Online Security

It is Traditions Bank’s commitment to keep your accounts safe, while adopting the latest security requirements possible. Our authentication process for Internet Banking complies with the best industry practices on how to best protect you and your finances, utilizing features like password protection, failed login lockouts, inactivity timeouts, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and more. There are also steps that you can take to protect yourself while online.

• It is important to keep your computer as safe and secure as possible by installing and regularly updating your anti-virus software, anti-malware software, firewalls on your computer, and patches and updates to your operating system. Third party programs and browsers should also be kept up-to-date.
• Use strong and varying usernames and passwords on different websites. If possible, use letters and numbers as well as symbols in your passwords. Do not use obvious passwords, such as your date of birth, social security number, or names of children, pets or spouses. Change your passwords often and do not use the same credentials for your Internet Banking login as your shopping or social networking sites.
• Do not store usernames and passwords where anyone could get them, including a cell phone that is not password-protected. Memorize your credentials if possible, or store them in a locked drawer away from your computer or device.
• Uninstall programs and apps that you do not use and keep your computer or device as clean as possible.
• Log off of your computer or even shut if off when it is not in use. Do not leave a computer that is logged in unattended.
• Before disposing of an old computer, remove all storage devices. Simply deleting or clicking on the trash icon to remove files will not suffice when handling sensitive information.
• Always enter the URL of a website directly into a browser. Avoid being re-directed to the site or using a hyperlink from a site that is not deemed secure.
• When you search for a website through a search engine, look at the actual website addresses before clicking on one.
• You should check to make sure that any online shopping site is secure by noting that the URL begins with “https” and has a closed padlock icon on the status bar. To confirm the authenticity of the site, you can double-click on the lock icon to display a security certificate for the site. Websites that begin with “http” are not deemed secure.
• If possible, do not use unsecure Wi-Fi or hotspots. Keep your own wireless networks password protected.
• Do not send sensitive or confidential information through ordinary email.
• Think twice before providing a questionable website with your email address, as you increase your risk of receiving fraudulent emails.
• Do not download files or software from unknown sites or sources.

Mobile Device Security

Smartphones and similar devices are basically a hand-held computer and should be carefully protected, monitored, and kept up-to-date just like your computer. A few tips to best protect you and your mobile device are:

• Keep your security software current. Using the latest mobile security software, web browsers, and operating systems will help defend you against viruses, malware, and online threats.
• Secure your phone using a strong password to lock your phone, if possible.
• Research an app and read the privacy policy, fully understanding what data and access you are allowing, before downloading it.
• Do not give your phone number out to people that you do not know or trust.
• Be wary of using Wi-Fi hotspots. If you do use them, limit what you do and adjust your security settings accordingly to protect yourself.
• Uninstall programs and apps that you do not use and keep your computer or device as clean as possible.
• When in doubt about a call, voicemail, text, or email, do not respond to it and delete it.
• Do not save passwords, your PIN, account numbers, or other confidential and sensitive information on your phone.
• Notify your mobile service provider and your bank if your phone is lost or stolen. To contact Traditions Bank, call your local branch or 1-800-735-6697.

Debit Card and ATM Card Security

Debit cards and ATM cards are handy and useful while on the go. To best protect you and your finances, keep the following tips in mind:

• Your card should be thought of as cash and should always be stored in a safe place.
• Only you should know your PIN. It should be memorized and never written on the card or stored in your purse or wallet.
• No company or individual, including Traditions Bank, needs to know your PIN. It should not be disclosed at any time for any reason.
• You should never disclose any of your card information or any other personal information in response to an email.
• You should only disclose your debit card information over the phone if you know and trust the company and you placed the phone call.
• You should check to make sure that any online shopping site is secure by noting that the URL begins with “https” and has a closed padlock icon on the status bar. To confirm the authenticity of the site, you can double-click on the lock icon to display a security certificate for the site. Websites beginning with “http” are not deemed secure.
• Keep your receipts to check against your statements and/or Internet Banking activity.
• If you review your activity and see unauthorized transactions, report it as soon as possible to Traditions Bank’s Customer Service department by calling 1-800-735-6697.
• If you lose your debit card or it is stolen, call Traditions Bank immediately. During regular business hours call your local branch or 1-800-735-6697. To contact someone after hours, please call 1-800-735-6697 and choose Option 2 for ATM/Card Services.
• Store Traditions Bank’s telephone number on your cell phone. If you lose your card or it is stolen, you will be able to quickly and easily contact us for assistance.

ATM Security

While visiting an ATM, please keep the following tips in mind to keep you and your finances secure:

• Always observe your surroundings as you approach an ATM. If anything appears to be suspicious, leave the area.
• Have your card out of your wallet and ready for use when you arrive at the ATM.
• Use ATMs that are familiar to you and in a well-lit location where you feel comfortable. If you do not feel comfortable, choose another location or take someone you trust with you.
• Look for possible skimming or fraudulent devices attached to the ATM. If you suspect that an ATM has been tampered with or altered, do not use it and contact that bank when possible.
• Never accept assistance from an individual you do not know at an ATM.
• Block the view of your transaction from others.
• When your transaction is complete, put your money away immediately. Get to a secure place before stopping to count your money.
• Always take your receipt with you.
• Do not let others use your card, and never give your PIN to anyone.
• Do not write your PIN on your card or anywhere in your purse or wallet.
• Use a unique PIN and one that is not easily guessed.
• Store the bank’s telephone number on your cell phone. If you lose your card or it is stolen, you will be able to quickly and easily contact the bank.

Mobile Deposit Safety

Mobile Deposit is a feature on your mobile banking app that offers a fast and easy way to deposit checks remotely. Just take a picture of your check and upload with a few clicks!

How does a Mobile Deposit scam work? : Fraudsters contact their victims through email or social media posing as a potential employer, lender or interested buyer on a marketplace site. The fraudster will often provide the victim an opportunity to earn money quickly by depositing a check to their account or by asking for help in moving money from overseas. The fraudster will further request the victim’s bank account information and may even ask for online or mobile banking login credentials.

The fraudster uses the information to deposit a fake check. Once the deposit has been made, the scammer will request funds to be immediately transferred back to them via money order, person to person transfer, wire transfer, reloadable cards or even gift cards. Once the victim returns the funds, the bank alerts the victim that the check was fictitious and removes the funds from the account, causing a loss to the victim.

Protect yourself! –  Never give out your personal information to people you don’t know, alert us of any suspicious activity and before you deposit a check look for these red flags:

• Typos in names of the payer, payee, bank and dollar amounts
• Out of state payers and out of state banks
• Missing or faded bank logos
• Notations in the memo-line suggesting legitimacy (cash, authorization, void after 30 days, payment, etc.)

And remember, even if a check has been “cleared”, you may not be in the clear. Under federal law, banks must make deposited funds available quickly, but just because you can withdraw the money doesn’t mean the check is valid, even if it’s a cashier’s check or money order. If you have any questions about whether or not the check is valid, talk to your banker.

Peer-to-Peer Payment App Safety

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms like Apple Pay, Zelle, Venmo and Cash App, offer a fast and convenient way to settle restaurant bills with your friends and send money to your family. Unfortunately, they are also becoming a popular payment method for scammers. Here are several tips you can take to avoid falling victim to this scam:

• Don’t use P2P services to purchase products. If an online retailer requires payment via a P2P payment service, it is probably a scam.
• Only pay with P2P services to people you know. P2P payments are meant to be used between friends and family, or with people you know well and trust, like your hairdresser or babysitter.
• Double (and triple) check the address, username, or phone number of the person you are trying to send money to. If you make a mistake, and send money to the wrong person, it can be very difficult or even impossible to get the money back. If you are worried you may have the wrong person, double check the email address/username, and try sending a small amount first to confirm that your intended recipient received it.
•  Opt-in for stronger security. Almost every popular P2P platform offers the ability to create a personal identification number (PIN). Once the PIN is created, a user will be required to enter it when they open the app, or before they are able to transfer money. This extra layer of security can help protect your money if your phone falls into the wrong hands.

When Traveling

When you are away, a few tips will help you rest assured that you are protecting yourself as much as possible during travel.

• Make your home look lived in during long absences. Put your mail on hold, stop newspapers, use timers on lights, and have your lawn taken care of while you are gone.
• Leave your checkbooks, social security cards, and all but a couple of necessary credit cards at home in a secure place.
• Notify Traditions Bank of your travel plans, especially if you plan on using a debit card while you are away. Simply call and notify us of the dates you will be away and your destination.
• Check your account activity frequently on a secure computer or device while traveling.
• Do not access personal or financial information on a public computer or while using unsecure Wi-Fi hotspots. In fact, do not use Wi-Fi hotspots, if possible.
• Do not leave personal or confidential information in a rental car or in your hotel room while you are out.
• Never share specifics of your travels on social networking sites. If possible, refrain from referencing details or posting pictures until you return home.
• Never leave any of your belongings unattended.
• If you need cash, withdraw it at a major and reputable financial institution.
• Arrange transportation in advance when possible.
• Password-protect your computers and mobile devices and store them in secure areas at all times.
• Shred boarding passes, itineraries, and similar information that contains valuable information when you no longer require them.

General Identity Theft Security Tips

Identity theft can occur in a number of ways, including:

• Getting personal information off of bills or credit statements from trash
• Eavesdropping or hovering over personal transactions in public
• Impersonating a bank in an email
• Gathering information from a replication of a legitimate site
  Here are a few things you can do to prevent identity theft:
• Shred any documents with your social security number or credit information rather than just throwing it away.
• Log off of your computer or even turn it off between uses.
• Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer, keep it current, and run it or set it to automatically run at least every two weeks.
• Be wary of emails from sources you don’t know. If it appears to be fraudulent, do not open it or any link or attachment within the email. Simply mark it as spam and delete it.
• Traditions Bank will never request account, debit card or PIN information over the phone. If you receive a call, email, or text message asking leading questions regarding your bank information, do not disclose it and contact the bank immediately.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of outrageous claims by individuals or companies you do not know.
• Shred all documents with personal information, such as statements, invoices, bills, receipts, pre-approved credit offers, credit card checks, and insurance-related materials. Do not simply throw them away intact.
• If you need to keep important documents, store them in a locked drawer, safe or safety deposit box. This would include statements, passports, social security cards, birth certificates and similar items.
• Do not keep your social security card in your purse or wallet. Do not give your social security number to anyone that you do not know and trust. Provide it only when necessary.
• Do not leave your purse, wallet, or mobile device in your car.
• When possible, avoid carrying other important documents with you like your birth certificate, passport, paystubs, or sensitive banking information.
• If a check or checks from your checkbook are lost or stolen, you don’t receive your regularly mailed bank statement, or you see check transactions in your activity that you did not make, contact Traditions Bank immediately by calling your local branch or by calling 1-800-735-6697.

Child Identity Theft Security Tips

Until a child can fully protect themselves and their own personal information, you may be able to help protect them by using some of the following tips:

• Do not give out your child’s social security number unless you know and trust the recipient. Feel comfortable questioning the recipient’s need for it and how they plan on protecting it.
• Do not carry your child’s social security card or birth certificate with you.
• Shred all sensitive or confidential information on behalf of your child. If you need to keep it, store it in a secure and locked location.
• Be aware of any credit card offers or other similar credit offers or information arriving in your child’s name. If this takes place, your child’s information has been compromised and it needs to be addressed.
• Teach your child to protect their personal information and explain the risks of providing their personal information to others.
• Teach your child how to best protect themselves online. You may wish to monitor or block certain sites on their behalf.

Customer Awareness

It is Traditions Bank’s practice that the bank will take all appropriate steps required to prevent identity theft and provide materials that instruct on guarding against identity theft. While Traditions Bank cannot guarantee that your ID will never be stolen, we will not request personal information by email or text message. Information that will not be requested via these channels includes account numbers, passwords, personal identification information (SSN, ID numbers, etc.) or any other non-public confidential information.

Click to learn more about how to protect yourself.