IMPORTANT SECURITY MESSAGE FROM PEOPLES BANK OF GRACEVILLE
Your financial information is important to us. Peoples Bank of Graceville will NEVER call you, email you, or solicit from an online website to request information to obtain your private financial information. Please give us a call to discuss any request you have received BEFORE you give any of your confidential financial information to unknown callers.
DO NOT give out any information to an unknown caller who requests information from you, including your account number, password, Visa check card number or security code. These are fraudulent calls to illegally obtain your personal information. You should NEVER give any information to unknown callers. We will only ask for this type of information if you have made the initial request. We may call you about your account, but we will not solicit your confidential information over the phone. Please hang up and call us directly at our main phone number during our regular banking hours to verify that this bank has called you.
Online predators will try to use email as a way to steal financial information. Peoples Bank of Graceville will never solicit your account number or Visa Check Card number, or any other private financial information, online or through an email. If you receive an email stating that it is Peoples Bank of Graceville that is requesting this type of information, please delete it.
You may contact us during our regular banking hours to report all fraudulent email you may have received.
Some Additional Security Tips to help protect your personal information
Help prevent fraud by monitoring your accounts regularly for unknown or unexpected transactions. Internet Online Banking, mobile banking, and bill pay services can be the safest, most secured means to monitor your account activity. Keeping your devices up-to-date will help you protect your information access. The following tips are recommendations or requirements to help you further secure your information.
- It is good practice to use a unique username and password for Online Banking that you never use anywhere else; for example, email or webmail, social media/networking, or any other online accounts. If fraudsters or hackers get the password for one of your online accounts, they may also try to use it to access other online accounts.
- Never use personally identifiable information, an account number or Social Security Number as part of your username or password.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi hotspots to access Online Banking or Mobile Banking. When connected to unsecured public networks, be mindful of the apps you use and the data you send over these networks.
- Do not use publicly available computers to access online banking. Spyware and history left in these computers can be used to access your user and password information, and, therefore, could be used to access your account information for fraudulent purposes.
- Technology media, such as email, phone and text messages, are popular places for scams. Fraudsters can spoof a sender’s email address or phone number to appear to be from someone you trust. Callers can be very persistent and attempt to pressure you to obtain your personal information. Be safe- Hang up! Delete messages you are unsure of, and make your own direct contact to verify the source.
- Be aware that it is safest to configure any new device with security in mind. Change any default passwords. Default settings are often intended more for ease of use than to secure the device. Enable security settings that are made available and give extra consideration to those that control information sharing.
- Treat all of your credit and debit cards like cash. Guard this information. Using CardValet can keep you posted for every debit card transaction, therefore, alerting you when unknown or suspicious activity occurs from your card.
- Never leave mail with private information in an unsecured location.
- Provide your private information only to trusted sources.
Secure your online and mobile banking apps by installing anti-spyware, anti-virus and a personal firewall on your computer or access device, when possible. Use a current browser. Keep your software and operating system up-to-date. Ensure it is updated regularly to help guard your personal devices against hackers and criminals trying to obtain your personal information.
Protect your mobile device by using a PIN, Password, Pattern, Fingerprint or other authentication offered by your mobile device. Do not share passwords. If you must write down passwords or PINs, always store them in a very secure location. Install mobile security software and regularly update the security patches on all your applications. Avoid malware by only downloading and installing legitimate mobile apps from well known, established sources. Exercise due diligence with unexpected messages and notification by deleting them immediately. Do not click on suspicious links sent through unsolicited text messages, email, or suspicious push notifications.
Be aware of the dangers of social websites and social engineering. Do not share personal or private information on social media. These websites can be monitored by criminals. Keep your personal information safe and secure, and private.
Security at the ATM and Night Deposit Facility
As with all financial transactions, please exercise discretion when using an automated teller machine (ATM) or night deposit facility. For your own safety, be careful. Be safe and secure with your transactions. The following suggestions may be helpful.
- Prepare for your transactions at home (for instance, by filling out a deposit slip) to minimize your time at the ATM or night deposit facility.
- Always save your ATM receipts. Don’t leave them at the ATM or night deposit facility because they may contain important account information.
- Mark each transaction in your account record, but not while at the ATM or night deposit facility. Save your ATM receipts and compare your records with the account statements you receive.
- Don’t lend your ATM card to anyone.
- Protect the secrecy of your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Protect your ATM card as though it were cash. Don’t tell anyone your PIN. Don’t give anyone information regarding your ATM card or PIN over the telephone. 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 you lose your ATM card or if it is stolen, promptly notify us by calling the number provided on this website. Then call the bank during regular business hours.
- When you make a transaction, be aware of your surroundings. Look out for suspicious activity near the ATM or night deposit facility, particularly if it is after sunset. At night, be sure that the facility (including the parking area and walkways) is well lighted. Consider having someone accompany you when you use the facility, especially after sunset. If you observe any problem, go to another ATM or night deposit facility.
- Don’t accept assistance from anyone you don’t know when using an ATM or night deposit facility.
- If you notice anything suspicious or if any other problem arises after you have begun an ATM transaction, you may want to cancel the transaction, pocket your card and leave. You might consider using another ATM or going back later.
- Don’t display your cash; pocket it as soon as the ATM transaction is completed and count the cash later when you are in the safety of your own car, home, or other secure surrounding.
- At a drive-up facility, make sure all the car doors are locked and all of the windows are rolled up, except the driver’s window. Keep the engine running and remain alert to your surroundings.
- We want the ATM and night deposit facility to be safe and convenient for you. Therefore, please tell us if you know of any problem with our facility. For instance, let us know if a light is not working or there is any damage to the facility. Please report any suspicious activity or crimes to both the operator of a facility and the local law enforcement officials immediately.