Anyone can fall prey to fraud and identity theft. We have provided the following tips on security so you can
minimize your risk.
Automated Teller Machine Safety
- Be aware of the surroundings when using an automated teller machine, particularly during the hours of darkness.
- Be accompanied by another person when using an automated teller machine during the hours of darkness.
- Refrain from displaying cash, place cash in pocket as soon as a transaction is completed and count cash in the safety of a locked enclosure such as a car or home.
- Use another automated teller machine or return at a later time if anything suspicious is noticed when using or considering using an automated teller machine.
- Limit your time at the machine. Prior to arriving at the ATM site, have your card out to avoid any delay of going through your wallet or purse to find it.
- Cover your transaction with your body by blocking the keyboard from view. By doing this, you will prevent someone from learning your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Always keep your Personal Identification Number a secret. Never give the number to anyone or write it down anywhere. Memorize it or use a secret code if you must to write it down.
- Notify us immediately if your ATM access card or secret PIN is lost or stolen.
- Never let anyone use your card or access code. Law enforcement officers or financial officials will never ask for these items. Be suspicious if anyone does ask for these items.
- Report all crimes immediately to the operator of the automated teller machine or to local law enforcement officials.
Protecting Your Identity
The number of Americans who have experienced identity theft has surpassed 27 million, with the incidence rate increasing
every year. Substantial measures are in place at Town North Bank to protect your identity and your accounts against theft
and fraud. For example, stringent bank privacy policies protect your personal and financial information. To read more about
how you can protect your identity,
click here.
Account Hijacking
It is the fastest growing form of identity theft, and it can have the most devastating effect. To read more about how you
can protect yourself, click here.
Banking in the 21st Century
The financial services industry is leading the way in using new technologies to provide better, faster, safer service to
the millions of people who depend on the banking system. It helps to know about some of these changes — what they are, how
they work and what they mean to you. To read more about how technology is helping to make banking safer and easier,
click here.
Free Annual Credit Report
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FACT Act) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting
companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once
every 12 months. But there’s only one online source authorized to do so:
www.annualcreditreport.com. To read more about how to obtain a free credit report,
click here.
E-Banking Authentication
In 2005, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) issued guidance related to e-banking, "Authentication
in an Internet Banking Environment." This updated interagency guidance, which replaced the FFIEC's Authentication in an Electronic
Banking Environment, issued in 2001, specifically addressed the need for risk-based assessment, customer awareness, and security
measures to authenticate customers using a financial institution’s Internet-based services.
more...
How Your Deposits Are Insured
Not one penny of insured deposits has ever been lost by a customer of a federally insured bank. Only federally insured
institutions can make this statement: "Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government."
more...