Security

• Never respond to an e-mail that appears to be from us but is asking for personal information such as account number, social security number, or online banking username/password. We will never request information from you in this manner. If you receive an e-mail that appears to be from us and is asking for personal information, please report this to us at your earliest convenience by completing the form at the bottom of this page. If the e-mail is determined to be fraudulent, this will allow us to quickly respond.
• Never open emails that appear suspicious. Fraudulent emails that appear to be from the IRS, FBI, FDIC, Federal Reserve, NACHA, UPS, FedEx, Western Union, and other companies or government entities are becoming common place. Clicking on a link in a fraudulent email or opening an attachment may install a virus on your computer that allows someone to log your online activity and/or remotely access the computer. For the most recent consumer alerts from the FDIC, please go here.
• Make sure your computer is running a full anti-virus program that is actively scanning at all times. Be sure that your anti-virus program is updating automatically; outdated anti-virus programs will not protect you from new threats. It is also recommended to use a paid anti-virus program as opposed to a free version. See the end of this section for definition on what a virus and Trojan virus is.
• Make sure your computer is running an anti-malware program; be sure it is updating automatically so that you are protected from newer malware threats. See the end of this section for definition on what malware is.
• Make sure you have the most recent version of your web browser (ex. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome).
• Make sure you update your operating system (Windows, Android, Apple iOS) whenever it notifies you that updates are available.
• Exercise extreme caution when accessing your internet banking account while at a Wi-Fi hotspot (ex. A hotel, coffee shop, restaurant). These networks are often unprotected and are a high security risk.
• Exercise caution when visiting a website you are not familiar with, certainly if it is asking you to download a file or click on a link that appears suspicious.
• When using a tablet, be cautious of what apps you are downloading. Be sure they are from a trusted source. Some tablets allow you to “jailbreak” them. This weakens the security of your tablet and is not recommended.
• Be sure not to save your internet banking password in your browser.
• “Like” Community Bank on Facebook. Some security alerts are provided through our Facebook site.

Virus – a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge, normally for a malicious purpose Trojan virus – a program that may appear to be legitimate but performs an illicit activity, normally for a malicious purpose; sometimes used to steal important information (passwords, usernames, personal information) so that fraudulent transactions and credit accounts can be initiated in your name Malware– software that is intended to damage or disrupt a computer or network

• A new fraud trend that is occurring sends a mass text message or recorded voice message to mobile numbers telling customers that their debit card with a financial institution has been deactivated or cancelled. The text or voice message normally asks the customer to either text, call a number, or visit a website in order to reactivate. Whenever the customer’s debit card information is provided, the information is sent to criminals who can then use the debit card information to make illegal purchases. To protect yourself from this threat, simply ignore any messages you receive of this nature. Be sure not to click on a website link if one is embedded in the text message. Please note that this fraud trend has targeted multiple financial institutions in our area.
• If you receive a text or voice message pretending to be Community Bank asking for your personal information, please report this to us at your earliest convenience by completing the form at the bottom of this page.
• If you are using a smart phone, exercise caution when visiting websites you are not familiar with, certainly if it is asking to download a file or click on a link that appears suspicious. Fraud trends are evolving to where mobile phones are susceptible to the same risks as your home computer.
• Be sure you have the most recent version of your mobile phone’s operating system (ex. Android, iOS).
• Be sure your mobile phone is running an anti-virus program that is actively scanning at all times.
• When using a smart phone, be cautious of what apps you are downloading. Be sure they are from a trusted source. Some smart phones allow you to “jailbreak” them. This weakens the security of your smart phone and is not recommended.

• Be sure to review your bank statements every month. If you see any charges that you believe were not initiated by you, please contact your local Community Bank branch immediately so we can begin investigating.
• Shred any documents that have personal information on them, including account numbers, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. Crosscut shredders are most effective.
• Do not keep your social security card or birth certificate with you. Keep them in a safe place such as a safe deposit box.
• Never give out personal information over the phone unless you know the person you are speaking with is legitimate.
• If you receive credit card offers in the mail, be sure to shred them instead of throwing them in the trash. These can be used by someone else in an attempt to steal your identity.
• Be sure to remove mail from your mailbox daily. It is advised not to leave checks to pay your bills in your mailbox.
• Review your credit report at least yearly to verify that no credit has been obtained in your name that you did not approve. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies to give you a free copy of your credit report each year upon request. Visit the Annual Credit Report website or call 1 (877) 322-8228 for more information.

• Contact one of the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies and request that a fraud alert be put on your reports (see below for contact information). Placing this alert on your credit report requires creditors to follow stricter procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to existing accounts. Please note that it is only necessary to contact one of the credit reporting agencies below. Once you’ve submitted the alert, the credit reporting agency you have filed the report with will immediately notify the other two.
• Equifax – 1 (800) 525-6285
• TransUnion – 1 (800) 680-7289
• Experian – 1 (888) EXPERIAN
• Review your credit reports for any fraudulent credit accounts. Contact the fraud department of each company where a credit account was created and ask that the account be immediately closed and that it is fraudulent. Creditors will likely require a request in writing.
• File a Complaint Assistant Form with the Federal Trade Commission.
• Be sure to follow up with creditors frequently to ensure that the accounts are closed and fraudulent debts discharged.
• File a police report in case creditors require further proof that fraud has been committed.
• Document! Be sure to document all communications between you, creditors, and consumer reporting agencies.
• Review Mastercard’s Identity Theft Protection Information

• Observe your surroundings when pulling up to an ATM. If someone is within close proximity of the ATM machine and appears suspicious, leave the area immediately.
• If an ATM machine is poorly lit, go to another ATM machine and report the lighting issue to the bank that operates the ATM.
• Be sure to complete the transaction at the ATM machine before leaving.
• If the ATM appears to look suspicious or have a device attached to the card reader, do not use the ATM and immediately contact the bank.
• Consider running your debit card transactions as a “credit”. Using the credit method prevents someone from viewing your PIN number if they are within viewing distance. Some retailers require you to “Cancel” to run as a credit. If you do not see an option to run as a credit, feel free to ask the cashier to advise further.
• Avoid making online purchases with your debit card on computers or tablets that are in public areas.

If the issue you are reporting requires you to disclose confidential information, please report the issue to your local branch instead of completing the form below. Confidential information mainly includes your social security number, account number(s), and internet banking login information.

To report a suspicious email that uses Community Bank’s name, forward it to us immediately at abuse@communitybank.net.

Note: You should never submit sensitive information (Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, etc.) in this email or in any other emails on this site.