Our Commitment to You
Wayne Bank and Trust Co. is committed to protecting your privacy. We will never request private personal information from you via e-Mail. We will never send you e-Mails requesting you to release or update information such as your account number, PIN, credit/debit card numbers, user ID or passwords.
Protect Your Computer
Information provided by OnGuardOnline.gov Scammers, hackers, and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information – and your money. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself, like keeping your computer software up-to-date and giving out your personal information only when you have a good reason
Use Security Software That Updates Automatically
The bad guys constantly develop new ways to attack your computer, so your security software must be up-to-date to protect against the latest threats. Most security software can update automatically; set yours to do so. You can find free security software from well-known companies. Also, set your operating system and web browser to update automatically.
If you let your operating system, web browser, or security software get out-of-date, criminals could sneak their bad programs – malware – onto your computer and use it to secretly break into other computers, send spam, or spy on your online activities. There are steps you can take to detect and get rid of malware.
Don't buy security software in response to unexpected pop-up messages or emails, especially messages that claim to have scanned your computer and found malware. Scammers send messages like these to try to get you to buy worthless software, or worse, to "break and enter" your computer.
Treat Your Personal Information Like Cash
Don't hand it out to just anyone. Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank and utility account numbers can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name. So every time you are asked for your personal information – whether in a web form, an email, a text, or a phone message – think about whether you can really trust the request. In an effort to steal your information, scammers will do everything they can to appear trustworthy. Learn more about scammers who phish for your personal information.
Check Out Companies to Find out Who You're Really Dealing With
When you're online, a little research can save you a lot of money. If you see an ad or an offer that looks good to you, take a moment to check out the company behind it. Type the company or product name into your favorite search engine with terms like "review," "complaint," or "scam." If you find bad reviews, you'll have to decide if the offer is worth the risk. If you can't find contact information for the company, take your business elsewhere. Don't assume that an ad you see on a reputable site is trustworthy. The fact that a site features an ad for another site doesn't mean that it endorses the advertised site, or is even familiar with it.
Give Personal Information Over Encrypted Websites Only
If you're shopping or banking online, stick to sites that use encryption to protect your information as it travels from your computer to their server. To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the beginning of the web address (the "s" is for secure). Some websites use encryption only on the sign-in page, but if any part of your session isn't encrypted, the entire account could be vulnerable. Look for https on every page of the site you're on, not just where you sign in.
Protect Your Passwords
Here are a few principles for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe:
- The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users.
- Mix letters, numbers, and special characters. Try to be unpredictable – don't use your name, birthdate, or common words.
- Don't use the same password for many accounts. If it's stolen from you – or from one of the companies with which you do business – it can be used to take over all your accounts.
- Don't share passwords on the phone, in texts or by email. Legitimate companies will not send you messages asking for your password. If you get such a message, it's probably a scam.
- Keep your passwords in a secure place, out of plain sight.
Backup Your Files
No system is completely secure. Copy important files onto a removable disc or an external hard drive, and store it in a safe place. If your computer is compromised, you'll still have access to your files.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a computer based scam that uses spam or pop-ups to trick you into disclosing your bank account information, social security number, credit/debit card numbers, passwords or other personal information.
A common method phishers use is to send an e-mail or pop-up message that claims to be from a legitimate organization that you have a relationship with. Often they will imitate your financial institution, Internet service provider or even a government agency. The message usually requires that you "update" or "validate" your account information. Often there will be a message threatening restriction on or denial to your accounts if you do not furnish the information. The message includes a link to a website that looks almost identical to a legitimate organization's site. The goal of the site is to trick you into giving your personal information so that phishers can steal your money and your identity.
What should you do if you receive phishing e-Mail?
If you receive a suspicious e-Mail in your inbox do not reply or click on the link in the message. Many phishing e-Mails use logos, formats and slogans identical to legitimate organizations, which can make it extremely difficult to recognize fraudulent e-Mails. However, remember if it asks you to give personal information such as your account number, social security number or passwords it is not from Wayne Bank and Trust Co.
You can report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you get spam that is phishing for information forward it to spam@uce.gov. If you receive a phishing e-Mail purporting to be Wayne Bank and Trust Co. please contact the bank at (765) 935-5222 or forward the email to fraud@waynebnk.com so that we may investigate.
What should you do if you have been the victim of a phishing scam?
If you feel you have given any personal banking information out to a fraudulent site please contact the bank at (765) 935-5222 so that we may take the proper steps to protect your account.
If you believe you have given out other private personal information to a phishing site you can file a complaint at Federal Trade Commission. You should also visit the FTC's Identity Theft Web to find out how to minimize your risk of damage from ID theft. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file.
FDIC Video -Don't Be an Online Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams
How to Practice Safe Computing
Here is a list of recommendations to follow in order to avoid becoming a victim of scams:
- Be suspicious of any e-Mail with urgent requests for personal financial information.
- Be careful of e-Mails that are not personalized and/or may contain spelling errors and/or awkward syntax and phrasing.
- Be careful of personalized eMails that ask for personal financial information.
- Do not use links in an e-Mail to get to any Web page. Instead, log onto the Web site directly by typing in the Web address in your browser.
- Do not complete forms in e-Mail messages that ask for personal financial information.
- Only communicate information, such as credit cards numbers or account information, via a secure Web site or the telephone. Do not send personal information via e-Mail!
- Regularly log on to your online accounts and check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.
- Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied.
- Use online statements to reduce the volume of paper mailed.
- Keep all personal devices such as laptops, cell phones and PDA's secured at all times. Do not leave these devices unattended in public areas.
How to put a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
Visit Annual Credit Report for your free credit reports.
With some basic fraud precautions and some common sense you can prevent, or at least decrease your chances of becoming a victim.
If you feel your personal information has been stolen you should call the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file.
Equifax - 1-877-576-5734
Experian - 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion - 1-800-680-7289
