Additional Resources

Fraud Prevention Tips

There are millions of customers who fall victim to fraud annually in the United States. Anyone with a bank account must take additional precautions to protect and secure their personal information. Guarding yourself from fraudsters requires minimal time and can be easier than you think. Here are some simple ways to secure your bank account and help prevent fraud.

• Check your account activity regularly. View your account and make sure there are no unexpected transactions. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.
• Do not give out account information over the phone or through email. Your bank WILL NOT call you or email you requesting your account number, PIN or password.
• Do not click links embedded in emails.
• Keep your PIN and passwords secret. Do not give them out to anyone, and never write them down on paper, in an email, or in a text message.
• Use a strong password for online banking. When possible, use lower case, upper case, special characters and numbers.
• Change passwords frequently. Get a new password every few months and do not reuse the same password on multiple platforms.
• Use anti-virus protection software and keep your device updated with the most recent security patches.
• Do not use public Wi-Fi or public computers for online banking.
• Report lost or stolen debit cards immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings at ATM machines and watch for skimming devices. Always take your ATM receipts with you.
• Shred documents and old checks and bank statements. Anything with account information should be destroyed beyond recognition.
• Minimize check writing: Checks display a lot of personal information, including your phone number, address, bank, account number and signature. If you are going to write a check, use permanent ink and do not leave any blank spaces on your check.

Online Banking Security Best Practices

The online security measures used by The First National Bank of Gordon are only effective if customers fulfill their responsibilities as outlined in the terms and conditions of our online banking and mobile banking agreements. Here are some helpful tips when using our online banking services.

• Create a strong password with at least 8 characters. When possible, use lower case, upper case, special characters and numbers.
• Change your password frequently.
• Never share username and password information with anyone. Make sure access credentials are unique.
• Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves usernames and passwords.
• Do not use a public computer for logging into online banking. Avoid public Wi-Fi.
• Check your last login date and time every time you log in.
• Review account balances and detail transactions regularly (preferably daily) to confirm payment and other transaction data. Immediately report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution.
• View transfer history on a regular basis.
• Whenever possible, use Bill Pay instead of checks to limit account number exposure and to obtain better electronic recordkeeping.
• View all system alerts. This includes balance alerts, transfer alerts, password change alerts, and Bill Pay alerts.
• Never leave a computer unattended while using online banking. Always LOG OUT when finished with the session.
• Report known incidents of access credential theft and/or unauthorized online account access immediately.
• Protect the system’s security on devices used to access accounts. Use updated antivirus software and perform regular scans.
• Use compatible web browsers and/or operating systems during online sessions.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal data to impersonate you, such as your name, Social Security number, and birthdate. This is most commonly used for financial gain. Identity theft continues to be a growing problem and concern. It is smart to take steps to prevent malicious actors from using your personal information to ruin your financial life. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from identity theft.

• Secure your Social Security Number (SSN). Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary. When you are asked for your number, ask why it is needed and how it will be protected.
• Don’t share personal information such as birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number.
• Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Don’t reuse passwords. Change your passwords frequently. Consider using a password manager when possible.
• Fight phishing and spoofing. Scammers can make phone calls that appear to come from government entities or businesses, and emails that appear to be just as legitimate. This may be an attempt to steal your information. DON’T GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU INITIATED THE CONTACT.
• Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days. Stolen mail is one of the easiest paths to a stolen identity.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles. Call if bills don’t arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
• Use the security features on your mobile phone. Always secure your phone or tablet with a password.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. When possible, use a virtual private network (VPN).
• Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements and watch for unauthorized transactions.
• Review medical statements. Review your explanation of benefits statements to make sure you recognize the services provided.
• Shred your documents. Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent dumpster divers from getting your personal information.
• Store personal information in a safe place. For documents that you are required to retain for any period of time, utilize a safe or locked storage cabinet.
• Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer. Update regularly.
• Install software updates and keep your devices secure.
• Avoid spyware. Download free software only from sites you know and trust.
• When shopping online, check out a web site before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Shop with merchants that are known and trusted.
• Tighten your social media privacy settings.
• Stop pre-approved credit offers. They make a tempting target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 1-888-567-8688 or opt out online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
• Review your credit reports once a year. Be certain that they don’t include accounts that you have not opened. You are allowed one (1) free credit report every year from each of the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These can be pulled online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Freeze your credit files with Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.

Debit Card and ATM Safety

The First National Bank of Gordon takes a number of precautions when it comes to protecting your debit card, as well as keeping our customers safe at the ATM machine. Here is what you the customer can do to take it a step further.

Protecting your Debit Card

• Always protect your debit card and keep it in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks.
• Do not leave your debit card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you. Immediately notify the bank if lost or stolen.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it down anywhere, especially on your debit card.
• Never give any information about your debit card or PIN over the phone. Unless you initiated the contact, the bank will never ask you for this information.

ATM Safety

Using an ATM is a simple process: insert your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw your cash. However, this simple task can open you and your finances up to certain dangers if you are not careful. Here are some general safety tips for using the ATM.

• Have your card ready to use as you approach the ATM.
• Lock your car. Always lock your car before you approach the ATM.
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction.
• Check the ATM for a card skimmer. If you notice anything suspicious or out of place, leave the area and alert the institution.
• Be careful that no one can see you enter your PIN number. Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Use your other hand or body to shield the keyboard as you enter your PIN number.
• To keep your account information confidential, always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
• Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put it away and count it later.
• Get in your car immediately and leave the location.
• Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any discrepancies.