Fraud Prevention Tips to Keep Your Finances Safe

When you least expect it, fraud can happen to you. At Rivers Edge Bank, we share identity theft prevention and cyber security safety tips and resources to empower you in the fight against fraud. And the more you understand about fraud, the better prepared you are to help us fight fraud and keep your financial accounts safe.

Fraud Prevention & Cyber Security Safety Tips

At Rivers Edge Bank, we are more than bankers—we’re your neighbors and friends. We care greatly about the well-being of our customers and communities and want to empower you to protect yourself and your financial information from fraud. Here are three fraud prevention tips from your local, community-first bankers:

• Use and update firewall software to protect your computer information.
• Password protect your financial accounts. A strong password contains:
• More than eight characters
• A capital letter
• At least one numeric number or non-alphabetical character
• Never provide or confirm personal information such as card numbers, social security numbers, information on the card or your PIN unless you know who you’re dealing with or initiated the contact.
• Store sensitive documents in a secure place
• Shred sensitive materials before disposal

Keep Your Eyes Open For Fraud: Identity Theft Prevention Tips

When it comes to fraud prevention, it is important to monitor your financial information regularly and keep your eyes open for suspicious activity. The sooner you can recognize fraudulent activity, the better. Shutting it down early will reduce potential damage and can prevent the culprit from accessing other accounts and private information. These simple identity theft prevention tips can make a big difference in the security of your financial information:

• You’re entitled to one free credit report a year. Use your credit report to monitor:
• Your identification
• Unfamiliar accounts or charges
• Suspicious activity
• Watch your bank account and monthly statements closely and know your billing cycles.
• Be vigilant at ATMs. If something seems suspicious, contact your financial institution.
• Cover the pin-pad with your hand while entering a PIN
• Use familiar ATMs in well-lit areas
• Watch for shoulder surfing—a camera positioned to obtain your card number
• Look for skimmers placed over the ATM card slot

What To Do When You Suspect Fraud

If you suspect fraud, contact your local Rivers Edge Bank immediately. Our team of experts can take the necessary steps to protect your finances and personal information and help guide you. After contacting your bank, follow these steps to get your life back on track:

Step 1: Place A Fraud Alert On Your Credit Reports

When you place an alert on your credit, this will prevent any other accounts from being opened. You can request a report to see if any charges seem suspicious.

Step 2: Close Any Of Your Bank Accounts You Think Could Be Affected

Follow-up in writing with copies of any supporting documents. Ask us for the correct paperwork to dispute existing debits on your accounts, or any newly opened accounts.

Step 3: File A Complaint With The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

When you file with the FTC, you’re providing information to help law enforcement officials track down thieves. Print your ID theft affidavit from the FTC and take it to the local police. You can file a complaint with the FTC at 877.438.4338 or ftc.gov/idtheft.

Step 4: File A Report With The Local Police

Filing a police report, along with a complaint to the FTC, can add safeguards to ensure your identity can be protected and restored.

Online Security & Fraud Protection Resources

Find more important numbers, websites and credit bureaus below:

U.S. foreign travel information
888.407.4747
travel.state.gov

Federal Trade Commission
877.438.4338
ftc.gov/idtheft

Annual Credit Report
877.322.8228
annualcreditreport.com

Equifax
Place an alert
800.525.6285
800.685.1111
equifax.com

Experian
888.397.3742
experian.com

Trans Union
800.916.8800
transunion.com

Contact Rivers Edge Bank For More Cyber Security Tips

Fraud can happen when you least expect it. Stay alert and be attentive. Contact Rivers Edge Bank for other ways you can be proactive and keep your financial accounts safe.