Alerts
We have all heard a great deal about identity theft. It’s very important to us that you are informed to protect yourself. If you have any questions, please contact us at (402) 333-9100.
Phishing (Email scam)
Phishing typically involves a phony email message that uses a legitimate company's website graphics in an attempt to convince email recipients to provide personal financial information, such as credit card numbers, PIN numbers, and more. Some of the most common companies are those you may know and trust, such as eBay, Pay Pal and other well-known financial institutions.
The email message usually states that you must “update” or “validate” your account information. It might threaten a consequence if you do not respond, such as your account becoming inactive or closed. The message then directs you to a website that looks just like an official organization's website, but it is not. Do not respond. If you reply to the request, your information is in the hands of the criminal to use against you.
We are confident that real companies will not use this method to request your information, and no company would ever request your Personal Identification Number (PIN). However, if you have any question that the email is legitimate, contact the company cited in the email directly using a phone number that you know to be valid.
If you believe that you may have provided sensitive financial information about yourself through a phishing scam, you should immediately contact our Customer Service department and contact the 3 major credit bureaus and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit report.
Jury Duty
People are receiving phone calls from people claiming to be courthouse employees and are calling people to inform them that they have been chosen for jury duty. They then try to obtain your Social Security number. Please remember that if you are chosen for jury duty, the courthouse will ALWAYS send you a letter first.
Check Overpayment
A scam artist replies to your classified ad or auction posting and offers to purchase the item for sale with a check, written for more than the purchase price for the item. The scammer asks that the difference be returned by wire transfer or money order. Later, the scammer's check bounces, leaving you liable for the entire amount. For additional information related to fraudulent cashier's checks, please visit http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/bulletin/2007-2.html.
Lottery or Sweepstakes Winnings
You are asked to pay taxes or fees on the money that you have won in order to claim your prize before your “winnings” can be sent to you. Another tactic is to ask you for your bank information so they can deposit the money in your account.
ATM Skimming
Criminals are getting more sophisticated about snooping on ATMs. ATM skimming is when debit card information is stolen while the customer is using the machine. A skimmer is a card-swipe device that reads the information on your ATM card when you are making an ATM transaction. The thief also captures your PIN number with a small camera mounted at another location in or near the ATM machine. The stolen data is used to make counterfeit ATM cards to withdraw funds from your account. If anything about the ATM machine looks out of the ordinary, you may want to avoid using it.
Other Skimming
Be cautious when presenting your card at a restaurant or other place of business. The employee may not be trustworthy, as he/she could run your card through a skimmer before giving the card back to you.
“Sponsors or Charities”—has been related to Hurricane Katrina
Be aware of people asking for contributions but are reluctant to provide identifying information about themselves when questioned.
For more information about how to protect yourself, the FDIC offers helpful consumer protection resources.