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Security & Fraud Alerts

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

We’ve all heard about it. How it often takes years for victims to recover from it. This fast growing crime is affecting more and more people every day. What can you do to protect yourself from falling victim? We’ve collected some great resources offering a number of helpful guidelines and suggestions to help safeguard your identity. >Learn More

WHAT IS PHISHING?

There’s a new type of Internet piracy called “phishing.” It’s pronounced “fishing,” and that’s exactly what these thieves are doing: “fishing” for your personal financial information. What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards.

In the worst case, you could find yourself a victim of identity theft. With the sensitive information obtained from a successful phishing scam, these thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver’s licenses in your name. They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel. But if you understand how phishing works and how to protect yourself, you can help stop this crime. >Learn More

DON'T FALL VICTIM

Counterfeit or fake checks are being used in a growing number of fraudulent schemes, including foreign lottery scams, check overpayment scams, Internet auction scams, and secret shopper scams. These fakes come in many forms, from cashier's checks and money orders to corporate and personal checks. Could you be a victim? Not if you know how to recognize and report them. >View PDF For More

STRAIGHT FROM THE FDIC WEBSITE

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides a current list of consumer alerts on their web site. >View FDIC Consumer Alerts

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

The sooner you report a lost card, the faster you minimize your financial vulnerability. To report a lost or stolen Altoona First VISA Check Card, call 1-800-554-8969 immediately.

EMAIL IS NON-SECURE

Messages sent by email may be intercepted by third parties or may be delayed in reaching the intended party. Please do not include confidential information such as account numbers, social security numbers or PINs in any email communications. Issues requiring immediate action should be communicated by telephone or by visiting one of our local offices.