Proactive Measures for Protection

In a world where digital threats and financial scams are increasingly prevalent, taking proactive measures to protect yourself is of paramount importance. By implementing practical strategies and fortifying your defenses, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud and safeguard your financial well-being.

1. Strengthen Your Passwords and Online Security:

One of the first lines of defense against cyber threats is to strengthen your passwords and enhance your online security. Consider the following measures:

• Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts, utilizing a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available to add an extra layer of security.
• Regularly update your operating systems, antivirus software, and applications to patch any vulnerabilities.

2. Be Mindful of Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics:

Phishing and social engineering tactics remain popular among fraudsters. Stay vigilant and follow these guidelines:

• Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls requesting personal information or urging urgent action.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Verify the legitimacy of requests or communications by contacting the organization directly using trusted contact information.

3. Monitor and Review Your Financial Statements:

Regularly monitoring and reviewing your financial statements is an essential proactive measure. At Flanagan State Bank, we prioritize your financial security and want to ensure you’re equipped to spot and avoid common check scams. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal your money, but with our guidance, you can protect yourself. Here are some additional proactive measures to safeguard your finances:

• Review your Flanagan State Bank accounts regularly through our convenient Online Access. Stay on top of your transactions and report any suspicious activity promptly.
• If you suspect that your information has been compromised, change your Flanagan State Bank username and password immediately. Never sign on with your Social Security number to protect your account security.
• Periodically inspect your credit report to monitor for any unauthorized activity. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228 for more information.

4. Verify Charities and Donations:

Exercise caution when donating to charities. Visit trusted sources like guidestar.org to confirm their legitimacy before making contributions. Avoid donating cash and always request a donation receipt. Before signing contracts or making payments, research businesses to ensure their credibility. The Better Business Bureau is a valuable source of information. Only pay for services once they have been completed to your satisfaction.

5. Protect Your Personal Information:

Carry only necessary personal information with you and avoid sharing your Social Security number. Keep your computer security and anti-virus software up to date to prevent unauthorized access. Be cautious of sharing confidential information over the internet or telephone, even if the caller ID appears familiar. Hang up and call back at a known, trusted number to verify the legitimacy of the call.

6. Stay Informed and Be Skeptical:

Staying informed about common scams and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way in protecting yourself. Consider the following tips:

• Be skeptical of requests for money, especially from individuals you don’t know well. Be wary of urgent or outrageous reasons for needing cash, as these are often red flags for potential scams.
• Verify before sharing information. Avoid sharing personal information in situations where it’s not necessary. Be cautious of emails, text messages, or calls requesting sensitive data. Verify the authenticity of the sender independently before providing any information.

Protecting yourself from scams and fraud requires proactive measures and a vigilant mindset. By regularly reviewing your accounts, practicing smart financial habits, safeguarding your personal information, and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities. At Flanagan State Bank, your financial security is our utmost priority.