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Protect Yourself From Fraud
Online Fraud Prevention
 Make sure the security features of your computer software, including
your Web browser, are up-to-date.
When reviewing your email, always be vigilant of scams. Keep in mind
that forging e-mails and creating fraudulent web sites have become easier
for criminals because of the advancements in technology.
Confirm any and
all requests you receive for personal, financial or account information.
Always be leery of requests that say it is urgent that you provide information.
Be sure to call a company to confirm that they have indeed requested
personal or account information from you to verify your account. You may
also want to go to the company’s web site to confirm any requests that
appear to be from them.
Never share your
login identification or passwords with anyone. Make sure you
choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess and use
different passwords for each of your accounts. Also, take advantage of
the option to change your password.
***Be careful before you provide your e-mail address to any questionable
web sites. Sharing your email address makes you more likely to receive
fraudulent emails.***
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PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST FAKE
CHECK SCAMS
The checks you would receive in the scams look so real that many times a
bank teller would not spot them as fake. Some are phony cashiers checks,
others may look as if they are from a business. The business name on the
checks may be real, but the checks are usually counterfeited by the people
pulling the scam.
Under federal law, banks must make the funds you deposit available
quickly - usually within one to five days. However, just because you can
withdraw the money doesn’t mean the check is good, even if it is a cashiers
check. Forgeries often take time to be discovered.
Unfortunately, you are responsible for the check you deposited if it is
discovered later to be fraudulent. That is because you are in the best position
to determine how risky the transaction is with the other person. If the check
bounces, you owe the bank the money you withdrew. The bank may be able to take
it from your accounts.
Fake check scammers often scan newspapers and online advertisements for people
listing items for sale, and check postings on online job sites for people
seeking employment. They place their own ads with phone numbers or email
addresses for people to contact them. They may even call or send emails or faxes
to people randomly.
Remember,
there is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask
you to wire money back. This action is a clear sign that it is a scam.
If you think someone is trying to pull a fake check scam, don’t deposit
it...report it! Feel free to call TheBANK immediately.
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ATM/Debit Card Fraud
Here are some tips on using your ATM and Debit
card safely...
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Do not talk to other people about your
ATM account and how much money you have in it unless they are
authorized users on the account.
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Don't lay your ATM or Debit card around
the house, car, work, or any other place where someone could steal
and use it.
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Examine ALL of your statements you
receive from TheBANK for anything out of the ordinary like an
unknown purchase or cash withdrawal.
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DO NOT
let anyone know your Personal Identification Number.
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Be careful that no one
sees you type in your Personal Identification Number when you
initiate any type of transaction. Use your body to shield the
debit card or ATM keyboard when making transactions.
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Never use common numbers
like your birth year or your SSN to determine your Personal
Identification Number.
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Make sure that you
receive YOUR debit card after a transaction by looking at the name
on the front of the card.
IF YOUR DEBIT CARD
IS LOST OR STOLEN
Contact TheBANK of Edwardsville Card Services Department
immediately at 618-656-0012
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Identity
Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing
crimes in the country. Your identity can be stolen in a matter of
minutes. Following these tips can save you from becoming
a victim of ID theft.
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Give your social
security number only when it is absolutely necessary. Most
businesses only need the last 4 digits if you can provide them with
other information.
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Shred receipts or
statements that you no longer need. This will make it harder
for someone to get personal information.
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Do not give ANY personal
information to anyone over the phone or internet unless you
initiated the contact.
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Do not let billing
statements or credit card advertisements stay in your mailbox.. This
gives criminals easy access to your information without them
entering your home or your computer.
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Review your credit
report.
How can I tell if I may be involved in a
fraud or a scam?
Review the 10 questions complied by the FBI
to help determine if you may be responding to a scam or have become
involved with a fraudulent scheme.
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Is the CHECK from an item
you sold on the Internet, such as a car, boat, jewelry, ect?
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Is the amount of the CHECK
more than the item's selling price?
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Did you receive the CHECK
via an overnight delivery service?
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Is the CHECK connected to
communications with someone by email?
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Is the CHECK drawn on a
business or individual account that is different from
the person buying your item or product?
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Have you been informed that
you were the winner of a LOTTERY, such as Canadian,
Australian, El Gordo, or El Mundo, that you did not
enter?
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Have you been instructed to
either "WIRE", "SEND" OR "SHIP", "MONEY", as soon as
possible, to a large U.S. city or to another country,
such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
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Have you been asked to PAY
money to receive a deposit from another country such as
Canadian, England, or Nigeria?
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Are you receiving PAY or
COMMISSION for facilitating money transfers through your
account?
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Did you respond to an email
requesting you to CONFIRM, UPDATE, OR PROVIDE your
account information?
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Please contact our Fraud/Security Department
directly by calling Cindy Ray at
618.659.4430 or Nancy Thornburgh at 618.659.4410.
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Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC