First Bank

First Bank Fights E-Mail Fraud

Protecting customers against ‘phishing’

“Phishing” refers to a scam involving the use of fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to originate from legitimate businesses.  Banks and their customers have become popular targets.

“Phishing” begins when an e-mail message is received urging the account holder to “update” or “validate” his/her account information or possibly face some drastic  consequence.

The fraudulent message then directs you to an official-looking web site or form that will try to trick you into divulging sensitive information, such as your account number, social security number, User IDs or Passwords. If that kind of confidential information is given, identity theft has most likely occurred and your accounts and identity are in jeopardy.  

First Bank recommends taking steps to help you avoid becoming a victim of a phishing scam:

• If you receive suspicious e-mail, do not click on any links that could provide or confirm sensitive information that might jeopardize your personal, financial or identity information.  Even if the message warns of a dire outcome, such as freezing or closing an account, do not reply. You should forward the suspicious item to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at uce@ftc.gov.
  
  
• Never send sensitive information through your e-mail address.
  
  
• Always manually type in a Web site address.  Do not click on a link contained in an e-mail or copy and paste from an e-mail into your browser.
  
  
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from e-mails you receive.