DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD SECURITY

If your personal information has been compromised, take the following steps to safeguard your account and help protect against potential misuse of your account information:

• Sign up for email and/or text alerts through Online Banking.
• Review your account for unauthorized transactions.
• Notify us of any discrepancies or unusual transactions (even small dollar amounts).
• Change your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

You also have the option of placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit report. A fraud alert notifies potential creditors to verify your identification before extending credit in your name. A security freeze prevents credit bureaus from releasing your credit report without your consent.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a brochure on how to avoid Identity Theft titled "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft". You can download this from the FTC website at ftc.gov or receive it via US Mail by calling 877-438-4338. Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government’s one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft.

Treat your cards and your PIN like your house keys. Never let them out of your sight, not even for a moment.

• Choose a PIN that isn't obvious to others, and don't write it on or near your card.
• When keying your PIN, be sure no one is watching.
• Do not discard ATM or credit/debit card receipts in a public place.
• Do not use a credit or debit card for identification, and never write a card account number on a check.

Keep good records, and review account statements promptly and thoroughly. Guard your account numbers.

• If you see a questionable transaction on a statement, immediately notify the card issuer.
• Never give your credit/debit card numbers to unsolicited callers. If you're uncertain, ask for more information by mail.
• Before disposing of card receipts or statements, destroy areas where account numbers are visible.
• Keep information about all your card accounts in a secure place so you can act quickly if one is lost or stolen.
• Get a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three national credit bureaus and check carefully for discrepancies.

Firewalls and other software can protect your computer from viruses and other menaces. But, be on the guard against questionable web sites and email scams designed to trick you into disclosing sensitive financial information.

• Turn off your computer when you're not using it, even if you have antivirus and firewall software.
• Be aware that banks and other legitimate businesses never email customers asking for passwords or updated information.
• Never click on a link in a suspicious email. Instead, confirm the web address on your own, then type it into the browser window.
• Before making an Internet purchase, make sure the merchant is reputable by locating an image of an "unbroken key" or "closed lock" security icon in the corner of your browser window.

Change passwords and PINs periodically.