As a valued customer at the State Bank of Whittington, you are part of the Security Team in keeping your personal and banking information secure. Listed below are some suggestions and contact information that are helpful to maintain your Privacy and Security.
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Do not click on unknown links
NEVER click on any links you get from a text message, this is a easy way for scammer to get your information.
Ongoing Scams – Press Release from Sherriff Kyle Bacon
Recently, the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office has been notified of two scams circulating our area. The first involves a received text message with the title, “Department of Motor Vehicles – Official Pay Notice”. This text message informs the recipient that they must pay their E-Z Pass toll charges for an indicated date. The message warns that failure to pay will result in additional fines and suspension of driving privileges. The text contains a website link where the recipient is directed to pay the fines/fees. If you receive this message, do not redirect to the website or respond via text to the message, it has been identified as a scam.
The second scam involves a received telephone call. The caller has been identifying himself as a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office employee. The caller states that the recipient’s family member, who is actually incarcerated, has been approved to be taken to a drug treatment center. The caller stated that the inmate must be fitted for an ankle monitor, and as a result, the family is responsible for paying the electronic monitoring fee. The caller the requests that $1200.00 be deposited via a “crypto currency machine” at a local convenience store. At no time and under no circumstance will anyone from the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office contact you and make this type of request. If you receive a call of this nature, please contact our office.
Sherriff Kyle Bacon
Security is Everyone's Responsibility
What can I do to protect myself?
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information, usually for financial gain.
Identity theft can happen to anyone and can take many forms. Bad actors could open a credit card or utility account in someone else's name, or use that information to get a loan, a job. or medical care. They might even file taxes in someone else's name to get a refund.
Here's What You Can Do
Here are some leading practices to keep your identity safe:
- Protect your Social Security number
- Fight "phishing" - don't take the bait
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
- Exercise caution on social media sites
- Use security software on your PC and mobile devices
- Review your financial and other statements regularly
- Regularly inspect your credit report
- Stop pre-approved credit offers (www.optoutprescreen.com)
What to Do if You are Scammed
- If you feel an email contains a scam, don't respond. Block the sender.
- If it's a phone call - hang up!
- If you provide your personal information, contact your financial institution immediately.
- Verify then trust the source.
If You're a Victim
Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Consider reporting the attack to IC3.gov and the police, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission
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