The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has produced a multimedia presentation to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. To view the video, click the following link: Don’t Be an Online Victim:  How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams.

To make sure your computer is as secure as possible before transmitting any sensitive information, the following steps will help you maintain the security of your transactions.

• Use up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer.
• Microsoft releases security patches for the Windows operating system and for Microsoft Edge. You should keep the patches on your computer current.
• Always log out of our Internet Banking site by clicking the “Logout” link.
• Do not store your Internet Banking passwords electronically through a web browser.
• Create a password that is hard to guess and change it often.
• Do not install free computer software without knowing what it is and where it came from. Doing so can install spyware and other unwanted programs onto your computer.
• When shopping online, do not enter personal information unless the web pages are secure. If the web address begins https:// and has other protection measures, then your information is encrypted and scrambled to prevent hackers from infiltrating.
• Do not use public computers to transmit any personal information.
• Do not divulge personal information in a chat room.

ATM Security

As with all financial transactions, please exercise discretion when using an ATM or night deposit facility. The following suggestions may be helpful.

• Prepare for your transaction at home to minimize your time at the ATM or night deposit facility.
• Mark each transaction in your account record, but not while at the ATM.
• Always save your ATM receipts. Don’t leave them at the ATM or night deposit facility because they may contain important account information.
• Compare your records with the account statements you receive.
• Protect your Debit card as though it were cash. Don’t lend your Debit card to anyone. Do not leave your card at the ATM.
• Protect the secrecy of your PIN. Don’t tell anyone your PIN. Never enter your PIN in any ATM that does not look genuine, has been modified, has a suspicious device attached or is operating in a suspicious manner. Don’t write your PIN where it can be discovered. For example, don’t keep a note of your PIN in your wallet or purse.
• Prevent others from seeing you enter your PIN by using your body to shield their view.
• If your Debit card is lost or stolen, promptly notify us. You should consult the other disclosures you have received about electronic fund transfers for additional information about what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
• Look out for suspicious activity near the ATM facility, particularly after dark. At night, be sure the facility is well lit. Consider having someone accompany you, especially after dark. If you observe any problem, go to another facility.
• Do not accept assistance from anyone you do not know at an ATM facility.
• Don’t display your cash. Count the cash later in the safety of your car or home.
• At a drive-thru facility, make sure all your car doors are locked and windows are rolled up. Keep your engine running and remain alert to your surroundings.
• If you notice any problems with a facility, such as a light not working or damage to the facility, let us know. Report any suspicious activity to the operator of the facility and local law enforcement immediately.
• Don’t give anyone any information regarding your Debit card or PIN over the telephone.  To verify whether a call is legitimate, call your bank using phone numbers from your bank statement or account documentation.  If you receive an automated text or phone call from Enfact, our fraud detection program regarding potential fraud on your Debit Card, you will not be asked for your card number or PIN.

First Shore Federal makes sure your information is safe, but there are some things you can do to protect your information.

• Create and Use Secure Passwords or Passcodes
  • Make sure to set timeouts so your application or device doesn’t stay on indefinitely.  You should also have a password set to remotely wipe your device in case it is stolen or lost.

• Avoid Apps from Unknown Sources
  • Always make sure to download your apps from trusted providers.  These providers spend time and resources researching and verifying App security.
• Update your Mobile Device’s Operating System
  • You know those pesky alerts you receive about “software updates”?  It is critical that you update your software when alerted.  Software updates contain important security features to correct flaws and vulnerabilities in the previous software version.
• Backup your Data on a Regular Basis
  • If your device is lost or stolen, it is important to have your important data backed up whether it is through the cloud or through other means.
• Install Mobile Security Software
  • Your mobile device is a computer, even though it’s much smaller.  It is just as important that you have reputable security software in place on your device as it is on your home computer.
• Don’t use Public Wi-Fi if…
  • You are banking
  • You are shopping
  • You are checking your e-mail
  • You are paying bills
  • You are doing anything that includes your personal information

Your User Name and Password can be exposed over public Wi-Fi which is not secure.  Your mobile phone’s network is safer for such information.

• Be Wary of Texts
  • First Shore Federal’s SMS service (Text Message Banking) will text you if you have set up alerts through Internet Banking or if you text a command to the number provided.
  • If we suspect fraudulent debit card use, our monitoring agency will send you a text if we detect suspicious activity on your debit card as part of our Fraud Detection Program.
  • Remember, First Shore Federal will never call, email or text you and ask you for your account number, PIN, identification or passwords.
  • If you receive a call, email or text from an unknown source asking you to “verify” your information, report it to us immediately at 410-546-1101.

For further information, please visit these sites:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Keeping Your Devices Secure

Online Security

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Cybersecurity Awareness Basics

FDIC Consumer News

• First Shore Federal will never e-mail you to ask for sensitive information (for example; your social security number, account number or password).
• If you receive an e-mail that asks for this information, please contact us so that we are aware of these attempts.
• When contacting us via e-mail, always use the secure e-mail addresses located within your Internet Banking login.
• Do not follow links within an unsolicited e-mail. Visit Web sites by typing the web address into your address bar.

Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing types of financial fraud. Take these steps to protect yourself:

• Never give out personal information such as your checking account number, credit card numbers or your social security number to anyone via a social media platform, an unsolicited email or over the phone, unless you initiated the call.
• Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes. Guard your passwords and do not share them with anyone. Cover your hand when you are entering your PIN at an ATM.
• Protect your account information. Do not write your personal identification number (PIN) on your ATM or debit card. Do not write your social security number or credit card number on a check.
• Do not carry confidential information in your wallet, including bank account numbers, PIN or your social security card.
• Some web browsers will ask if you want to store your password. Do not store your Internet Banking passwords.
• Once you have completed your Internet Banking session, always log out of our Internet Banking site by clicking on the “Logout” link.
• Install an anti-virus program on your computer and keep the virus definition files up to date.
• Review your bank statement in a timely manner. Report any suspicious transactions immediately.
• Shred financial solicitations, ATM and credit card receipts or financial statements before disposing of them.
• Report lost or stolen checks or ATM cards immediately. Review new deliveries of checks to make sure none have been stolen in transit.
• Do not put your bills in your mailbox with the red flag up. Use a locked Postal Service collection box or the post office.
• If your credit card or other bills fail to reach you, call the company to find out why. Someone may have filed a false change of address notice to divert your mail to his or her address.
• Review your credit card bills for unauthorized charges
• You are entitled to one free credit report yearly from each of the three credit reporting agencies.

Free Annual Credit Report
Equifax
Experian
TransUnion

• Learn about new ways to eliminate the use of paper checks…especially electronic payment options available through First Shore Federal.

Privacy Disclosure

Credit Bureaus Can Legally Sell Your Information

First Shore Federal will never sell customer information, but we have been contacted by several people concerned that their personal and financial information has been sold. This generally happens after applying for a loan, they start getting phone calls or receiving mail soliciting them to apply for credit with someone else.

When you apply for credit, whether through us or another lender, the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion) can and do have the right to sell your information to certain companies offering “pre-approved” or “firm” credit.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you.

The good news is that the FCRA also provides you the right to “Opt-Out”, which prevents these credit bureaus from providing your credit file information for “firm” offers.

Our customers can choose to opt out of this practice by going to www.optoutprescreen.com and also getting on the do not call list at 1-888-382-1222 or donotcall.gov.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions and please know we don’t sell your information.