Helpful Information

10 Rules for Strong Passwords

1. Don’t tell your passwords to anyone! Nobody should ask for your passwords, and you should never give your passwords to anyone.
2. Don’t use simple dictionary words, pets’ names, or people’s names for passwords. Avoid easy-to-guess numbers, such as your age, zip code, birthday or anniversary.
3. Use passwords that are at least 20 characters long. Do not write them down where they can be easily found.
4. Create a “pass phrase” instead of just one word (for example, $3 for the pirate hat). Or think up a few nonsense words that you can remember easily (for example, Betty was smoking tires and playing tuna fish).
5. Use a different password for each website. Do no use simple patterns like “password1”, “password2”, “password3”, or “amazon4me”, “netflix4me”, “yahoo4me” for different sites—those are too easy to guess.
6. Change your passwords for sensitive websites (such as your online banking or credit cards) every 60-90 days. Do not use easy-to-guess patterns when you change them.
7. If you think someone may have learned your password, change it immediately. Then check the websites where you use that password for any signs of misuse—starting with your online banking.
8. Sometimes websites ask you to enter the answer for a “security question” you can use if you forget your password. Make your answer to the security question just as hard to guess as your password.
9. If your bank or webmail offers you extra security features, use them!
10. Use the password procedures your company requires, and at home consider using a password manager like KeePass or Password Safe. Password managers make your internet use a lot safer and easier.

ATM Safety Tips

• Know where your card is at all times. Notify First National Bank immediately if it is lost or stolen.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it down anywhere, especially on your card.
• Never give your PIN to anyone. FNB will never ask you for your PIN.
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Never approach an ATM if you feel unsafe.
• Never approach an ATM after dark if the lights at the ATM location do not seem to be bright enough.
• Cover the ATM keyboard with your hands or body so others cannot see you enter your PIN.
• Always take your receipts or transaction records with you when you leave.
• Do not count or visually display money you received from the ATM; put it away immediately.
• When using a drive-up ATM, always keep your car running and doors locked.

Fraud Protection

• Identity theft and consumer fraud can happen in an instant, it's important to protect yourself. Consider getting identity theft protection from trusted companies like LifeLock®. There are several different membership plans to choose from based on your needs and budget.
• It's also good to learn about simple tips and tools you can use to reduce your risk of identity theft and protect your financially sensitive information. Our short interactive course will equip you with important knowledge regarding consumer fraud and identity theft, prevention and protection tips and how to respond to identity theft.
• You can also download our e-FNB Mobile Banking App to turn cards on and off, receive real-time debit card alerts, set limitations of where your debit card can be used or set low balance alerts. View the short video here or download the e-FNB Mobile Banking App in the Apple or Google Play stores.
• In the unfortunate event that you are a victim of identity fraud, please contact us immediately and we can help guide you through the process. In addition,  the Federal Trade Commission has created www.identitytheft.gov because if you become a victim of identity theft recovering is much easier with a plan.
• Read about How to Avoid a Scam.

Social Media Cybersecurity

In general, now more than ever, people are spending higher amounts of time on the Internet. You are sharing information about yourself with every social media account you are on, every picture you post and every tweet you send. We've provided you a few simple tips on how to be cyber smart while engaging in all your social media fun courtesy of the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

• If You Connect It, Protect It. No matter what device you are using, it's best practice to make sure you have the latest security software, web browser or operating system to prevent viruses and malware. A simple way to make sure these items are up-to-date is to sign up for automatic updates, if able.
• Never click and tell. Try to limit the type of information you put out on your social media platforms. Avoid you personal address and your daily routines as these details are what criminals can use to target you online and in the real world. Make sure that your sensitive and personal information like Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers and passwords are kept private. If you're going on vacation, try to keep your plans off social media until you get back. Disable your location services while you're away so people can't see where you're going and when you'll be there.
• Speak up if you're uncomfortable. Let your friends and family know if something they post about you makes you feel uncomfortable or is inappropriate. Remember that everyone has different levels of how much they want the world to know about them and it's important to respect those boundaries.
• Report suspicious or harassing activity. Do not be afraid to report or block harassing users. Report an incident if you are a victim of cybercrime to your local authorities.
• Remember, there is no 'Delete' button on the Internet. As they say, "Share with care." Even if you delete a post, tweet or picture from your social profiles immediately after posting it, chances are somebody already saw it.
• Update your privacy settings. You can set your privacy and security settings to a level you are comfortable with when information sharing.
• Connect only with people you trust. Social media is used to connect but sometimes you may receive random a request from someone on the complete opposite side of the world you don't know. One of the best ways to prevent cybercrime is to connect with the people you already know and trust.

For more information about how you can do your part and be cybersmart, visit www.cisa.gov/ncsam.

Money Mules Fuel Fraud

What are money mules?

Money mules are people who receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they've been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters.

How do people become money mules?

• Responding to a job advertisement or social media post that promises easy money for little effort.
• Helping someone they've met online (possibly on a dating website) or over the phone by agreeing to receive and transfer money.

Don't assist fraudsters. Think twice before you:

• Open a bank account at someone else's direction.
• Give someone access to your bank account or debit card.
• Move money at someone else's direction.
• Allow money from people you don't know to be deposited into your account.
• Take a job that promises easy money and involves sending or receiving money or packages.
• Purchase virtual currency or gift cards on someone else's behalf.
• Agree to receive or forward packages, especially those containing money or merchandise.

By receiving and transmitting criminal proceeds, money mules oftentimes engage in criminal offenses. Money mules help international criminal networks steal money from senior citizens, businesses, and people just like you. For more information, please visit: www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/money-mule-initiative.

Preventing Elder Financial Abuse

It is important to watch out for signs of financial abuse and take steps to help your loved ones if needed. For more information, download Preventing Elder Financial Abuse Guide. 

• Prevent. Educate yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
• Recognize. Spot the warning signs and take action.
• Record. Document what you observe.
• Report. Tell the appropriate authorities so they can investigate and help.