Phishing

WHAT IS PHISHING?

Phishing is one of the latest cons used by high-tech criminals. Basically, the scam uses spam (unsolicited e-mail) to bait consumers into giving sensitive personal information-such as social security numbers, account and routing numbers, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, passwords, and other private data.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the unsolicited e-mails give the appearance of being from legitimate businesses. The e-mails will say we need to "update" or "validate" their billing information to keep the accounts active. To set the hook, they even direct you to a web site that looks legitimate. The website has logos, colors, and designs to match. Unwittingly, consumers then submit their information to the imposter, who then uses the personal information to commit identity theft.

Community State Bank will NEVER send you an e-mail or call you to request social security numbers, account and routing numbers, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, passwords, and other private information. If someone calls claiming to be Community State Bank, do NOT give them any information. Call us at 989-865-9945 as soon as possible.

HOW DO I AVOID PHISHING?

If you get an e-mail warning you that your account will be shut down or interest suspended unless you reconfirm your billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the e-mail. Instead, contact the company with information you already use.

Avoid giving any personal information via e-mail.

Always look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar before submitting financial information through any web site. The "lock" tells you that your information is secure.

Review your credit card and account statements as soon as you receive them. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or financial instution to confirm your address and account balances.

HOW DO I REPORT PHISHING?

Report any suspicious activity to the FTC- send the actual spam e-mail to uce@ftc.gov.

Some links to more information on Phishing scams. Please note that by clicking on a link below you will be leaving the Community State Bank website. Community State Bank has no control over the content of these sites, and simply provides them as a way for you to get more information on this topic.