Meadows Bank

Security Tips

1.) Use protection software "anti-virus software" and keep it up to date.

Understand and use the security features provided by your PC software, such as those included in many operating systems, browsers and word processing systems.
Ensure that your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the level of encryption used when you connect to various sites and applications. For example, the Meadows Bank Online Banking product currently requires the use of 128-bit encryption.
Use only software from reliable vendors
Install virus management software on your PC and use it regularly and keep it up to date.

2.) Email do’s and don’ts.

Use extreme caution when opening Email received from unknown sources and pay special attention to any attachments. Do not launch or open an attachment from an unknown source. When in doubt... delete it without opening it.
Do not provide your e-mail address to third party websites without reading the privacy and security policies and terms and conditions of these sites to ensure you understand the circumstances in which your e-mail address will be used.
Do not use passwords or account numbers in e-mail correspondence.

3.) Use hard-to-guess passwords.

Select passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and change them frequently.
Do not give your passwords to anyone. Do not save passwords on your computer or leave written notes with your password near your PC.

4.) Protect your computer from Internet intruders -- use "firewalls".

Be cautious when downloading and running programs or Java or ActiveX applets as they may contain unsecured data which cannot be filtered by anti-virus software.

5.) Don't share access to your computers with strangers.

Control physical access to your personal computer (PC); that is, do what you can to prevent unauthorized persons from using your PC.
If you are using your PC and need to walk away from it for any reason, log off or lock your PC.

6.) Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.

7.) Back up your computer data.

8.) Regularly download security protection update "patches".

9.) Check your security on a regular basis. When you change your clocks for daylight-savings time, reevaluate your computer security.

10.) Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if your computer becomes infected.

11.) Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited phone or fax or email, no matter how official it may seem.

“Phishing” schemes are on the rise. Please be aware of fraudulent requests that ask recipients to “update” or “validate” their financial information (including account numbers, passwords, PINs, SSNs etc.) in order to maintain their accounts, and direct them to a fraudulent Web site that may look very similar to the Meadows Bank Website.
Meadows Bank will never ask you to update your information through an e-mailed link. Should you receive an email allegedly from Meadows Bank requesting such an update: DO NOT PROVIDE THE INFORMATION and please contact us immediately at 702.471.BANK (2265).

12.) If you suspect suspicious or fraudulent activity related to your Meadows Bank account(s), please let us know right away. You should also contact your Internet Service Provider so they may block suspect companies from your Email inbox. To learn more about how to control and manage your incoming emails, please refer to your Internet Service Provider’s online resources.

Identity Theft

Criminals are finding new ways to steal your accounts and identity. Here is some valuable information to ensure that you don’t fall victim to such fraudulent activities.

Don't give out financial information online or on the phone unless you initiated the contact and know the party you're dealing with.
Shred unnecessary financial documents, including old bank statements, invoices and unwanted pre-approved credit offers.
Promptly retrieve incoming mail and don't put outgoing mail in your residential mailbox.
If regular bills or statements stop reaching you, take action. Call the company's customer service number. Someone may have filed a false change-of-address notice to divert your mail.
Watch for suspicious charges. If unauthorized charges appear on your bills or statements, call immediately to resolve the discrepancy.
Do not preprint personal numbers such as driver’s license and social security numbers on your checks.

Identity Crisis

According to the US Government’s central website for information about identity theft... do these three things immediately if you suspect your identity has been stolen.

Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report that your identity has been stolen.
Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval. For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close these accounts. Put passwords (not your mother’s maiden name) on any new accounts you open.
File a report with your local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company, or others need proof of the crime later on.

If you would like more information on Identity Theft click on the following links to learn more:

http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft/
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/

Identification Theft
Federal Trade Commission	1-877-ID-THEFT
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse	1-619-298-3396
Identity Theft Resource Center	1-858-693-7935
Credit Reporting Bureaus
Equifax - Report Fraud	1-800-685-1111
Experian - Report Fraud	1-888-397-3742
Trans Union - Report Fraud	1-800-680-7289
Fraud Reporting/Information
Social Security - Report Fraud	1-800-269-0271
Federal Trade Commission/Consumer Complaints	1-877-FTC-HELP
Fraudulent Use of Checks
ChexSystems	1-800-428-9623
Fake Checks - Learn more about check scams here.	www.fakechecks.org

Security Tips

Identity Theft

Identity Crisis

Other Helpful Links and Phone Number