Security & Fraud Prevention
Unfortunately, crimes of fraud continue to rise. Communication is often the key in preventing and minimizing fraud. Check here for the latest fraud and cybersecurity tips.
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses – FTC
Any business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance a business and consumer confidence. To learn more, visit The Federal Communications Commissions website.
Protect Yourself with Good Habits
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Protect your user names and passwords or PIN’s. Don’t give them to anyone
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Contact your bank regarding any suspicious activity
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Keep your social security number in a safe place - never carry it with you
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Report lost or stolen credit cards, debit cards, drivers license or ID cards immediately
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Shred any documents you no longer need that have personally identifiable information
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Report any missed account statements to your bank in case they have been stolen from your mailbox
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Sign up for eStatements. This keeps your information out of the hands of thieves who might steal them from the mail or trash
Safe Online Computing Practices
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Use anti-virus software – These are programs that have been designed to detect viruses which may infect your computer through emails you receive or programs you download from the internet
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Firewalls – Used to block outside attacks from hackers, filter infected files or emails, and alert you if an unauthorized user tries to access your system
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Encryption – With this technology, your data is encrypted, or scrambled, so even if it is intercepted by criminals it won’t be easy to read or use
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Passwords – The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be deciphered by a perpetrator using even the most sophisticated techniques.
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To create safer passwords:
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Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters
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Create a completely unique password for each application or account
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Avoid using everyday words that can be found in the dictionary
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Don’t create passwords that are specific to you such as your spouse’s name or your birthdate
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Change your passwords often
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Software Updates – many viruses take advantage of bugs in software. Updating frequently will protect your computer
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Log-Off – always log off and close your browser especially when using a public computer. The next person to use it might be able to access your account if you haven’t logged off properly.
Other Helpful Resources
We want you to know about ways you can protect your information. The following web sites offer helpful information and consumer guidance, and we encourage you to visit them. If you are ever in doubt about a request for information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your bank is aware of most scams and has access to key resources when new ones appear.
Federal Trade Commission(Opens in a new Window)
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Tips on privacy, identity theft and online security.
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Scam alerts
FBI eScams and Warnings(Opens in a new Window)
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Protecting yourself online
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Information about types of Internet Fraud
Report Fraud
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account please contact us as soon as possible.
If you have received an email from PurposeBank that you feel is fraudulent, please forward it to info@purpose-bank.com and we will investigate. If you are uncomfortable forwarding the email, or if you fear you have already provided personal information over the Internet to a fraudster or identity thief, please contact PurposeBank as soon as possible at 888-393-0341.