Criminals attempt to steal personal financial information (account numbers, passwords, Social Security Numbers) and other sensitive or confident information by sending fraudulent e-mails or redirecting you to phony websites that appear similar to, if not identical to, a legitimate one. This is referred to as "Spoofing" or "Phishing".
The e-mails will likely warn of a serious issue that requires your immediate attention or requests that you "update," "validate," or "confirm" your account information. You may be directed to click a link or call a telephone number.
We will never e-mail you asking for personal information.
If you receive an e-mail with our name or logo directing you to a website or telephone number that asks for your account number, social security number, credit/debit card number, or other personal information, do not provide this information. It is an attempt by criminals to gather information and steal your identity.
If you are in doubt about an e-mail you received from us or another institution, always contact the company using the telephone number on your bank statement or in the phone book. Alternatively, directly type the company's URL into your browser and proceed to log into your account. Do not click any links included in the e-mail.
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided the following valuable tips to assist you in protecting yourself from phishing schemes.
Please refer to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm for more details.
Remember, we will never e-mail you asking for personal information.
If you receive such an e-mail, don't provide any information. If you think you have been a victim of this crime by providing information, please contact your financial institution immediately.