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Fraud Prevention

Online Account Takeover Scams – Stay Vigilant

Online account takeover scams occur when fraudsters gain unauthorized access to your bank account by stealing your login credentials through phishing, malware, or other deceptive tactics. Once in, they can transfer funds, make purchases, or change account settings.

First State Bank customers are reporting text messages and phone calls from scammers claiming to be from FSB’s fraud department; scammers even disguise these communications to appear to be coming from an FSB phone number. Fraudsters falsely claim that a suspicious transaction has occurred on your account, then try to trick you into revealing your online banking credentials—such as your username, password, one-time PIN, and/or full credit or debit card details including the 3-digit security code—under the pretense of helping stop the fraud. They then use the stolen information to access your account and either make a payment to themselves or carry out unauthorized card transactions.

To protect yourself: 

  • Never share your login information
  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal details and always verify links before clicking.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication when available.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly and report any suspicious activity immediately.
  • First State Bank will NEVER ask for your Online or Mobile Banking information. Someone asking you for any of this information is trying to scam you. If someone contacts you for this information, end the call, ignore the text, and contact FSB directly at 866-372-1275.

 Stay informed and vigilant to keep your accounts safe.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but with a few smart habits, you can greatly reduce your risk.

Top Tips to Protect Yourself:

  • Never Share Personal Information: Like your Social Security number or account PIN over email, phone, or text unless you initiated the contact.
  • Use Strong and Unique Passwords: For all online accounts, and change them regularly.
  • Check Your Accounts Often: Set up alerts for unfamiliar activity through online banking for added peace of mind.
  • Shred Sensitive Documents: An easy line of defense, before throwing them away.
  • Be Cautious of Phishing Emails: Look out for typos, urgent language, and unfamiliar senders.
  • Use Secure Networks: Avoid banking over public Wi-Fi when possible.

What to Do If You're a Victim of Identity Theft

If you think your identity has been stolen, act quickly:

  1. Contact Us Immediately
    Call our customer support team at 866-372-1275 so we can secure your accounts and guide your next steps.
  2. Place a Fraud Alert
    To protect yourself from the possibility of identity theft, we recommend that you immediately place a fraud alert on your credit files. A fraud alert conveys a special message to anyone requesting your credit report that you suspect you were a victim of fraud. When you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, the lender should take measures to verify that you have authorized the request. A fraud alert should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts, but it may slow down your ability to get new credit. An initial fraud alert is valid for ninety (90) days. To place a fraud alert on your credit reports, contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies at the appropriate number listed below or via their website. One agency will notify the other two on your behalf. You will then receive letters from the agencies with instructions on how to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each.

    Equifax (888)766-0008 or www.equifax.com
    Experian (888) 397-3742 or www.experian.com
    TransUnion (800) 680-7289 or www.transunion.com

  3. File a Report
    Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and get a personalized recovery plan.

  4. Obtain and Review Credit Reports
    When you receive a credit report from each agency, review the reports carefully. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from creditors that you did not initiate, and confirm that your personal information, such as home address and Social Security number, is accurate. If you see anything you do not understand or recognize, call the credit reporting agency at the telephone number on the report. Even if you do not find signs of fraud on your credit reports, we recommend that you remain vigilant in reviewing your credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months at: Annual Credit Report 877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com.

  5. Monitor Your Credit
    If you detect any suspicious activity on any account or have reason to believe your information is being misused, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You should also promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities, your state attorney general, and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). If you file an identity theft report with your local police department, you should ask for and are entitled to receive a copy of the police report. Some creditors may ask for the information contained in the report. You may be able to obtain information from your state’s attorney general on the steps you can take to avoid identity theft. 

    To File a Complaint
    Federal Trade Commission: 877-438-4338 or www.identitytheft.gov

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If You've Been a Victim of Fraud

If you have been the victim or fraud or identity theft, time is of the essence.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can best help you protect your accounts.
Call us at 866-372-1275, fill out our online contact form, or stop by a branch near you.

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