Protecting Yourself Against Fraud: Tips from F&M Bank

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and at F&M Bank, we are committed to keeping you informed and protected. Use the resources and tips below to safeguard your personal and financial information.

If you suspect any type of fraud, contact us immediately at 405.715.1100. For after hours assistance call 1-888-232-8110.

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Common Forms of Fraud

1. Phishing Scams

   Fraudsters use fake emails, texts, or calls to steal your sensitive information.
   What to watch for:
• Misspelled URLs or emails from unfamiliar addresses.
• Requests for personal information like passwords or account numbers.

2. Identity Theft

   This occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission.
   What to watch for:
• Unexpected changes to your credit report.
• Unauthorized transactions in your account.

3. Debit and Credit Card Fraud

   Scammers may gain access to your card information through skimming devices or online breaches.
   What to watch for:
• Alerts about suspicious purchases.
• Unexplained charges on your statement.

4. Malware and Viruses

   Malware includes viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software that gets installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent. These programs can cause your device to crash, and can be used to monitor and control your online activity, or log keystrokes to capture anything you have typed, such as usernames, passwords, Social Security Numbers, etc.

How to Protect Yourself

• Enable Alerts
  Set up email or text notifications to receive updates on your account activity.
  
  
• Be Cautious Online
  Only shop on secure websites and avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts.
  
  
• Secure Your Devices
  Use strong, unique passwords and update them frequently. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
  
  
• Safeguard Your Checks
  Store checks in a secure location. Avoid leaving checks in unlocked mailboxes or public areas.

• Monitor Your Accounts
  Regularly review your bank statements for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts for any account activity.

• Verify Transactions
  Use online and mobile banking to monitor cleared checks. Report any discrepancies immediately.

• Use Secure Methods for Sending Checks
  Mail checks at the post office or a secure drop box. Consider using electronic payment options for added security.

• Destroy Old Checks
  Shred unused checks from closed accounts. Avoid discarding checks in trash bins without destroying them.

• Use Strong Passwords
  The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. Mix letters, numbers, and special characters. Try to be unpredictable.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think your account has been compromised:

1. Contact us immediately at 405.715.1100 or after hours 1-888-232-8110.
2. Report unauthorized transactions through your online banking portal or by contacting your local branch.
3. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftc.gov/
4. Resources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams

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