Security Tips

FreedomBank is dedicated to making information security one of our highest priorities. We use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates, firewalls, secure routers, encryption, and network monitoring to ensure all transactions are secure between your session and our bank.

Any device that has internet access is susceptible to malware, viruses, and fraud. This could include smartphones, tablets, iPhones or other devices that have internet access.

ONLINE BANKING

TIPS FOR YOUR PC

• Use anti-virus software on your PC
• Scan your PC regularly to detect and remove spyware
• Update your operating system and web browser software regularly
• Keep all programs patched and up to date
• Ensure your PC is protected with a personal firewall
• Look for the "s" in "https://" on web sites that request personal information
• Password protect your private wireless connection
• Avoid using public wi-fi connections

HOW TO CHOOSE SECURE PASSWORDS

• Don't use passwords that can be easily accessed or guessed
• Don't use words that can be found in the dictionary
• Don't use the same password for all websites
• Develop a phrase for remembering complex passwords
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters

MOBILE BANKING

TIPS FOR YOUR MOBILE DEVICES

• Password protect your device
• Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
• Do not broadcast SSID
• Install Apps from reputable sources to prevent malware downloads
• Do not store data that you cannot afford to lose
• Do not use public WI-FIs when performing financial transactions

IDENTIFYING ONLINE FRAUD

FRAUDULENT "PHISHING" EMAILS

• Will appear to be from a reputable company
• Will indicate a sense of urgency
• May ask to confirm or verify your account information
• Will ask for personal confidential information
• May contain grammatical and spelling errors
• May contain links - don't click on them!
• FedEx, UPS, e-Fax waiting, IRS, ADP Payroll are common scams
• When in doubt, delete it out!

FRAUDULENT "SPOOFED" WEBSITES

• Double check the web address is correct
• Look for poor grammar and misspellings
• Look for the "s" in "https://" if requiring user ID and password
• May be prompted to re-enter your user ID and password

FRAUDULENT "SMSHING" TEXTS

• Will appear to be from a reputable company
• Will indicate a sense of urgency
• May ask to confirm or verify your account information
• Will ask for personal confidential information
• May contain grammatical and spelling errors
• May contain links - don't click on them!
• NetFlix is a common scam
• When in doubt, delete it out!

PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT

• Keep your Social Security card in a secure place
• If you are contacted asking for personal information (SSN, Acct No), do not give it out
• Guard your purse or wallet
• Limit the number of checks and debit / credit cards you carry
• Check credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges
• Close credit card accounts you don't use on a regular basis
• Shred all documents containing personal information
  
• Review your free credit reports annually and check for accuracy
• Consumer Credit Center
• Avoid using easily guessed passwords and security questions for websites and accounts
• Use an eight + character combination of letters, numbers and symbols for passwords
• Use a locked mailbox or a post office box for mail
• Password protect your mobile devices
• Avoid using public WI-FIs
• Do not post "widowed" or "widower" status on social media
• A red flag is online "friendships" that result in asking you for money

TRAVEL TIPS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELING IN THE USA OR ABROAD

• ALWAYS take more than one form of payment with you
• Make copies of the front and back of all debit and credit cards you plan to take with you
• Verify your card expiration dates and spending limits
• If traveling abroad, savings accounts are not recognized internationally at ATM machines
• Request that your cell phone number be attached to your card record
• Keep all receipts while traveling
• Do not post on social networks that you are traveling
• To report a lost or stolen ATM/Debit card call SHAZAM Customer Service 24/7 toll free 1-800-383-8000
• Perform cash withdrawals at a Financial Institution ATM terminal
• Respond to messages received from SHAZAM fraud detection services
• Examine your bank statements several months after you return home
• Report any unauthorized charges to FreedomBank immediately