Online Banking Scams
The online banking industry has seen an increase in fraudulent activity over the past years. With key loggers, virus attacks, and phishing scams becoming more prevalent, are you doing all you can to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud?
- Use Anti-Virus software.
- Keep your Operating System up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Don’t open email from unknown sources.
- Change passwords every 90 days.
- Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves usernames and passwords for online banking.
- Never allow an individual or business the ability to have remote access on your computer.
Internet Scams
- Phishing– You receive an email that appears to come from a bank. The email will warn you of a serious problem. The email will encourage you to click on a link that directs you to a fake website. Then you will be asked for account or personal information.
- Keylogging– is a method by which fraudsters record your actual keystrokes and mouse clicks. Keyloggers are “Trojan” software programs that target your computer’s operating system (Windows, Mac OS, etc.) and are “installed” via a virus. They can be particularly dangerous because the fraudster will capture your user ID and password, account number, Social Security Number, and anything else you type.
Debit Card Fraud … that can create severe financial stress.
Educate yourself on keeping yourself protected with these simple tips.
- Never write your PIN on your card.
- Promptly reconcile your monthly statement and report any unauthorized charges immediately.
- Never give your account number or PIN to someone who says they are a Greenwoods State Bank employee. Greenwoods State Bank has no reason to ask you for that information.
- Download and utilize Card Management on the Mobile Banking app for additional fraud prevention.
On The Phone
- Sign up for the Wisconsin NO CALL list to limit incoming sales calls at 1-866-966-2255 or wisconsin.gov.
- Do not give out personal information – legitimate companies will not ask for it.
- Be aware of Caller ID (Spoofing) scams.
When You Travel
Be aware of your surroundings when providing information – someone may overhear. Use a credit card whenever possible and notify the bank to set a travel alert on your debit card.
Shred Your Documents
Especially your monthly bills if you typically throw them away after paying them. Consider paying your bills online using Greenwoods State Bank’s online bill pay service.
Electronic and Online Purchases
Verify a website is secure before sharing information. Limit your time online and close your browser when done with transactions. Use a pre-paid card or credit card, not a debit card.
More Tips
- When ordering checks, do not print your SSN, middle initial, or driver’s license number on the checks.
- Avoid writing your account numbers on your checks when paying bills.
- Read privacy statements & opt-out of personal information sharing whenever possible.
- Ask questions when giving out personal information to legitimate companies.
If You Suspect Fraud
- File a Police Report.
- Contact Greenwoods State Bank and report the fraud activity.
- Request your credit report. You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You may choose to receive them all at once or space them out over the year.
Resources
- http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/
- Use FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator to calculate the insurance coverage of your accounts. https://www.fdic.gov/edie/index.html
