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Security Matters

Coleman County State Bank is committed to protecting customer information. We will never request personal information by phone, email, or text; including account numbers, personal identification information, passwords, or any other confidential customer information. Our top priority is to safeguard your confidential information, and we work diligently to do so.

What is Identify Theft?

Identify theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your Social Security number, account number, or credit number without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Protect yourself by:

  • Reporting lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately

  • Never giving out any personal information

  • Shred all documentation containing confidential information (e.g., bank and credit card statements, bills and invoices, expired credit cards, and pay stubs)

  • Checking your credit report annually

Check Your Credit

Any consumer can request one free copy of his or her credit report every year. Reviewing your credit report can help you find out if someone has opened unauthorized financial accounts, or taken out unauthorized loans, in your name. Contact the three major credit bureaus to request a copy: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and Trans Union (1-800-916-8800).

Controlling Online Risks

Understanding the risks of online transaction processing is vital to protecting your personal information. The security tips and links to the websites noted below provide important information and news to help you understand online transaction risks. Also provided are options to help you control these risks. It is important to be informed and proactive. When it comes to internet fraud, account takeover, and identity theft, prevention goes a long way.

Password Security Tips

  • Do not share your user IDs or passwords with another person. Safeguard your login information and never leave it in an unsecured location.

  • Create a unique user ID and password for each site. Do not use the same identifying login on multiple websites.

  • Create a strong user ID and password. In other words, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters such as !@#$%^&*.

  • Many websites periodically mandate password changes. If a website does not do so, take the initiative and change your password on a regular basis.

 Website Security Tips

  • Monitor account activity online on a regular basis. Review periodic account statements and regularly reconcile them to your personal records.

  • Log off from a website. Do not just close the page or “X” out.

  • Secure website URLs begin with https instead of http. The added “s” indicates the site is secure and encrypted. If this is lacking, the site is not encrypted. Do not log in or conduct business on the site.

  • If a website displays a security monitor, verify it has the current date. If it does not, do not use the site; it may be spoofed or hijacked.

  • When completing financial transactions, verify encryption and other security methods are in place, protecting your account and personal information.

 Mobile Banking Safety Tips

Managing your finances using a smartphone or tablet can be very convenient. However, you should consider these safety tips to protect your account information:

  • Be proactive in protecting your smartphone and/or tablet by installing anti-malware software on the device.

  • Research any application before you download it. Fraudulent apps are often designed with names that look like real apps. It’s best if you access an app using a link from the provider’s website.

  • Create a strong password or PIN for your mobile app and your device.

  • Use an auto-lock or time-out feature so your device will lock when it is left unused for a certain period of time.

  • Upgrade your device to the latest operating system version.

  • Do not jailbreak or root your mobile device. Doing so exposes the security controls and makes your device vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

  • Check your account history periodically to make sure there are no fraudulent transactions.

  • Take precautions in case your device is lost or stolen, before your device is lost or stolen. Avoid leaving your device unattended in public places.

  • Consult your wireless provider to see if they provide a service to remotely erase your device or turn off access to your device and/or account in the event your device is lost or stolen.

  • Always conduct your transactions in a safe environment. Use your cellular service or your own internet provider rather than unsecured/public WiFi networks like those offered at coffee shops.

  • Don’t send account numbers or PIN in emails or text messages because those methods are not necessarily secure.

Additional Resources

For more tips on how to safeguard your online security, click on the links below: