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Bank of Franklin County places a high priority on the security of your identity and confidential information. Fraudsters are continually devising new, sophisticated techniques to mine personal information from consumers that may be used for identity theft and other criminal purposes. Below are links to keep you informed about current phishing techniques and tips to help identify and avoid these and other scams online.

 

Texts & Phone Calls Claiming To Be From BFC

There has been an increase in fraud text messages and phone calls attempting to confirm fake transactions. These LOOK like they come from a BFC phone number. If a customer replies that this isn’t familiar to them, they receive a call from someone impersonating a bank representative. Through conversation, the impersonator attempts to convince the customer to provide the credentials they need to access the customer’s digital banking account. BFC will NEVER ask for your password.

To project yourself from potential phone scams:

• Never give out your personal information without being sure you are talking to someone at BFC.
• If you aren't sure who you are talking to, tell the caller you are hanging up and calling your branch directly.
  
• Someone asking for your password should be a huge red flag. 

Email Claiming To Be From the FDIC

There are currently numerous fraudulent emails in circulation claiming to be from the FDIC that direct the recipient to click on a link within the email. The FDIC does not issue unsolicited email to consumers. Recipients should consider the intent of the email as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto the recipient’s computer. Do NOT follow the link in the fraudulent email or open any attachments associated with the email.

Subscribe to receive email updates on FDIC consumer alerts.

Email Claiming To Be From the IRS

The IRS is aware of several fraudulent emails in circulation using the IRS name and logo and claiming to be from the IRS. These emails are phishing attempts to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets.

Please visit the IRS Newsroom site for more detailed information. 

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime. It can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation. It takes time, money, and patience to resolve. Identity theft happen when someone steals your personal information and used it without your permission.

Red Flags of Identity Theft:

• mistakes on your bank, credit card, or other account statements
• mistakes on the explanation of medical benefits from your health plan
• your regular bills and account statements don't arrive on time
• mail, emails, or calls about accounts or jobs in your minor child's name
• unwarranted collection notices on your credit report
• unexpectedly turned down for a loan or job

Federal Trade Commission: Taking Charge: What to do if your Identity is Stolen pamphlet is available online. Click for more details. 

*Article*
10 Things You Can Do To Avoid Fraud
source: Federal Trade Commission: Protecting America's Consumers

General Security Tips

The following are tips that can help keep your computer and personal information secure:

• Install anti-virus/anti-malware software and keep it up-to-date.
  
• Install available updates to your operating system, especially security-related updates. Most operating systems have an option to notify you of updates or automatically install them as they become available.
  
• Keep all other application software up-to-date (for example, Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, and Java). Many applications have an option to notify you of updates or automatically install them as they become available.
  
• Consider uninstalling or disabling unneeded software or web browser add-ons.
  
• Log in to your computer as a limited user rather than a computer administrator when surfing the web or reading e-mail.
  
• When creating passwords, do not choose words that appear in a dictionary. Use numbers, symbols, and both upper and lower case letters.
  
• Never use the same password for more than one website or service.
  
• Think carefully before opening unexpected e-mail attachments or following links received via email.
  
• Public Wi-Fi networks, frequently offered at cafes, shops, hotels, and other gathering places, are typically not secure.  Do not conduct online banking or other sensitive transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

The following links provide additional information on computer and information security

http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/
http://www.sans.org/tip_of_the_day.php
http://www.dhs.gov/cybersecurity-tips
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/assistance/index.html
http://krebsonsecurity.com/online-banking-best-practices-for-businesses/