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 emails in attempts to get you to divulge your personal information (also called “phishing”). For example, you may receive an email that appears to be from a respected business, financial institution or government agency asking you to “update,” “confirm,” or “validate” your account information. The email 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:

• Install commercial anti-virus and desktop firewall software on all computer systems. 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 transactions.


• 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 emails 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 email 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 information 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.
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. The major credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax 800-685-1111
Experian 888-397-3742
Trans Union 800-888-4213

Safety Measures to Keep Online Transactions Secure

1. Do not send sensitive information; i.e., account numbers, social security numbers, through unsecured email.
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.