Here are some suggested steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Prevent unauthorized people from using your computer or workstation
• Log off your workstation whenever you leave your computer
• Change your passwords often and never share them with anyone
• If you notice suspicious activity, report it immediately
• Install some form of internet security software on you PC and keep it up to date
• Be cautious of e-mails that ask you to verify or submit personal information
• Make sure your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the encryption levels of the sites and applications you use.

Becoming a victim of Identity Theft is rising dramatically. To prevent identity theft before it occurs, consumers should follow these safe practices.

• Do not carry social security cards in a wallet or purse, but rather in a lock box or otherwise safe location
• Carry only credit cards and checkbooks that are needed on a regular basis
• Never carry PINs and passwords in a wallet along with the cards they activate
• Obtain your credit report regularly and make sure everything is normal
• Close accounts that are not needed or used
• Keep a photocopy of all the contents of your wallet in a secure place such as a lock box so they can be reported easily if lost or stolen
• We’ll never e-mail or call you to ask for any personal information as a requirement for getting additional security to manage your accounts online.

If you’ve become a victim of identity theft report it to the appropriate parties immediately. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Call the FTC’s identity theft hotline tollfree at 1 (877)IDTHEFT (438-4338).  Additionally, we suggest you call the fraud departments of all three credit bureaus.  Ask them to put a “fraud alert” on your file.  This tells creditors to call you before they open any more accounts in your name.

Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

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The most important thing to know is that Farmers State Bank does not make a practice of asking for or verifying personal information through an email.  If you ever receive an email that asks for this type of information, call the bank and verify its legitimacy with a bank employee.  Also, just because an e-mail states the sender’s address, it may not be the true origin of the e-mail.  The “from” field of an e-mail can be altered easily. 

Consumers should also be wary of claims that a company is updating its records or those that threaten an account will be closed, suspended or restricted if they don’t receive a response. Always verify these types of e-mails by calling a number you know to be a legitimate number for that company, not one obtained from the e-mail.

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“Phishing” (pronounced fishing) is when criminals use e-mail to try to lure you to fake websites, where you’re asked to disclose confidential financial and personal information, like passwords, credit card accounts numbers or Social Security Numbers. 

The most common type of phish is an e-mail threatening some dire consequence if you do not immediately log in and take action. 

You should never respond to these emails. Always verify the need for this information by calling or writing the company.  You should obtain an address or phone number from a source you know to be correct such as a statement, business card or phone book.

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The following are online resources recommended for information about online fraud and prevention: