Online Safety and Security

While the internet can connect you to millions of people around the world, unfortunately the internet can also allow scammers to send fraudulent e-mails in attempts to get you to divulge your personal information (also called phishing).  For example, you may receive an e-mail that appears to be from a respected business, financial institution or government agency asking you to "update", "confirm", or "validate" your account information.  The e-mail may include wording such as "contact us immediately" and may include consequences if you do not respond, such as "your account may be frozen or suspended". In most of these scams there will be a link to a fraudulent website where your personal information is captured.  To protect yourself and your computer from online fraud do the following:

• Install commercial anti-virus and desktop firewall software on all computer systerms.  Free software may not provide protection against the latest threats compared with an industry standard product.
• Ensure virus protection and security software are updated regularly.
• Ensure computers are patched regularly with security patches, particularly operating systems and key applications.
• Install spyware detection programs.
• Clear the browser cache before starting an online banking session in order to eliminate copies of web pages that have been stored on the hard drive.
• Verify the use of a secure session (https not http) in the browser for all online banking transaction.
• Utilize security features available through First National's online banking service.
• Create a strong password with 8 characters that includes a combination of mixed case letters, numbers and special characters.
• Change the password 4 times each year.
• Never share username and password information for online services with third-parties.
• Avoid using automatic login features that save usernames and passwords for online banking.
• Never leave a computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
• Carefully and promptly review credit card and bank account statements for unauthorized activity.
• Never access bank, brokerage or other financial services information at Internet cafes, public libraries, etc.  Unauthorized software may have been installed to trap account number and login information, leaving you vulnerable to possible fraud.
• Be suspicious of e-mails requesting account information, account verification or banking access credentials such as usernames, passwords, PIN codes and similar information.  Opening file attachments or clicking on web links in suspicious e-mails could expose you to malicious code that could hijack your computer.  When in doubt, access your account by keying in the valid URL address rather than clicking on an e-mail link.  Remember:  First National Bank will never contact you to request your login information. 
   

Please contact First National Bank immediately if you have entered personal banking informaation on a fraudulent website.

Identity Theft Protection

Helpful Tips to Guard Against Identity Theft

1. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.  Thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and statements.  Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail.
2. Protect your ATM receipts.  Don't throw them in public trash cans.
3. Shred pre-approved credit card offers before throwing them away.
4. Shield your ATM transaction with your body to prevent someone from seeing your PIN.
5. Memorize your passwords and PIN numbers so no one can see them in writing.
6. Guard your social security numbers, DO NOT give your PIN or credit card numbers over the phone UNLESS you initiated the transactions.  Guard your social security numbers.
7. When you order new checks, verify that you have received all of the order when they arrive in the mail.
8. Review your credit report annually.  To obtain y our report call 1-877-322-8228 or wwwannualcreditreport.com.

 

Safety Measures to Keep Online Transactions Secure

1. Do not send sensitive information; i.e., account numbers, social security numbers, through unsecured e-mail.
2. When accessing an account online always use passwords or PIN numbers.
3. Virus protection and physical access controls should be used and updated regularly to provide security for your personal computer.

What to do if You are a Victim of Identity Theft

1. Immediately close your accounts and create passwords for your new accounts.
2. Request a "Fraud Alert" with the three major credit bureaus to assure that new credit is not granted without your approval.  They are listed as follows:

Equifax 1-800-525-6285

Experian 1-888-397-6742

Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

 

Alerts

Did you know?  On FirstNet Banking you can receive an e-mail or Netteller alert telling you when your account has reached a specified amount, when a CD is maturing, receive ACH Credit or Debit, or automatic transfer is expiring, etc.

These are some of the ways FirstNet Banking can keep you informed about your account.  It is very simple to set up an Alert.  Just login to NetTeller, click "Option" on the Account Listing page, and click "Alerts".  You then can select from a number of alert option.