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Financial Confidence Starts with Feeling Secure

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We protect your personal information as if it was our own – applying the latest technology and educating you about how to guard yourself. And in the event that any of your accounts are ever compromised, rest assured that have strong processes in place to quickly mitigate any misuse. It’s just another reminder that we are looking out for you.

 

Taking Care to Guard your Cards

Credit and debit cards are powerful and efficient ways to put purchasing power in your pocket, but it’s also incredibly important that you use them safely and protect yourself from theft or fraud. To ensure your card is protected, always:

  • Keep your card in your wallet or pocket – never leave it in an unsecured place.
  • Memorize your PIN – don’t share it with anyone and don’t write it down to remember it.
  • Sign the back of the card as soon as you receive it.
  • Enter your card number manually on websites – the small amount of time it takes to re-enter the number rather than storing it is worth it for extra peace of mind.
  • Avoid entering card information via public or unsecured WiFi.
  • Remember to make sure you’ve taken your card after paying at a store or restaurant.
  • Destroy your old card when you receive a replacement.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  To report a lost or stolen ATM or debit card, follow the instructions below:

During normal business hours:

If you believe there have been unauthorized transactions on your account, contact us during normal business hours by calling (636) 970-0440.

After 5:00 PM, on holidays and on the weekends:

If you believe there have been unauthorized transactions on your account, contact the Lost/Stolen Card Department after hours, on holidays and on the weekends by calling 1 (800) 264-4274.

To turn your debit card on and off through the 1st Advantage Bank Mobile Banking App:

Our Manage Card feature within the 1st Advantage bank mobile app gives you the ability to turn your debit card on and off.  Simply log into the app, tap “Manage Cards” and select your card.  If the card has been lost or stolen, then you can contact us at a more convenient time to request a new card.

Debit Alerts

Sign up for 1st Advantage Bank debit alerts to receive text or e-mail notifications of account activity. Debit alerts are a free service for any 1st Advantage Bank customer with a checking account.

Customer Communication

1st Advantage Bank will never email or text you requesting your online banking password or PIN number. We may on occasion call to verify other information regarding your online activity should we see something of concern in your login patterns. If you plan to travel and use your 1st Advantage Bank Debit Card, it is very helpful to call us in advance to avoid your account being temporarily disabled for security purposes.

Some Tips to Stay Safe
  • Don’t click links in unsolicited and suspicious emails
  • Ensure that your personal computer has anti-virus software
  • Create strong, unique passwords with numbers and symbols
  • Monitor account activity frequently
  • Sign up for eStatements to avoid physical mail theft

Please do not send personal information in this un-secure email. Secure email may be sent from the Secure Feedback form from within our Online Banking’s Support Tab.

Online Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity

The safety and security of our customer’s financial information is a priority for us. Consumers are now relying on computers and the internet for everything from shopping and communicating to banking and bill paying more than ever. While the benefits of faster and more convenient “cyber” services are clear, the strategies for preventing online fraud and theft may not be as well-known by many bank customers.

The FDIC recently published a special edition of the agency’s quarterly consumer newsletter featuring tips for preventing online fraud and theft “A Bank Customer’s Guide to Cybersecurity.” We recommend that each of our customers take some time to read about the different ways to keep your information safe and secure. We’ve listed some recommended tips below on how you can protect your “cyber-home” and how to be safer when using a smartphone or tablet. To read the full special edition newsletter on cybersecurity, click here to go to the FDIC Consumer News website.

Common ways identity theft can happen:

"Old Fashioned" Stealing

Thieves typically steal wallets and purses. They also steal mail such as credit card and bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, check orders, and other financial mail.

Dumpster Diving

Thieves dig through trash looking for bills, financial, or other personal information.

Change of Address

Thieves modify or redirect your billing statements to another address by completing a “change of address” form.

Phishing

Thieves may send unsolicited Emails, pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The link is directed to a “spoof” website designed to look like a legitimate site.

Skimming

Thieves may use a card reader device to copy the card’s magnetic strip to duplicate without the card owner’s knowledge.

Monitor your accounts

Keep track of transactions on your accounts by logging in to 1st Advantage Bank’s Online Banking, where you can view your activity as it is posted.

Protect your personal information

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

Do not have personal information such as your Social Security number and driver’s license number printed on your checks.

Keep your new and canceled checks in a safe place.

Do not leave your purse, wallet, checkbook, or any other forms of identification in your car.

Shred or tear up any documents containing banking or credit information, especially pre-approved credit offers, before you throw them away. To opt out of pre-approved credit card offers, call 1 (888) 567-8688.

Keep your PINs and passwords a secret. Do not write them down or share them with anyone.

Simple steps to secure your computers and mobile devices for Internet banking and shopping

  • Take extra precautions for logging into bank and other financial accounts
  • Take precautions if you provide financial account information to third parties online
  • Periodically check your bank accounts for signs of fraud
  • Keep your software up to date
  • Install anti-virus software that prevents, detects and removes malicious programs
  • Use a firewall program to prevent unauthorized access to your PC
  • Only use security products from reputable companies
  • Take advantage of Internet safety features
  • Be careful when and how you connect to the Internet

Safety Tips for Mobile Smartphones and Tablets

  • Avoid apps that may contain malware
  • Keep your device’s operating system and apps updated
  • Consider using mobile security software and apps to protect your device
  • Use a password or other security feature to restrict access in case your device is lost or stolen
  • Back up data on your smartphone or tablet
  • Have the ability to remotely remove data from your device if it is lost or stolen

Contact us immediately at (636) 970-0440 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your 1st Advantage Bank accounts.

Protect Your Business from Corporate Account Takeover

Corporate account takeover is a form of corporate identity theft where criminals gain control of business bank accounts by stealing online banking credentials. Although there are several methods used to retrieve credentials, the most common is the use of malware to “infect” a company computer. Malware is commonly distributed via email and social networking links, as well as through websites. For businesses with low malware protection support, malware can go unnoticed for weeks or months.

If you believe your company’s account information has been compromised, please report it immediately by contacting us at (636) 970-0440.


How can I protect my business?

There are a number of steps you can take to help safeguard your business bank accounts.

Computer/Online Banking Security
  • Use tools such as firewalls, anti-spyware, and encryption of laptops and hard drives to protect your network.
  • Dedicate one computer to online banking and cash management activity. Make sure this computer is not connected to the business network.
  • Block access on network computers to high-risk websites such as adult entertainment, online gaming, social networking, and personal email.
  • Do not conduct online banking activities from “free” Wi-Fi spots like airports or internet cafes.
Employee Education
  • Educate employees on cyber security and email best practices.
  • Make sure employees know that Origin Bank will never contact them by email or text message requesting them to verify account information or ask for passwords.
Account Security
  • Require employees to have strong passwords and require they change passwords frequently both on their computers and online banking accounts.
  • Use dual control for originating and authorizing ACH and wire transactions.
  • Monitor and reconcile accounts online daily; at a minimum, review pending or recently sent ACH files and wire transfers.
Malware/Viruses
  • Keep your computer up-to-date by applying software updates (patches) as soon as possible. Pay special attention to “plugins” like Flash, Java, and Acrobat Reader. You may have to apply updates to these items manually. Malware may use outdated versions of these plugins as a “gateway” to infect your computer.
  • Install and configure a quality software security suite, and keep it updated. Be sure that the product contains multiple protection methods, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, and web protection. Keep in mind that most products are subscriptions and need to be kept valid. While important, don’t rely on anti-virus security software as the sole protection for your computer.
  • Don’t ignore warnings from security software. Take the recommended actions (if offered).
  • Don’t log onto your computer as an “administrator.” Many modern operating systems allow you to use your computer as a “limited” user, and selectively increase permissions as needed. This may prevent unwanted software from slipping in without your approval.
  • Consider using a dedicated computer for financial needs, and keep that computer up-to-date and secured. Don’t use the dedicated computer for other internet purposes, like email and casual web surfing.
  • Only install reputable, legal versions of software on your computer.
  • Don’t change computer or internet browser settings to values that weaken security.

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