IDENTITY THEFT & FRAUD

How Thieves Steal Your Identity

Identity thieves can use many different tools to steal your personal and confidential information.

Email Fraud: A Growing Threat

Email fraud, also known as “phishing”, occurs when criminals use fraudulent email and counterfeit websites to steal personal and confidential information. These messages often look legitimate and may alert the recipient that accounts have been blocked, suspended and/or closed. The email instructs the customer to click links to fake websites to validate personal information. Thieves then use this captured information to commit crimes under the victim’s identity.

Remember, First Resource Bank will never ask for your personal or confidential information via email. First Resource Bank is committed to protecting the security and privacy of our customers’ personal and account information. Please note that First Resource Bank’s systems have not been compromised in any way.

Here are some signs that an email might be fraudulent:

  • Sense of urgency: The message might state that your account will be blocked, suspended and/or closed if you do not provide your username, password, Social Security number, account number, PIN or other confidential information immediately.
  • Spelling and grammatical errors: Although the language may sound professional, there still might be several errors.
  • False links that look legitimate: The links might include part of the company’s name or URL but actually lead to a fraudulent website.
  • Use of replicated corporate logos and/or websites.

We will never ask you for your personal or confidential information via email. If you have received a suspicious email requesting confidential information, please forward it to [email protected]

Protecting Yourself

Taking the time to ask questions and using basic measures to secure your personal information can save you hours of work trying to recover your stolen identity.

Basic Identity Theft Prevention

Here are a few basic things you can do to ensure your personal information is and remains secure:

  • Monitor your account activity online: Use our Online Banking with Bill Payment service to keep track of your transactions.
  • Do not respond to unsolicited emails: If you have received a request for your information that claims to be from First Resource Bank, do not respond and contact us immediately at 1-800-840-2144 or forward the email to [email protected].
  • Review and verify your monthly statements.
  • Don’t provide your confidential information: If you need to provide confidential information, be sure you’ve initiated the phone call or use a secure email service.
  • Shred all confidential paperwork: Before throwing away any statements, receipts, or old bank/credit cards or applications (including credit card pre-approvals), ensure they’ve been completely destroyed.
  • Don’t carry your Social Security card, account numbers and/or PINs with you.
  • Request your credit reports: Periodically contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) to request a copy of your credit report.
  • Close any old or unused accounts: The more statements and account-related information you have, the more opportunity thieves have to steal your identity.

How First Resource Bank is Working to Protect You

First Resource Bank is committed to protecting you from identity theft and fraud. We use advanced security technology to safeguard your personal information.
We will never ask you for your personal or confidential information via email. If you receive a suspicious email, phone call or letter, please do not respond and call us immediately at 1-800-840-2144. Note: When calling our offices or applying online, you may be asked to verify personal information so that we can complete your transaction.

First Resource Bank Mastercard Debit Card

To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity which may include a sudden change in locale (such as when a U.S.-issued card is used unexpectedly overseas), a sudden string of costly purchases, or any pattern associated with new fraud trends around the world.

If we suspect fraudulent ATM or debit card use, we’ll be calling you to validate the legitimacy of your transactions. Your participation in responding to our call is critical to prevent potential risk and avoid restrictions we may place on the use of your card.

  • Our automated call will ask you to verify recent transaction activity on your card.
  • You’ll be able to respond via your touchtone keypad.
  • You’ll also be provided a toll-free number to call should you have additional questions.

Our goal, quite simply, is to minimize your exposure to risk and the impact of any fraud. To ensure we can continue to reach you whenever potential fraud is detected, please keep us informed of your correct phone number and address at all times.

In the meantime, please be diligent in monitoring transaction activity on your account and contact us immediately if you identify any fraudulent transactions.

Reporting Email Fraud and Identity Theft

Reporting Email Fraud

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft or email fraud you must take immediate actions to prevent further damage to your finances, credit and more.

If you believe you may have received a “phishing” email claiming to be from First Resource Bank, please forward it to [email protected].

If you are a First Resource Bank customer and have provided your personal or confidential information in response to the email, please contact us immediately at 1-800-840-2144. If you are not a First Resource Bank customer but have responded to the email, please contact your financial institution.

Remember, First Resource Bank will NEVER ask for your personal or confidential information via email.

Reporting Identity Theft

If you think your identity may have been stolen, please contact the following immediately:

  1. First Resource Bank: Call us toll-free at 1-800-840-2144 for assistance. We will be able to monitor your account(s) for fraudulent activity. If necessary, we can also assist you with replacing your First Resource Bank cards (ATM/Check, Credit); placing stop payments on checks that may have been stolen and ensuring unauthorized accounts are closed.
  2. Credit Bureaus: Alert the fraud departments of each of the major credit bureaus. Request a copy of your credit report and ask that your credit file be marked with a “fraud alert”. This “fraud alert” will raise the level of scrutiny lenders take when issuing credit in your name.
  3. Other Financial Institutions: In addition to contacting First Resource Bank, contact any of your other banks or credit issuers. Banks can monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and credit card companies can investigate any unauthorized transactions. Be sure to have new credit cards issues with new numbers and security codes.
  4. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint with the FTC by calling the Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (438-4338).
  5. Law Enforcement Authorities: Be sure to file a report with your local police department. You should also contact your local United States Postal Service office if you believe that mail has been stolen from your mailbox.
  6. Social Security Administration: If your Social Security number has been stolen, contact the Social Security Administration to report the theft. Please note that the Social Security Administration takes no special action when a Social Security number has been stolen.
  7. Please note that the Social Security Administration takes no special action when a Social Security number has been stolen.
  8. Be sure to keep copies of all reports and contacts. This will help you create a paper trail and maintain proof that the crime occurred.

TransUnion:

1-800-680-7289

www.transunion.com

Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Equifax:

1-800-525-6285

www.equifax.com

P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian:

1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

www.experian.com

P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013

For More Information Regarding Identity Theft and Fraud

Feel free to contact any one of our locations for more information on Identity Theft and Fraud or visit one of the following non-profit websites which are excellent sources of information:

  • Routing #091916899

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