FDIC-Insured—Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

256-735-2121

FRAUDULENT EMAILS

Fraudulent emails may be designed to appear as if they are being originated by a creditable source such as Traditions Bank. Email requesting any type of confidential information should not be responded to as the bank will not request the information via email or text messaging. Additionally, do not go to any link that may be imbedded in the email as they are often used to steal information from the user. These types of communications are not originated by Traditions Bank! Never give out your personal information that is already housed by the bank to any caller, text, or email originator. If you have received any communication, it is best to call the bank at the publicly listed number to inquire about the request for information. When you call, we will confirm your identity, but we will never contact you and ask for your complete Social Security Number or Debit Card number. Any contact initiated by the bank will be conducted in a manner designed to protect your confidential personal information. When contacting you Traditions Bank will clearly identify itself to further ensure your confidential personal information is safeguarded.

PROTECTION

Traditions Bank works with local authorities and regulators to assure our customers that any time there is illegal activity taking place it can be stopped as soon as possible. Traditions Bank utilizes multi-layer protection in our security efforts to protect all customer confidential personal information. Traditions Bank will continually employ Customer Due Diligence processes to diligently protect against the loss of confidential personal information.

Immediately report any suspicious activity such as phone calls, text messages, or emails to Traditions Bank by forwarding the suspicious email to the Bank at customerservice@traditionsal.com. If you suspect identity theft or would like to inquire about certain activity contact Traditions Bank at 256-735-2121.

ONLINE BANKING SECURITY

Traditions Bank commits to protecting your confidential personal information. The bank’s online banking service utilizes several different methods to protect your information. All information that is stored within our online banking uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to protect your information form theft during data transmission. SSL is a cryptosystem designed to create a secure environment for your information as it is being transmitted between browsers and the Bank. Any information that is transmitted through online banking is encrypted with the highest level of encryption available. In addition to the security features of the Bank; it is important that you also consider these added suggestions for keeping your confidential personal information safe and secure.

Added Suggestions:

  • Never give out any personal information, including User Names, Passwords, SSN or Date of Birth.
  • Create difficult/unique passwords which include letters, numbers & symbols when possible.
  • Don’t use personal information for your user names or passwords, like birth dates or SSN.
  • Avoid using public computers to access your online banking.
  • Do not use the password auto-save feature on your browser.

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?

Identity theft is the practice of unlawfully acquiring and using someone’s identifying information such as:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s License
  • Bank or Credit Card Account Number
  • Personal Identifiable Number (PIN)

Identity thieves then use the information to commit fraud on a repetitive basis. This is done in an attempt to duplicate your identity which could include opening accounts, applying for credit, obtaining credit cards, purchasing an automobile, renting an apartment, acquiring services through utility companies and phone companies, as well as applying for social security benefits. It can often times have a negative effect on your credit and cause a significant financial hassle for you.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

It is important to remember that protecting yourself is a vital part of preventing identity theft. You can do so by:

  • Reporting lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately.
  • Never giving out any personal information, including birth date, SSN or Passwords.
  • Shredding all documents containing personal information, like bank statements, unused checks, deposit slips, credit card statements, pay stubs, medical billings, and invoices.
  • Reviewing statements promptly and carefully and periodically check your credit report.
  • Not giving any of your personal information to any web sites that do not use encryption or other secure methods to protect it.

You can obtain additional information about identity theft and how to protect yourself and your confidential personal identifying information by visiting the following websites:

*NOTE: By clicking the links below you will directed away from Traditions Bank’s website*

Computer Security: Experian

www.onguardonline.gov

PO Box 2002

Allen TX 75013-0949

Federal Trade Commission for ID Theft: 

https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft

To order a report: 888-397-3742

FDIC Consumer Assistance:

www.fdic.gov/consumer/consumer

To report fraud: 888-397-3742

Trans Union

United States Department of Justice PO Box 1000

www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud

www.transunion.com

Chester PA 19022

Equifax

P O Box 105069

Atlanta GA 30349-5069

www.equifax.com

To order a report: 800-916-8800

To report fraud: 800-680-7289

Additionally, you can order reports or report fraud at:

To order a report: 800-685-1111

To report fraud: 800-525-6285

 

DEBIT CARD PROTECTION

In the current environment Debit Card usage has increased drastically over the past few years and the fraudulent use of cards as increased as well.

Traditions Bank offers some suggestions to further safeguard you and your debit cards.

  • NEVER give your debit card information when requested by phone, email, or texting.

We at Traditions Bank will ever request information from you in this manner. Please contact us if you receive any such request.

  • It is a good idea to pay by credit card if your card leaves your sight.

An example might be when a waiter takes your card from your table in a restaurant. Debit cards are easier to process illegally vs. credit cards.

REGULATION E: ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS

Regulation E is designed to protect consumers making electronic fund transfers. The term “electronic fund transfer” (EFT) generally refers to a transaction initiated through electronic terminals, telephones, computers, or magnetic tape that instructs the Bank to either credit or debit a consumer’s account.

The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (Regulation E) was issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and adopted in 1978 as an add-on to the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The regulation and law institute the basic rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of a consumer who utilizes the EFT system or services offered by the bank.

Commercial and Business accounts are not covered by the protection of the law or regulation. It is important for these customers to implement safe and sound security practices that are suggested in the program. This will reduce the risk to the companies regarding theft and fraud.

CORPORATE ACCOUNT TAKEOVER

Corporate account takeover is also a form of identity theft that criminals utilize. It involves the theft of a business’s online banking credentials. This attack is usually quite stealthy, and a business may not even realize it has taken place. Malware may be on a system and go unnoticed for weeks or months. The theft of monies from the stolen credentials may take days or even months, it is important to review account regularly to ensure suspicious activity is identified and reported.

STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY:

  • Use layered system security measures: Create layers of firewalls, anti-malware software and encryption. One layer of security might not be enough. Install robust anti-malware programs on every workstation and laptop and keep the programs updated.
  • Manage the security of online banking with a single, dedicated computer used exclusively for online banking and cash management. This computer should not be connected to your business network, should not retrieve any e-mail messages, and should not be used for any online purpose except banking if possible.
  • Educate your employees about cybercrimes. Make sure your employees understand that just one infected computer can lead to an account takeover. Make them very conscious of the risk and teach them to ask the question: “Does this e-mail or phone call make sense?” before they open attachments or provide information.
  • Block access to unnecessary or high-risk websites. Prevent access to any website that features adult entertainment, online gaming, social networking, and personal e-mail. Such sites could inject malware into your network.
  • Establish a separate user account for every employee accessing financial information and limit administrative rights. Many malware programs require administrative rights to the workstation and network in order to steal credentials. If your user permissions for online banking include administrative rights, don’t use those credentials for day-to-day processing.
  • Review or reconcile accounts online daily. The sooner you find suspicious transactions, the sooner the theft can be investigated.

BUSINESS SELF-ASSESSMENT

Commercial/business clients that utilize online banking are strongly encouraged to complete an annual self-assessment that focuses on their online banking practices and internal network security. A self-assessment should be utilized to evaluate if the business has implemented sound business practices to address five key principles that the Bank has outlined below:

  • Take Stock. Know the nature and scope of the sensitive information contained in your files and on your computers.
  • Scale Down. Keep only what you need for your business.
  • Lock It. Protect the information in your care.
  • Pitch It. Properly dispose of what you no longer need.
  • Plan Ahead. Create a plan to respond to security incidents.

Details on performing a Self-Assessment are provided by the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection at: http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus69-protecting-personal-information-guide-business

Traditions Bank will only contact its customers regarding online banking activities on an unsolicited basis for the following reasons:

  • Suspected fraudulent activity is on your account
  • Inactive/Dormant Account
  • To notify you of a change or disruption in service
  • To confirm changes submitted to your online banking profile

UNSOLICITED CLIENT CONTACT

Traditions Bank will not contact its customers at any time for unsolicited reasons to request their security logon credentials. The credentials include user names and log-ins. If you receive request for this information do not respond to them. Please call the Bank immediately at (256)735-2121 or email us at customerservice@traditionsal.com to report any such activity.

The Bank will only contact its customers regarding online banking activities on an unsolicited basis for the following reasons:

  • Suspected fraudulent activity is on your account
  • Inactive/Dormant Account
  • To notify you of a change or disruption in service
  • To confirm changes submitted to your online banking profile

GENERAL INFORMATION

Personal Computers

  • Always sign out or log off
  • Update software frequently and keep systems current
  • Use a current version of Antivirus software
  • Virus software definitions should be updated daily
  • Install and activate a personal firewall
  • Keep your operating system current
  • Activate the automatic update feature
  • Set your browser’s security level to the default setting or higher

Best Practices

  • Keep your personal information private and secure
  • Check your account balance regularly
  • Do not access your account from a public location
  • If you suspect suspicious activity, take swift action
  • Be skeptical of email messages, for example, from someone unlikely to send an email such as the IRS
  • Do not open the suspicious emails and do not click on the links

Websites

  • Check your credit report
  • Pay using credit cards
  • Shred bank account, credit card, medical and other statements with personal information
  • Never click on suspicious links
  • Only give sensitive information to websites using encryption, verified through the web address that starts with https:// (the “s” is for Secure)
  • Use social media wisely and don’t reveal too much

Mobile Devices

  • Use Passcodes
  • Avoid storing sensitive information
  • Keep software up-to-date
  • Install remote wipe if the device is lost or stolen

ATM Safety

  • Protect your ATM card and PIN.
  • If ATM Card is lost, report as soon as possible
  • Choose a PIN different from your address, telephone#, or birth date
  • Be aware of people and your surroundings
  • Put away your card and cash
  • Observe the card reader; if it looks suspicious or damaged don’t use it. A skimming device may be attached that can read the magnetic strip and obtain all the information stored on it.

BANK CONTACTS

Our customers protected in a verity of ways when you are using internet banking products; however, it is imperative that you contact Traditions Bank in the event you think your personal or company’s online access has been compromised. If you would like to report suspicious activity on your accounts, or if you have questions about the security of your account, you can contact the bank at 256-735-2121 or email us at customerservice@traditionsal.com.

 

The security of your confidential personal information and your money are of the utmost importance to Traditions Bank. Let us help to protect it!