Identity Theft Protection tips when Shopping Online
1 . Make sure you have installed and updated antivirus, anti-malware and personal firewall software on your computer. Your operating system and Internet browser should be updated with the latest security patches. 2. Only shop on secure sites. To see if a Web site is secure, look for “https” in the address bar. Also, there’s usually a small yellow padlock logo at the right of your Web browser address bar. Make sure that you enter the correct URL. There are cases where hackers have purchased misspelled domains. 3. Shopping Web sites have no reason to ask for your Social Security number, or passwords to your e-mail or bank accounts as part of the buying process. Never provide them. 4. If you suspect a Web site is not what it claims, leave it immediately. Do not click any buttons on the site, run any content or download any software. Use different “strong” passwords (those that are more secure) for online retailers and your personal e-mail accounts. A strong password is composed of numbers, upper- and lower-case letters and symbols. For example, a password like “3Dogz$$!” is a better option than “1006.” The longer and more unique the password the better, but make sure it’s also something you can remember. 5. Before purchasing anything on a Web site, read site reviews or blog comments by other people. Use sites such as Pricegrabber.com or Froogle.com (Google shopping) for comparing prices and to read users’ reviews of the retail Web site. 6. Retailers may try to lure you into saving your personal information on their Web site in return for more convenience or better deals. Don’t do it. So many Web sites have had their customer databases breached by identity thieves lately that it’s just not worth the risk. 7. Read each Web site’s return and privacy policy before making your purchase. 8. Be aware of phishing e-mail scams that include Web site links advertising incredible deals. Rather than clicking on them, type the link of known sites by hand into your browser. 9. Do not send your payment information via regular e-mail; these communications are not secure. 10. As a general rule, uncheck boxes advertising “additional offers.” These services are sometimes offered for a low initial fee that later increases to a high, recurring charge on your card. 11. Save records of all your purchases either in an electronic document or on paper. 12. Don’t forget to power off your computer completely when you are finished using it.
ATM Myth - PIN Reversal
You may have seen an email stating, or heard otherwise, that if you are in danger at an ATM, you may enter your PIN number backwards to alert the police, but this is not true. Financial Institutions within the United States want you to know that PIN reversal is not a security feature on ATM's.
Protect yourself from internet scams and identity theft First State Bank & Trust Co. does not and will not ask for personal information in email messages. You should make it common practice not to disclose this type of information in e-mails to anyone because security cannot be guaranteed. For more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft, please visit with one of our representatives about our SmartChoice Checking Account, which has identity theft protection benefits.
Protect yourself from Phishing ScamsFor your protection, please remember to NEVER click links or install programs suggested in emails, even if the email appears to be from an official or familiar source. First State Bank & Trust Co. will never send you an email containing links to download software or applications.
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