Security & Fraud Prevention
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Security & Fraud Prevention

Your Security is Important to Us

At CRB, protecting your account information is one of our top priorities. Some 500,000 to 700,000 Americans a year are at risk of having their identities stolen, according to government and private sector estimates. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, borrow money, charge items or even commit crimes in your name.

While the incidence of Internet identity theft is growing, fraud experts agree that you still are more likely to become a victim of this federal crime by more traditional means, such as improperly discarding credit card or other financial data. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming an ID theft victim and what to do should you be stung by one of these thieves.

Protecting Your Computer

  • Delete suspicious emails from unknown sources without opening them.
  • Never respond to an unsolicited email that appears to be from us and is asking for personal information. CRB will never request information from you in this manner. The only time this information is required is when you contact us first so that we can verify your identity.
  • Make sure you have the most recent version of your web browser (ex. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
  • Use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer, and to monitor transfers of information to and from your PC.
  • Update your anti-virus/malware software frequently. Common anti-virus/malware software includes McAfee, Microsoft Security Essentials and Norton Security.
  • Maintain the most up-to-date operating system and install software updates as soon as they are available.
  • Use only secure sites when making online purchases. Secure pages begin with "https."
  • Avoid clicking on links provided in an email. Instead, open a new browser window and type the web site's address directly into the address bar of your browser.
  • Click here for our Online Banking Security Statement.

Protecting Your Mobile Device

  • Password protect your phone. We recommend that you set your device to require a PIN or password to be unlocked. This is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your device should it be lost or stolen.
  • Delete old text messages. If you enroll in the SMS test messaging through Mobile Banking, delete old text messages that you no longer need. Although Mobile Banking text messages only include transaction information, leaving that old information in your device's inbox is an unnecessary risk.
  • Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Many mobile devices are enabled to connect to Wi-Fi networks to access the internet, sometimes automatically. Be sure that the Wi-Fi feature of your device is turned off and that it is only turned on when accessing secure networks.
  • Take advantage of security features. Most mobile devices offer data encryption and firewall features. Some devices offer a remote wipe feature which will give you the option to delete data from your phone should it be lost or stolen.
  • Be wary of unsolicited text and email messages. Do not open unsolicited text or email messages sent to your mobile device from senders you do not recognize. These messages may contain malicious software designed to capture sensitive information. Similarly, only download applications from trusted sources.
  • Use caution while charging mobile devices. Complimentary or fee based phone charging kiosks are growing in popularity. Fraudsters may use a compromised kiosk's connections cables to place malicious software or extract confidential data from mobile devices.

Protecting Your Information

  • Never respond to unsolicited requests for your social security number (SSN) or financial data.
  • Before discarding, shred unnecessary financial documents, including old bank statements, ATM receipts and any pre-approved credit offers you have received, but don't plan to use.
  • Closely monitor all credit card and bank statements for accuracy. Notify us immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity.
  • Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes and do not share such information with anyone or write them down.
  • Safeguard your SSN by limiting its use as identification and check Earnings and Benefit statements annually for fraudulent use.
  • Click here to learn about security features for your CRB Debit Card.

Where to Get Help

If you suspect potential fraudulent activity, or your information has been lost or stolen, contact us immediately at +44-(773)-207-7082 or visit one of our branches.

If you find you have become a victim of identity theft, immediately take the following actions:

  • File a police report.
  • Notify all of those with whom you have a financial relationship.
  • Tag accounts closed due to fraud, "Closed at consumers request."
  • Notify credit bureau fraud units.
  • Establish a password for telephone inquiries on credit card accounts.
  • Place a fraud alert statement on your credit report.
  • Request bi-monthly copies of your credit report until your case is resolved (Free to fraud victims).
  • Report check theft to check verification companies.
  • Check post office for unauthorized change of address requests.
  • Follow-up contacts with letters and keep copies of all correspondence.

 

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