Identity theft and fraudulent bank transactions are among the fasted growing crimes in the U.S. Below you will find a few tips from Welch State Bank to help keep your identity and your money safe. Your security is important to us.
Password security
Creating a secure passcode
When creating an Online Banking passcode, make sure that it has the minimum number of characters and the appropriate character types. This may be challenging at the time – but the stronger the passcode, the better your protection against others trying to cause you financial harm.
Your Online Banking passcode:
- Must be at least 7 characters long.
- Must contain at least 1 numeric and 1 alpha character.
- Must not be based on your personal information such as tax identification number, address or telephone number.
- Is case sensitive.
- Cannot be the same as your Access ID.
Secure your passcode
Just like the key to your home, passcodes help protect your “online home.” You should do everything you can to prevent others from guessing or gaining access to your passcode.
You should always remember:
- NEVER share your Online Banking passcode with others.
- Make your Online Banking passcode unique to your life and not something that is easily guessed or known to others.
- Have a different passcode for each online account.
- Change your passcode several times a year. While Welch State Bank does NOT force passcode changes, we do recommend it as a measure to take for added online security.
Additional security tips
Welch State Bank will never request your AccessID or Passcode via email. We will never ask you to provide any personal information via unsecured email.
Keep your AccessID and Passcode safe. Do not share your information with others.
Phishing attempts are a real threat. We have seen a legitimate-looking email that appears to be from the IRS, FDIC, and even credit bureaus asking you to provide personal information or sign up for a free service. This is commonly referred to as Phishing. Do not be deceived.
Welch State Bank does not use pop-up marketing tools. If you encounter marketing solicitation pop-ups once you log in to Internet banking, your PC is infected with malware. We will NOT solicit free credit report services, check orders or any other service to our customers.
Review your bank statements on a timely basis. This is the best way to find any fraudulent transactions. The quicker you report the problem, the faster we can stop it.
Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware protection up to date. This is critical to your security.
Keep your PC’s operating system patched. Use automatic updates if you can.>
Keep Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Java, and other programs updated. Vulnerabilities in these programs are widely used to gain access to your private information.
If you do not know who sent you the email or file, be suspicious. Take all reasonable and prudent precautions if you do not know the sender of an email. You might even know the sender, but their PC could be infected with what is referred to as a SPAMBOT. Be cautious.
If you suspect your PC is infected with a virus or spyware stop using the device. We recommend you take your PC to a reputable computer repair facility to have it cleaned of any potential threats. Viruses, Trojans and Key-logging software can search your PC for passwords, usernames, account numbers, debit card, and credit card numbers if you continue using the PC.