steal them from the mail or trash
SAFE ONLINE COMPUTING PRACTICES
- Software Updates – many viruses take advantage of bugs in software. Updating frequently will protect your computer
- Anti-virus software – These are programs that have been designed to detect viruses which may infect your computer through emails you receive or programs you download from the internet
- Firewalls – Used to block outside attacks from hackers, filter infected files or emails, and alert you if an unauthorized user tries to access your system
- Encryption – With this technology, your data is encrypted, or scrambled, so even if it is intercepted by criminals, it won’t be easy to read or use
- Passwords – The longer and more unique the password, the less likely it is to be deciphered by a perpetrator using even the most sophisticated techniques
- Create a completely unique password for each application or account
- Longer passwords are harder to crack. Use a passphrase such as a short sentence or random words (ie. “Time for strong coffee!” or “lost-clam-crawl-beach”)
- Don’t create passwords that are specific to you such as your spouse’s name or your birthdate
- Two-step verification – Often called two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication, requires you to have two things when you log into your account, your password and a numeric code generated or sent to your smartphone. This ensures even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get into your accounts.
- Log-Off – always log off and close your browser especially when using a public computer. The next person to use it might be able to access your account if you haven’t logged off properly
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
We want you to know about ways you can protect your information. The following web sites offer helpful information and consumer guidance, and we encourage you to visit them. If you are ever in doubt about a request for information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your bank is aware of most scams and has access to key resources when new ones appear.
- Tips on privacy, identity theft and online security.
- Scam alerts
- Protecting yourself online
- Information about types of Internet Fraud
REPORTING FRAUD
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam or financial fraud, the following are different organizations to file reports with:
Internet Crime Complaint Center
- FBI portal to file an Internet crime complaint.
- Report Identity theft
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Report Mail Fraud (Mailed Scams, example: Sweepstakes, lotteries, work-at home scams)
- Report Identity Theft
Information about current fraud scams:
- Online Onguard – Hosted by the Federal Government and the technology industry
- Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection
- FDIC – Consumer Protection Tips
- The ID Theft Center – An organization focused on the understanding and prevention of identity theft
- Free annual credit reports – Helps consumers monitor their credit to prevent or minimize the effects of identity theft
we are here to help
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, please contact us as soon as possible.
If you have received an email from us that you feel is fraudulent, forward it to Compliance@cypressbanktrust.com and we will investigate.
If you are uncomfortable forwarding the email, or if you fear you have already provided personal information over the internet to a fraudster or identity thief, please contact Cypress Bank & Trust as soon as possible at 321-306-4100 or toll free at 800-439-8745.