Internet Safety for Kids
When your kids begin socializing online, you may want to talk to them about certain risks. This article provides steps on how to reduce online risks.
Security Center
Security Tips for Timberland Bank Customers
Computer-related crimes affecting businesses or consumers are frequently in the news. While federally insured financial institutions are required to have vigorous information security programs to safeguard financial data, consumers also need to know how to protect and maintain their computer systems and web-enabled devices so they can steer clear of fraudsters.
Identity Theft and Fraud
In this electronic age, your personally identifying information has become a gold mine to the thieves and fraudsters in this world. And it seems there is never an end to the ways they will try to obtain that information from you. They are looking for your Social Security number, your account numbers, your credit card numbers - any confidential information that personally identifies you.
Once fraudsters obtain this information, you can become a victim of identity theft. They can loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel.
Phishing
A very common approach is a new type of Internet piracy called "phishing". It's pronounced "fishing" and that is exactly what thieves are doing; they are fishing for your personal information. Once you know what phishing is and how it works, you can protect yourself and stop this crime. Here's a few steps to take to protect yourself from this form of identity theft.
- NEVER provide your personal information including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or on the Internet if you did not initiate the contact.
- NEVER click on a link provided in an e-mail you believe to be fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.
- DO NOT be intimidated by an e-mail or a phone caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
- IF you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company's Web site by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously bookmarked, instead of the link provided in the e-mail.
- If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution, place fraud alerts on your credit files, monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
Check, Card and Mail Fraud
Check fraud has been around for awhile and there is no indication it is going to go away anytime soon. Here are a few tips to help you identify whether a check is legitimate or altered in some way.
- Always verify photo identification when accepting a stranger's check, even if they've already written the ID number on the check. A common scam is to have the ID number already conveniently located on the check so the person receiving the check has a great comfort level.
- Always check the Memo line. If it says anything other than the transaction you are processing, it's likely a bad check.
- Keep an eye out for common alterations involved in check fraud such as:
- Are all the fonts the same throughout the check?
- Are there misspelled words?
- Does the area code for the phone number make sense for the address?
- Is there a bank or credit union listed on the check with a small logo?
- Does the check have a bad odor or scent?
- Is the print clear and crisp or fuzzy and blurred?
- Does the check feel like a real check or is the texture off?
- Is the check discolored or stained?
- Can you see other writing on the check?
As always, if you suspect something is wrong with a check you receive, please stop by one of our branches for assistance. We'll be happy to help!
Safeguard Smart Devices
Securing your web-enabled devices and keeping personally identifiable information safe and secure these days is of the utmost importance. Here are some simple steps you can take to secure your devices.
Protecting Your Information
Imagine the following scenario: You receive a text message, email, or phone call saying there's a problem with your bank account. You're given a phone number to call or a website to log into and you are asked to provide personal identifiable information in order to fix the problem, like a bank account number, PIN, or credit card number. But beware: There may be criminals on the other end of the phone or website who are attempting to collect your personal information. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself across all of your devices.
Emails and Text Messages
Be suspicious of unsolicited emails and text messages asking you to click on a link or download an attachment. It's easy for fraudsters to copy corporate or government logos into fake e-mails that can install malware on your computer.
"Your best bet is to ignore any unsolicited request for immediate action or personal information, no matter how genuine it looks," said Michael Benardo, Manager of the FDIC's Cyber Fraud and Financial Crimes Section. "If you decide to validate the request by contacting the party that it is supposedly from, use a phone number or e-mail address that you have used before or otherwise know to be correct. Don't rely on the one provided in the email."
