Online Security

Your Security
Our Responsibility
Protecting your privacy, security and personal information is our top priority.  Period.

We understand the importance of security when managing your finances online. We're customers too. That's why The First and Farmers Bank uses advanced security methods to ensure your personal and account information is for your eyes only.

The First and Farmers Bank will always:

·         Use the maximum levels of online security and monitoring technology to ensure your safety.

·         Implement strict policies and procedures to safeguard your personal information and keep it confidential.

The First and Farmers will never:

·         Initiate a request for sensitive personal information via email or telephone. (ie. Social security numbers, passwords, personal identification numbers (PIN) or account numbers)

Prevent Identity Theft

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Identity theft happens when someone obtains your personal information, such as name, date of birth, social security number or mother's maiden name to commit fraud or other crimes.

Fraud is committed when criminals use your personal information to access bank accounts, obtain loans, make purchases, rent an apartment, etc.

Who Can It Affect?
Anyone. Although it's considered a felony crime, police can't help you restore your credit record and undo the damage that's been done. Taking the proper precautions with your information is the best protection.

Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

• Never give out your checking account, credit card or Social Security number to solicitors or callers that you have not contacted.
• Never give out your password or personal identification number (PIN) for your check card, credit card or ATM card.
• Check your accounts frequently using our free Internet Banking, and contact The First and Farmers Bank if you notice any suspicious activity.
• Receive and pay bills online instead of by mail with our free Bill Pay. The less billed information in your mailbox, the better.
• Provide personal information only on websites that are secure and only when you have initiated the contact. Always check for the lock icon in the bottom right of your screen, and check the browser to make sure that "https" ("s" indicates secure) is displayed in the website address.

Report Identity Theft or Fraud

If you are a victim of Identity Theft or Fraud

• Contact your financial institution, immediately.
• Close your accounts and open new ones
• Replace credit and check cards
• Offer information to help address and resolve your situation

Report Identity Theft

• Contact the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).
• Call the three main credit bureaus to report fraud and request copies of your credit report¹.
• Equifax: to report fraud, call 1-800-525-6285.
  To order a report call 1-800-685-1111.
• Experian: to order a report or to report fraud, call 1-888-397-3742.
• TransUnion: to report fraud, call 1-800-680-7289.
  To order your report, call 1-800-916-8800.

Fraud flags and statements will be added to your report saying that all potential creditors should contact you to verify credit applications.

• Report the theft of mail to your local postal inspector
• Inform check security companies about the fraud affecting your account. To contact them directly, please call:

Report Email Fraud

If you are a customer of the First and Farmers Bank and you

·         have replied to a “phishing” email, contact The First and Farmers Bank at 1-800-461-9100

·         have not replied to the email, but have specific questions, contact The First and Farmers Bank at  1-800-461-9100

Recognize Online Fraud

Email Fraud
Also called phishing, occurs when large numbers of recipients are sent email messages referencing a known bank or retailer, without the knowledge of the recipient's relationship to that company.

Recognize Fraud
The First and Farmers Bank will never send you an email requesting sensitive personal information           (ie, Social Security Number, password, personal identification number (PIN) or account numbers)

Fake emails sent by cyber-criminals:

• Appear to be from legitimate banks, financial institutions or retailers using copied logos and content style.
• Use fake websites or pop-up windows to collect your personal information. Links to real Web sites can be incorporated into the email to lead you to believe the email is legitimate.
• Request confidential information like account numbers, personal IDs, passwords, card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs).
• Attempt to elicit a response from the recipient who may, or may not be a customer of that financial institution or retailer.
• Use stolen information to access a customer's accounts by combining balances into one account and withdrawing the funds at ATMs worldwide.

To increase response, upsetting or exciting statements are used in the emails so you react immediately, and respond with the desired information without thinking.

Protect yourself by:

• Taking the time to examine the claims in the email.
• Checking its authenticity by contacting the company appearing to be the originator.

Additional tips on how to protect your personal information:

General

• Retrieve mail promptly and send bills and other sensitive documents from a secure mailbox.
• Shred private documents such as receipts, applications, bank statements, etc
• Keep documents such as your social security card or passport in a secure area at home or in a safety deposit box.
• Review your credit report at least once a year.

Online & Email

• Never share any personal information, especially social security numbers, account numbers, or login and password information via email. The First and Farmers Bank will never ask for personal information via email.
• Beware of phishing emails - these emails tell you that you must use the provided link to verify or change your account in some way. The First and Farmers Bank will never send an email asking you to do this.
• Keep your passwords secret and do not leave them in an unsecured area - change them regularly for better protection.

Protect Your Computer

• Install anti virus software to prevent viruses, and anti spam software to help prevent spam and junk email from entering your inbox.
• Install a firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your computer.
• Install spyware software to block the installation of spyware on your computer. Spyware can monitor or control your computer use, and send you pop ups or redirect you to websites.
• Keep your computer operating system and internet browser current to provide additional protection against fraud and theft.
• Back up all sensitive information from your old computer before you discard and erase the hard drive.
• Change your wireless network default password as well as the default SSID (name used to identify your network), don't broadcast your SSID and consider using encryption on your network.