While nothing is foolproof, and new viruses and scams are being developed every day, following these guidelines as well as having a general awareness of the threats that are out there enables you to bank online with more peace of mind and less risk of being a victim of fraud.
Never click on a link from a business requesting that you provide them with personal information
Bank of Estes Park uses personal images that you choose in your online setup. Do not log in unless you see the correct image on the screen
Change your passwords often. Bank of Estes Park does require periodic password change
Don’t use the same Username and Password for every online account you have
Never disclose your login credentials to other people or companies
Do not store your Username and Password information where others could gain access to it. If it is written down, store it in a safe place.
If accessing information via a wireless network, ensure that the network is secure. Accessing sensitive information over a non-secure network simply leaves the door open for criminals
Be aware of the people around you anytime you log into your bank accounts. Make sure no one is “shoulder surfing” by trying to read your screen
Make sure your device does not auto fill Username and Password. Some web browsers have an auto fill function that remembers your username and password and pre-fills these fields for you the next time you login.
Be sure to log out completely every time you finish your online banking session. This will prevent someone from having easy access to your information
Maintain current antivirus/antimalware protection
If you lose your phone and are worried about your online banking information being compromised, log into your account from another computer and reset your password right away. If you can’t get to a computer, you can call us
Protect your Banking Privacy
While Bank of Estes Park works to protect your banking privacy, you also play an important role in protecting your information. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your identity:
Add your phone numbers to the national Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Since February 2008, these registered telephone numbers will no longer expire off the list.
Examine your financial institution statements immediately upon receipt to determine whether there were any unauthorized transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions that you find immediately to Bank of Estes Park.
Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet
Do not have personal information such as driver’s license number printed on your checks
Shred any documents containing banking or credit card information, especially preapproved credit offers.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft is the most popular and profitable form of consumer fraud. It occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
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.
