FNBC Bank provides tips for consumer protection during data breaches

With consumers growing more concerned with each large retail data breach, FNBC Bank would like to invite customers to stop by a branch or call in to complete a quick account diagnostic. FNBC Bank believes one of the best defenses consumers can use against fraudulent activity is to make sure all contact information is up to date on all accounts.

“We truly provide safe and secure banking for our customers,” said FNBC President Marty Sellars. “But it is becoming more clear with each retail data breach that many of our customers could be at risk just by shopping at some of their favorite stores. By going through this quick diagnostic, customers can be more assured that they will receive important communications if something were to happen to their account.”

According to the Independent Bankers Association of America, community banks have worked aggressively to protect their customers following recent consumer data breaches. They have been informing customers about community banks’ multiple layers of security protection, monitoring customer accounts for fraudulent activity, reissuing credit and debit cards to consumers as appropriate and educating consumers on how to avoid fraud. If charges you did not make appear on your credit or debit cards, alert your community bank immediately.

ICBA provides consumers valuable tips when it comes to taking proactive security measures:

• Be sure to use unique passwords for all financial online accounts. Never share or duplicate usage of your password, account number, PIN or answers to security questions.
• Monitor all of your financial accounts and report any suspicious activity, such as false or multiple charges, to your community bank immediately. • Do not save credit or debit card, banking account or routing numbers, or other financial information, on your computer, phone or tablet.
• Be vigilant about using a password on mobile devices. Be sure to set your devices to automatically lock after a selected period of time to ensure no one can access your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• Do not provide your secure financial information over the phone or Internet if you are unsure of who is asking for it. Contact your community bank directly by using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, or stop in your bank to speak with someone in person. Remember, your community bank will never contact or text you asking for personal or banking information. Assume any unsolicited text request is fraudulent.
• Be aware of the location of your mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) at all times. Only log on financial websites when you have a secure, safe and trusted Internet connection.

Pass codes also offer consumers an additional layer of protection in the event their purse or wallet is stolen or misplaced, or if their home is broken into. Consumers can set their own passcode and will be required to provide that code each time they request account information. FNBC customers can add this additional security feature to their account at any time, and are encouraged to discuss this during their account diagnostic.

For more information or to complete the account diagnostic, please contact FNBC at 870-994-2311 or stop by one of the 10 locations.

For additional information about Data Privacy Day, visit Stay Safe Online’s website at www.staysafeonline.org, and for information about community banks, visitwww.icba.org.