The following links are great resources to find additional information on scams. DON'T BE THE VICTIM!
 
 
 
Minimizing Your Risk Through "Best Practice" Guidelines
 
In an ever changing world of technology and ways identity thieves are obtaining our personal information, we as consumers,  need to protect our identity and be aware of suspicious activity. 
 
By recognizing "Red Flags" and taking the proper steps you can help prevent identity theft!
Things to remember regarding your personal information such as social security numbers, account numbers,
passwords etc...
  • Financial Institutions, Social Security Administration WILL NEVER:
    • Call, email, or send a letter asking you to provide your social security number, account numbers, or passwords/PIN numbers.  This is all information that they already have and should not need to contact you to verify it.
    • Easy way to think of it is....if YOU did not initiate the contact/communication; do NOT give out your personal information. 
  • Protect your social security number
    • Never carry your social security card on you.
    • Never write it down and leave it out.
  • Shred financial documents and other sensitive items (checks, credit cards) before disposing them 
  • Keep personal information and sensitive items in a secure place 
  • Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements, looking closely for changes/charges you did not authorize 
  • Review your credit report. You can obtain a free annual credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. Call 1-877-322-8228 for visit www.annualcreditreport.com for your free report. 
Online Security "Best Practices"
  • Create strong passwords - Take a sentence that represents something in your life and turn it into a password: 
    • My anniversary is on September 12 (MaioS12 or Ma!oS12)
      • This would satisfy an alpha-numeric, and/or special character required password, at the same time creating a strong password that would be easily remember by only you 
  • Do not use security questions with answers available on social-networking sites (Facebook)- for example, the name of your high school, the name of your dog
  • Delete any/all unknown emails - do not  open an email if you don't know who  it is coming from
  • Avoid using unsecured wireless (Wi-Fi) for any online activity that requires a password including online banking
  • Ensure you have an anti-virus software installed on your computer with schedule updates and scans
  • Do not have passwords stored within close proximity of your computer
  • Change passwords frequently and do not share your passwords with anyone
  • Make sure you log-off your computer every time you leave it
**This information is for your reference only. The State Bank of Faribault does not warranty that following any of all of these recommendations will fully eliminate the risk of fraud.
 
 
Digital Health Checkup
Cybercriminals are constantly on the offensive, using a variety of tactics in hopes of stealing data and, by extension, money. Click here to view a publication that will give you information on ways to help protect yourself.  (Information provided by SAC The Security Awareness Company).