Consumer Alerts
The Stephenson National Bank & Trust feels that it is important to alert the community to scams and fraudulent activity. Awareness is the key to avoiding being victimized by these types of crimes.
Any legitimate financial institution will NEVER ask you to verify your personal account information. Remember, keep any your personal information such as PIN, Credit or Debit Card number, and Social Security number in a safe location.
Tips Regarding Target Data Breach - SNBT is working with our card processors to see if any of our customers' cards were compromised, If you shopped at a Target Store between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 you could be at risk. Target is offering advice and answers to common questions.
How to Keep Personal Information Safe
Personal information that you should never release in a conversation that you did not initiate includes…
1. Bank Account Numbers
2. Credit or Debit Card Numbers
3. Personal Identification Number (PIN)
4. Social Security Numbers
5. Bank Online Access ID or Password
If you receive a call asking for you to provide this information - DO NOT give it out!
Feel safe knowing your ATM & Debit Card transactions are monitored by Fraud Detective Click Here to learn more.
Informational Articles
Keylogging software allows cybercrooks the ability to see what you type, for instance your access ID or password. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cybercrime creates a $100 billion annual loss to the U.S. economy. More...
Security Tips to Protect Yourself Online
- That contain unfamiliar links or attachments
- Are unsolicited and from an unknown sender
- Are sent multiple times from different senders
- Contain poor grammar or incorrectly spelled words
- Are from one of your contacts but only contain a mysterious link
Consumer Fraud Information
Identity Theft is a generic term that covers a number of possible loss situations including purse/wallet snatch, mail theft, insider sources, imposters, spyware, phishing scams, account takeover (using account information to commit a fraud), full-blown identity theft (an imposter obtains personal information about the victim and “takes over” their identity in another location, normally another state), and data compromise.
Check fraud is where consumers are tricked into depositing counterfeit cashier’s checks and money orders with instructions to send funds back to someone, either the remitter or another person involved with the scam. When the check is returned to the bank as counterfeit, the consumer is legally responsible for restitution.
Education is the best way to protect you from these types of thefts. Arm yourself with as much information and knowledge about what avenues these thieves are taking to get your money or your identity. Many government agencies websites provide information on various frauds and identity theft; they also provide instructions on what to do if you’ve been victimized.
Articles and Tips:
Taking Charge - What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen a 68-page comprehensive resource guide from the Federal Trade Commission
Be On Guard Against Texting Scams
You Have the Power to Stop Identity Theft
Potential Scams Target Holiday Shoppers
Suggested websites are:
www.idtheft.gov Resources from the government
www.staysafeonline.org Powered by the National Cyber Security Alliance
www.annualcreditreport.com Obtain your free credit report
www.creditkarma.com Access to all of your financial information in one location - FREE!
www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com FBI & US Postal Inspection Service
www.debitsavvy.org Resource for responsible debit card use
www.fdic.gov/consumers Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC)
www.ftc.gov/consumer Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
http://www.privacy.wi.gov/ WI Office of Privacy Protection
http://www.ic3.gov/ Internet Crime Complaint Center
www.onguardonline.gov/ Federal Trade Commission, Homeland Security, Office of Justice Programs, US Postal Inspection, Dept of Commerce, Securities & Exchange Commission