A Better Way to Stay Secure
Security Awareness
To help keep your information safe from potential fraud and identity theft, we offer the following recommendations.
NEVER
- Give your personal information out over the phone, internet, email, or text unless you know who you are dealing with.
- Use obvious passwords (birth dates, mothers name, etc.)
- Disclose your PIN to anyone
- Over share on social media
- Click on unknown links sent via email or text
ALWAYS
- Keep your personal information in a secure place
- Shred all financial documents or paperwork before discarding them
- Protect your Social Security Number
- Keep your PIN numbers secure; never keep in your wallet
- Monitor your financial statements regularly and contact LBT with any suspicious activity
- Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date
- Monitor your credit report regularly for unauthorized purchases or debts
Contact one of these reputable companies who offer a free copy of your credit report:
- Equifax (800) 525-6285 or visit www.equifax.com
- Experian (888) 397-3742 or visit www.experian.com
- TransUnion (800) 680-7289 or visit www.transunion.com
Common Scams
LBT strives to protect our customers’ accounts and identities. Below is a list of common scams that could be used in attempt to gain personal banking information. If you feel that you are a victim of a scam please contact us immediately.
Phishing: The activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company. The scammer will use this information to perform fraud for their own financial gain. These attempts can be through the mail, email, phone, cell phone, or text message.
Other forms of phishing attempts include:
- Vishing: Instead of sending an email to try to lure them into giving personal information, the scammer uses a phone call to attack the customer in hopes to get financial information.
- Smishing: This is a type of scam sent by a text message that looks as if it is coming from the bank. The message usually states you have been locked out of your account. It will then direct you to call the fraudulent phone number or website to unlock your account by asking for your personal information.
- Romance Scam: A confidence trick involving romantic intentions towards a victim, gaining their affection, and then using that goodwill to commit fraud. They will play on emotional triggers by text message, email or social media to get you to provide them with fraudulent access to your bank accounts, credit cards, or personal information.
- Overpayment Scam: This scam could take place when you are selling an item over the internet or listing in the paper. The scammer will contact you wanting to purchase the item you are selling. When you receive the check the amount will “accidentally” be more than the initial purchase amount. Next you will contact the purchaser (scammer) about the overpayment amount of the check. They will then instruct you to send the difference back by Western Union, MoneyGram, or Wire. You then become the victim and will be responsible for the amount of the fraudulent check when it is returned and you could also lose the item in the “sale.” The scammer would then receive the overpayment amount you sent back to put in their pocket.
- Secret Shopper Scam: In this type of scam, you will receive a counterfeit check from the scammer usually for an amount less than $5,000.00. The scammer will then instruct you to cash or deposit the check and keep some of the funds for your pay. With your portion of the funds, you will be told to go to a few businesses and purchase items while you are secretly taking notes on the service you are receiving. With the majority of the funds, you will then be instructed to send it back to the scammer by Western Union or MoneyGram while you take notes on the service. As the victim you will be responsible for the missing funds when the check comes back fraudulent.
Still have questions about the different types of scams?
Please contact us! 417-682-3348
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