Security

Personal Identity Theft

Identity theft (also known as identity fraud) is the misappropriation of another person’s identifying information to order to:

• Obtain credit fraudulently from banks and retailers;
• Steal money from the victim’s existing accounts;
• Apply for loans;
• Establish accounts with utility companies;
• Rent an apartment;
• File for bankruptcy;
• Obtain a job; or
• Achieve other financial gain using the victim’s name.

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How to protect yourself

• Protect your personal information. Only give out this information if you know how it will be used or shared and you have initiated the contact.
• Only provide the last four digits of your social security number or driver’s license number when absolutely necessary.
• Do not keep unnecessary information you do not need in your wallet or purse.
• Check your credit report as often as possible.
• Review your account statements promptly and report any discrepancies or suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.
• Shred or tear up statements, check, credit card solicitations, charge receipts, expired cards and documents containing personal identifying information.
• Promptly pick up delivered mail and deposit outgoing mail at a postal mailbox or the post office.
• Keep anti-virus software, software or hardware firewalls, and operating system and software patches up to date.

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Reporting Identity Theft

• Contact your local branch manager immediately, or customer service at 270-692-6405.
• Contact the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline at 877-438-4338.
• Contact the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
• Report the theft of mail to your local postmaster.

Business Identity Theft

Peoples Bank recommends that business clients implement the following best practices to mitigate the  risk of corporate account takeover (CATO):

 

Anti-Virus Protection

• Anti-virus protection software should be downloaded and active on the PC used for online banking.
• Software should include a minimum of real time protection and anti-spyware.
• Install regular updates and scan e-mail attachments.

 

Security Patches

• When security patches are released for the operating system and Internet Browser being used, they should be downloaded and kept up-to-date.

 

Security Level Settings and General Guidelines

• Internet Security Level Settings should be set as high as possible without compromising the logical functions of the PC.
• If a problem is noticed/reported with your PC contact your IT Department or a computer specialist to rectify the problem instead of attempting online fixes.
• If you suspect your PC has been compromised, immediately notify Peoples Bank.

 

Password Safety

• NEVER allow Internet Browsers to remember passwords and never share passwords.
• Change your password at least every 90 days.
• If a password(s) must be written, ensure the security of where the written password(s) are stored.
• Immediately notify Peoples Bank if you believe your password may have become known to an unauthorized person.

 

E- Mail Security

• Always be cautious of e-mails from unknown entities, especially if there is an attachment with the e-mail. If uncertain of email and cannot prove its legitimacy, it may be best to delete it.
• When reviewing e-mails, make sure “Preview Pane” is turned off. Some viruses execute as soon as e-mail is opened, and the preview pane can automatically open emails upon receipt.
• Do not open any links embedded in an e-mail, since many have viruses embedded. It is generally best practice to type the URL in the internet browser yourself unless the link is known to be legitimate.

 

To learn more about Corporate Account Takeover (CATO) click here.

If you suspect fraudulent activity, believe your PC has been compromised or believe your password may have become known to an unauthorized person, please contact us at 270-692-6405.

Common Scams

Phishing – Scam where a perpetrator sends authentic-looking e-mails appearing to come from legitimate companies in an effort to phish for personal or financial information.  The e-mails direct recipients to click on links that re-direct them to fraudulent or "spoofed" websites.  Once on the fraudulent site, the e-mail recipient is asked to enter personal and/or financial information that is later used to commit fraud.

Vishing – Perpetrators use e-mail, text, phone calls, or direct chat in an attempt to gain personal information for fraudulent uses. Whether it’s a person or a prerecorded message on the other end, you’ll be told there is an issue with your account or a payment you made. You may be asked for your login credentials to fix the problem or asked to make a new payment. Features like caller ID can now be forged and faked using modern tools to make the calls more believable. Customers should be very suspicious when receiving calls asking for personal information.

Spoofing - A “spoofed” site is one that appears to belong to a legitimate company. The site may even look like the legitimate company’s site utilizing their colors and, perhaps, their logo. Typically a bogus e-mail is received that asks you to supply, confirm or update sensitive personal information by clicking on a link in the e-mail. The goal of the criminal is to get you to enter the requested information so that they can steal it for their purposes.

Thieves might also steal your information by:

• Skimming: Stealing credit/debit card numbers by using a special device on ATMs or when processing a purchase
• Pretexting: Pretending to be you when they call financial institutions, phone companies and other sources to get additional information
• Redirecting your mail: Filling out a change-of-address form to have your billing statements sent to an address they choose
• Old-fashioned stealing: Snatching wallets and purses, mail (including bank and credit card statements), pre-approved credit offers, new checks or tax information; they can even steal a company’s personnel records or enlist employees who have access to your information
• Dumpster diving: Rummaging through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it

Links to Other Sites

From time to time Peoples Bank may place links to other websites on this website. The Bank has no control over any other website and is not responsible for the content of, or products and services provided by, any site other than this one. Users assume all responsibility when they go to other sites via the links on the Bank's website.