FRAUD PROTECTION
Don't become the next victim!
Identity theft is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States today. These crimes are committed when someone steals personal information such as your bank account number or social security number, then poses as you and takes funds from your account, runs up debt in your name, or both. However, there are ways to protect yourself from it happening to you. The first way is to understand how they are able to obtain your information.

Nine ways thieves steal your identity information:

Tips to minimize your risk for identity theft

• Don't give out your checking account, credit card, or social security number over the phone unless you initiate the call and know who you're dealing with.
• Report lost or stolen checks immediately.
• Store cancelled and new checks in a safe place.
• Notify your financial institution immediately if you receive a suspicious phone call from someone purporting to represent the institution and asking for account information "to verify a statement" or "award a prize."
• Phishing involves sending customers a seemingly legitimate email request for account information, often under the guise of asking the customer to verify or reconfirm confidential personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. Don't respond to any emails that ask for your password, social security number or other personal information. First Bank will never request confidential information through email. Report any such request to the bank immediately by calling our Loss Prevention & Fraud Department at (936) 523-1311.
• Guard your ATM Personal Identification number (PIN) and ATM receipts.
• Periodically contact the major credit bureaus to review your file and be sure the information is correct. For a small fee, you can obtain a copy of your credit report at any time. The three major credit bureaus are: Equifax (800) 685-1111; Experian (888) 397-3742; and TransUnion (800) 916-8800.

Customers who have questions about Online Banking Security or Identity Theft should call (936) 523-1311