Fraud Prevention Tips

Stay informed.

Your financial security is important to us and we are here to help. We are noticing that fraud is rampant right now. The schemes range involving Unemployment fraud, IRS fraud, and much more. Electronic banking offers exceptional convenience and efficiency for customers, and we would like to reassure you that we use the latest technology and tools to ensure your financial information is safe and secure. Along with everything we do, you play the most important role in protecting your personal information and accounts. Being aware and informed about how to protect your personal information is the first line of defense. Criminals look for opportunities to gain access to your accounts by tricking you into giving them personal information in different ways. You can avoid giving them what they need by staying informed about common practices. We have included some of these common practices below:

Protect yourself with good habits:

Protect your user names and passwords or PIN’s. Don’t give them to anyone
Consider changing your usernames and passwords frequently
Passwords tips – The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be deciphered by a perpetrator using even the most sophisticated techniques.
- To create safer passwords:
- Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters
- Create a completely unique password for each application or account
- Don’t create passwords that are specific to you such as your spouse’s name or your birthday
- Change your passwords often
Keep your social security number in a safe place - never carry it with you
Report lost or stolen credit cards, debit cards, drivers license or ID cards immediately
Shred any documents you no longer need that have personally identifiable information
Sign into online banking daily to review the activity in your accounts
Contact your bank regarding any suspicious activity
Report any missed account statements to your bank in case they have been stolen from your mailbox
Software Updates – many viruses take advantage of bugs in software. Updating frequently will protect your computer
Log-Off – always log off and close your browser especially when using a public computer. The next person to use it might be able to access your account if you haven’t logged off properly.

Helpful resources:

We want you to know about ways you can protect your information. The following web sites offer helpful information and consumer guidance, and we encourage you to visit them. If you are ever in doubt about a request for information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your bank is aware of most scams and has access to key resources when new ones appear.

Federal Trade Commission

Tips on privacy, identity theft and online security.
Scam alerts

FBI eScams and Warnings

Protecting yourself online
Information about types of Internet Fraud

Report Fraud

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account please contact us as soon as possible.

If you have received an email from First Security Bank that you feel is fraudulent, please forward it to stopfraud@fsbmsla.com and we will investigate.

If you are uncomfortable forwarding the email, or if you fear you have already provided personal information over the Internet to a fraudster or identity thief, please contact First Security Bank's Customer Service Center as soon as possible at 406-728-3115 or toll free at 888-782-3115.