Avoiding Fraud

Protecting Yourself Online

Your security is important and First PREMIER Bank goes to great links to protect your financial information and privacy. Here are a few simple things you can also do to help protect your account information. For additional information you can visit these websites: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Cybersecurity Alliance, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Be attentive to bank scams and phishing, where criminals attempt to trick you into revealing your personal or account information by phone, unencrypted email, text, chat or social media.
First PREMIER Bank will never request your card, password, pin or secure information in an unsolicited manner.
Use Multi-factor Authentication on your online accounts. Multi-factor authentication means you need to pass another layer of authentication, not just a username and password, to get into your accounts. Multi-factor authentication can be via text, email or phone call.
Use a payment application where possible (Apple Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay) to limit the number of websites you enter your payment information.
Review your account and identify odd charges - even a small fraudulent charge is significant.
Memorize your Debit PIN number and/or store it securely and separately from your card.
Actively lock and unlock lost or stolen debit cards via online or mobile banking.
Use account spending and balance alerts/notifications to monitor your account for suspicious activity.
Check your credit report frequently. Sign up for our free Online and Mobile Banking tool, Credit Score. You get access to your real-time score and report in your online and mobile banking.

Keep personal documents, bank and card statements and credit cards in a secure location.
Shred documents and papers that contain sensitive information before discarding.
Never carry your social security card. Only provide the number when justifiably necessary.
Place outgoing U.S. mail in a secure collection box or U.S. post office mail slot.
Use firewalls and anti-virus software to protect your computer from hacking and malware.
Always do the necessary software updates on all your internet connected devices. Many of these updates contain critical security updates. Don't forget routers, modems and any other smart devices.
Consider using different emails for accounts.
Always use a passcode lock on your mobile or tablet device. When possible, use fingerprint or facial ID authentication.
Make sure you've configured each social media site so that your posts aren't public. Think twice before revealing too much in a post since your friends might share it with others.
Whenever you connect to the Internet using a free or public Wi-Fi network, use a virtual private network or VPN. This will add a level of security and privacy.
Clear your browser cache. Your internet browsing history - known as your cache - could point to your home address, family information or other personal data.

Your best defense is being cautious!

Check all emails carefully before clicking on any links or opening any files.
Avoid clicking on links in text messages from unknown senders and do not reveal personal or financial information in email.
Don't respond to texts, phone calls or email solicitations asking for your pin, account number or social security number.
Don't click on unsubscribe links on emails you didn't sign up to receive. Report it as spam and delete it.

Create passwords with more than eight characters. Include a mix of capital and lowercase letter, symbols and punctuation.
Use different passwords across devices and services.
Do not include guessable words, like "password”, family or pet names.
Never use your birthdate or phone number as your password.

Proactively utilize First PREMIER Bank's tools & resources:

FREE Online and Mobile Banking helps you actively access and monitor accounts.
FREE Electronic Statements help reduce mail fraud while giving a robust online archive and PDF Downloads.
FREE Bill Pay helps reduce mail fraud, allowing you to send payments more securely and expediently.

Businesses should consider these additional products:

Use Positive Pay, a powerful, affordable fraud monitoring solution for small and large businesses.
Leverage ACH Online to streamline, automate and secure employee payroll and vendor payments.
Consider Remote Deposit for depositing large numbers of checks securely, accurately and efficiently.