Security & Fraud Alerts
EMAIL CLAIMING TO BE FROM FDIC -
New Phishing Alert
We are aware that some of our customers (and indeed us also) have been receiving emails claiming to be from the FDIC, and implying that the recipient's bank has failed. These emails are completely false. The people or group of people behind these false emails are doing their best to steal your personal information through deception.
Please always use one of your bookmarks, or type our website directly into the browser: www.altoonabank.com
Example Phishing Email:
-----Original Message-----
From: FDIC [mailto:consumeralerts@fdic.gov]
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 11:01 AM
To: John Doe
Subject: you need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage
You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account.
Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets.
You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage:
* Visit FDIC website: <PHISHING URL REMOVED>
* Download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage
________________________________
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Actions you can take:
IDENTITY THEFT
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Weve 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? Weve collected some great resources offering a number of helpful guidelines and suggestions to help safeguard your identity. >Learn More
BE AWARE OF PHISHING SCAMS
WHAT IS PHISHING?
Theres a new type of Internet piracy called phishing. Its pronounced fishing, and thats 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 drivers 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
COUNTERFEIT CHECK SCAMS
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
FDIC CONSUMER ALERTS
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
REPORT YOUR LOST OR STOLEN VISA CHECK CARD
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.
IMPORTANT EMAIL NOTICE
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.