ONLINE TRANSACTION TIPS

Banking products to help you reach your goals.

We are a healthy, growing, locally-owned, independent bank working to improve our community of Atlantic, Iowa.

FIRST WHITNEY BANK AND TRUST GUIDE TO CONDUCTING ONLINE TRANSACTIONS

Internet threats have grown rapidly over the past several years. As online transactions also continue to grow, we want to ensure the security of your information.

Below are some easily implemented precautions that can help you protect your personal information:

  • Strong passwords: Use a combination of letters and numbers. Do not use easily guessed passwords such as birthdays or addresses.
  • Anti-Virus Protection: Make sure your anti virus is current and that is scans your emails as well as internet usage.
  • Email Safety: Be cautious about sending any personal information through email. For example, account numbers, social security numbers, etc. Also, if you receive an email from an unknown source, delete it – do not open the email as it is probably a virus. *Examples of emails scams are given below.
  • Sign Off and Log out: Always log off systems like online banking that have personal information. Never just hit the “x”.

Cyber criminals have become more sophisticated in their hacking techniques. Ways that they use to trap you are:

  • Phishing: This is a way of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication (email). They often look legitimate, luring the victim to a site that asks them to provide or verify personal financial details such account numbers. Remember: We will NEVER send emails asking for any personal information.
  • Card Skimming: The criminal tampers with ATM machines in an attempt to gain a victim’s personal information. They set up a device that can capture magnetic stripes and keypad information (PIN number).
  • Spyware: This is criminal software that a victim unknowingly loads on a personal computer by opening an email or going to an internet site and clicking on a pop up. It allows the criminal to collect personal information and have it sent to them. Always make sure your virus protection is up to date.

Only use ATM’s that you trust and always examine the machine closely for devices that look at of place.

Your best defense is to always use good judgment when on the internet or opening emails. Federal regulations provide consumers with some protections with regards to Electronic Fund transfers. However, in order to use these protections, you must act in a timely manner. Always monitor your accounts regularly and let us know immediately if you encounter anything that does not seem right or if you believe your access information has been compromised.

For Business/Commercial customers that take advantage of online banking, we advise you to do a periodical risk assessment and controls evaluation to ensure the security of your information.

*Emails to be aware of and delete:

  • Alarmist messages and threats of account closures
  • Promises of money for little or no effort
  • Deals that sound too good to be true
  • Requests to donate to a charitable organization after a disaster has been in the news
  • Bad grammar and misspellings

NOTICE: First Whitney Bank and Trust is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the web sites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – The bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.