• Don’t share your secrets.
  Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
• Shred sensitive papers.
  Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
• Keep an eye out for missing mail.
  Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
• Use online banking to protect yourself.
  Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
• Monitor your credit report.
  Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
• Protect your computer.
  Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
• Protect your mobile device.
  Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments – especially for senders you don’t know.
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

What to do if you are a victim 

• Call your bank and credit card issuers immediately so they can close your accounts.
• Contact the fraud unit of the three credit reporting agencies. Place a fraud alert on your credit report and consider placing a credit freeze so the criminal can’t open new accounts. The fraud unit numbers are:

Equifax: (800) 525-6285
Experian: (888) 397-3742
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

• Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
• File a police report.
• Make sure to maintain a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down names, titles, and phone numbers in case you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.
• For more advice, visit the FTC’s website

Identity Theft is the most popular and profitable form of consumer fraud. It occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Below are some common ways identity theft can happen:

Phishing

Thieves may send unsolicited emails, pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The link is directed to a “spoof” website designed to look like a legitimate site. Here’s how it works:

• You receive an email message asking you to click on a link in order to update some sensitive personal information.
• The link will redirect you to a “spoofed” website, which is designed to look like a legitimate website.
• The website will ask you to input personal information such as your account numbers, PIN, or a social security number.

Skimming

Thieves may use a card reader device to copy the card’s magnetic strip to duplicate without the card owner’s knowledge.

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date.  Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
• Establish passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
  • Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov — and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.
• Recognize and avoid bogus website links. Cybercriminals embed malicious links to download malware onto devices and/or/ route users to bogus websites. Hover over suspicious links to view the actual URL that you are being routed to. Fraudulent links are often disguised by simple changes in the URL. For example: www.ABC-Bank.com vs ABC_Bank.com
• Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc.  Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to secure and encrypt your communications when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. (See the Federal Trade Commission’s tips for selecting a VPN app.)
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
• Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

To protect yourself from going to a spoofed website, always type: “www.fnbtx.bank” into your browser when you login to your First National Bank Online Banking account, instead of clicking a link in an email.

• Do not click links in emails to log in or to update or confirm your sensitive information.
• Do not fill out forms in emails.
• Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading files, regardless of who sent them.
• ‘Spam’, or mass email messages, often contain links to phishing websites and other unsavory websites.
• Many phishing scams originate outside of the United States. Be wary of emails from people or sources you do not know or trust.
• Poor grammar and misspelled words from unknown sources asking you for personal information are clear warning signs of a phishing scam being operated outside of the United States.
• Legitimate companies or organizations will never ask you to divulge any personal information over email.
• Phishing emails may also be fake contests or offerings asking you to input personal information.
• If an offer or email you receive is too good to be true, it most likely is.

One scheme by fraudsters involves spoofing bank error messages. Here’s how it works:

• Fraudsters will send you an email message about a data or site maintenance error at First National Bank or any of your banks.
• The email will ask you to click on a link which will redirect you to a site and will install malware on your computer.
• This malware allows scammers to intercept your password and bypass the dual authentication system many financial institutions use.
• The next time you attempt to log in to your online banking service, scammers attempt to steal your password and may quickly drain your account.

For your protection, we will not send you an email to update or confirm your sensitive information by clicking a link or replying.

Please do not send personal information via e-mail. Please utilize your Online Banking account to message us directly.

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine at that time.
• Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM. Don’t wait to get to the ATM and then take your card out of your wallet or purse.
• Visually inspect the ATM for possible skimming devices. Potential indicators can include sticky residue or evidence of an adhesive used by criminals to affix the device, scratches, damaged or crooked pieces, loose or extra attachments on the card slot, or noticeable resistance when pressing the keypad.
• Be careful that no one can see you enter your PIN at the ATM. Use your other hand or body to shield the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN into the ATM.
• 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 your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.
• If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.

• Park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area.
• Take another person with you, if at all possible.
• If the lights at the ATM are not working, don’t use it.
• If shrubbery has been overgrown or a tree blocks the view, select another ATM and notify your bank.