We take online fraud seriously and do everything in our power to protect you and your personal information from scammers. As your trusted financial partner, we want you to be aware of online fraud methods and stay informed of ways you can protect yourself while on the Internet. Internet criminals use several methods to try and steal your personal information or take control of your home or business computer.

Protect your Electronic Devices and Online Information!

Types of Online Fraud:

  • Phishing. Fraudulent e-mails that attempt to trick you into visiting a bogus website and providing personal information.
  • Malware. Software that is malicious, such as viruses, worms and spyware, and is used to take remote control of a computer, delete files or install programs.
  • Keystroke logging. A form of malware that enables a criminal to record computer keystrokes. These programs specifically look for user IDs, passwords and credit card numbers. The thieves then use this information to access accounts online and steal funds, capture personal financial information and order merchandise.
  • Trojan horses. Another form of malware that uses a legitimate-looking program (such as free screen saver) that includes malicious software. These are used to trick users into installing keystroke logging and other malicious software.

Protect online information

  • Control physical access to your personal computer (PC). Take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized persons from using your PC.
  • If you are using your PC and need to walk away from it for any reason, log off or lock your workstation.
  • Select passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and change them frequently. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
  • Do not give out your password to anyone. Do not save passwords on a website or leave written notes with your password near your computer.
  • Public computers may not have appropriate security controls and could be compromised. These include Internet cafes, computer labs, shared systems, kiosk systems, conferences, and airport lounges. Only use these computers for anonymous Internet browsing.
  • Use your online accounts at least every month to check balances and activity.
  • Always log off your business or personal Internet banking application when you are done.
  • Do not respond to or follow instructions from unusual e-mail or text messages. Many frauds are started by messages with a fake “From:” address. Do not assume a message is legitimate solely based on the “From:” address.

Protect Your Personal or Business Computer

  • Install virus management software on your PC and scan it regularly.
  • Keep your virus files up to date (i.e., latest signature files, product upgrades).
  • Install a firewall to protect each computer or a home router that includes a firewall to protect your home network.
  • Keep your computers up to date with current security patches. Set up your computers to automatically install patches so you don’t have to remember.
  • Be cautious when downloading and running programs or Java or ActiveX applets as they may contain un-secure data which cannot be filtered, for example, using firewall or anti-virus software. Only download from a trusted site.
  • Use extreme caution when opening email received from unknown sources and pay special attention to any attachments. Do not launch or open an attachment from an unknown source. When in doubt, delete the email without opening it.

PC Software

  • Understand and use the security features provided by your PC software, such as those included in many operating systems, browsers and word processing systems.
  • Ensure that your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the level of encryption used when you connect to various sites and applications for online payment or banking services.
  • Fidelity Bank currently uses encryption for all online banking services.
  • Use only software from reliable and known vendors.
  • Stay abreast of the latest release and patch levels of the PC software you use.

Protect Your Mobile Banking Experience

Here are some tips and general good practices for banking on your mobile device:

  • Download and apply security updates and patches to your mobile browser when they become available by your wireless provider. These are designed to provide you with protection from known possible security problems.
  • Research your mobile device to determine vulnerability as some devices are more vulnerable than others.
  • To prevent viruses or other unwanted problems, do not open attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Do not install pirated software or software from unknown sources.
  • Limit unauthorized access to your mobile phone. Do not leave your mobile phone unattended during an open mobile banking session.
  • Never save your User ID and Password in the mobile phone, in memos, or anywhere on your device.
  • Always remember to log off properly using the “Sign Off” button when you have completed your mobile banking activities.
  • Be aware of the potential for fraudulent mobile banking apps.