What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a rapidly growing threat to your financial security. Nationwide, the number of reported cases is increasing at an alarming rate. A criminal who successfully steals your identity can wreak havoc on your finances and your good credit. Follow these basic steps to avoid becoming a victim:

• Don’t give out your personal information
• Dispose of sensitive personal information safely
• Protect PIN numbers and other passwords
• Only carry identifying information that you routinely use
• Watch your account information and billing statements
• Prevent the theft of your mail
• Review copies of your credit report

What is Internet Phishing?
Internet Phishing is the criminal practice of sending seemingly legitimate emails instructing you to click on a link in the message. This link directs you to a spoofed website of a company or financial institution you may have dealings with. These fraudulent websites are deceptive because they cleverly simulate official looking logos or financial symbols. At the website you will be asked to submit personal information such as your account numbers, passwords or PINs. This information can then be used to commit a variety of crimes; from draining your accounts to obtaining credit cards in your name. What can you do to protect yourself?

• Be suspicious
• Never click on the link to the website included in the email
• Check to see if the website is secure

How can I identify a counterfeit check?
Counterfeit checks that look like official cashier’s checks, money orders or teller’s checks are becoming easier for scammers to make using personal computers. These fraudulent checks are appearing with alarming frequency. Thieves know that people tend to think of official looking checks as a safe way to transact money, and they play on trusting people’s good will. Counterfeit check scams are often carried out in one of the following ways:

• The counterfeit may be sent as payment for an item you advertised for sale
• The counterfeit may be sent in association with lottery or prize winnings for a contest that you never entered
• The counterfeit may be sent as payment for a “work at home” job

How can I protect myself?

• Never agree to a deal requiring you to send back an overpayment of excess funds
• Bring the check into one of our managers
• Call the paying bank identified on the check
• Consider requesting that any payments be drawn on a local institution or an institution with a local branch
• Do not withdraw cash or write checks against the deposited funds until the check has officially cleared