Centra Bank

Check Fraud | FDIC Scams | Identity Protection | Online Fraud | Vishing Scams

Online Fraud: Protecting Your Information

Protecting your confidential information has been one of our highest priorities at Centra Bank. That's why we have state-of-the-art encryption security technology in place to protect your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, criminal activity and fraud are on the rise everywhere. Our protection technology is outstanding, but the best line of defense begins with you. That's why we want you to be aware of online fraud and the best ways to protect your information.

The Challenge

Sophisticated identity thieves are now targeting home and business computers directly to acquire sensitive and confidential information. This identity theft technique does not involve a breach of the bank's security systems - rather, it involves what is called "keylogging spyware." Criminals are able to access your computer system, then capture and use your IDs and passwords to pose as you. Learn more about online fraud scams at: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/fraudschemes.htm

The Risk

The criminal could use the information obtained from the keylogging spyware to transfer funds electronically from your deposit account using Bill Pay. Funds withdrawn from your account are typically routed through banks in the U.S. and credited to accounts opened by the criminals or their accomplices. The funds are then promptly withdrawn or wired overseas, making recovery extremely difficult.

How Can It Happen?

Criminals use spyware embedded on your computer to record and steal your user ID and password combinations. The spyware enters your computer system when you visit a web site online or through a variety of other methods, including "phishing" attempts (fraudulent e-mails that ask for confidential information or simulate bank or other internet sites) or viruses distributed through e-mail. Public computers at hotels or libraries are also susceptible to viruses and spyware, so please use caution.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Information?

We strongly advise you to take the following actions in order to guard your information and finances as securely as possible.

Ensure all of your computers are protected and scan for viruses daily.

Make sure your computer uses up-to-date anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Don't rely solely on your online service provider for anti-virus protection.

You can download some popular anti-virus products including the ones listed below. Please note there may be a cost for these products.

AVG anti-virus (for private, non-commercial and single home computer use only) - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

McAfee - http://us.mcafee.com/root/downloads.asp

Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

Panda Software anti-virus - http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm

Symantec - http://www.symantec.com/downloads/index.jsp

The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of good information on ways to protect you and your family from all kinds of identity theft. To learn more visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html

One of your best defenses is to review and reconcile your accounts frequently. Pay close attention to any electronic transfers and report any "suspicious" items to us immediately.

Please know that we will continue to be diligent in our efforts to protect you and hope you share in our commitment by protecting yourself.

If you ever suspect a fraudulent transaction has occurred, please immediately call your local Centra Bank office so we can assist you.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Electronic Information

When performing Internet transactions that involve the use of personal information, first read the site's privacy statements. If no privacy statements are readily available, don't provide any personal information to the site.

When upgrading your personal computer for a new one, be cautious as to what happens to the old systems. Have your hard drive erased completely, even if you are throwing it away or donating it to charity. Use free or purchased software to clean the hard drive so no one can retrieve previous information. Just deleting files is not enough.

When using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), use a password to protect access to the device. Keep as little confidential information on your PDA as possible. In the event it is lost or stolen, you will not be at risk of the information getting into the wrong hands.

Make sure your computer is password protected, especially a laptop. In many cases the theft of a laptop is not just for the physical device but also for the confidential data inside.

Think twice before entering confidential information (such as making Internet purchases or storing a resume) on a public personal computer at a public library or copy center. Even after you have deleted a file or shut down the browser application, someone could still follow behind you and gain access to the information on the computer's hard drive.

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Online Banking 24-Hour Access Account Login Need to enroll in online banking? Click Here Try Our DirectNet Online Banking Demo Learn How To Protect Your Identity Click Here Read Our Privacy Disclosure Click Here Reorder Your Checks Online 24-Hour CentraLine Telephone Banking 1-877-598-2012	Check Fraud \| FDIC Scams \| Identity Protection \| Online Fraud \| Vishing Scams Online Fraud: Protecting Your Information Protecting your confidential information has been one of our highest priorities at Centra Bank. That's why we have state-of-the-art encryption security technology in place to protect your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, criminal activity and fraud are on the rise everywhere. Our protection technology is outstanding, but the best line of defense begins with you. That's why we want you to be aware of online fraud and the best ways to protect your information. The Challenge Sophisticated identity thieves are now targeting home and business computers directly to acquire sensitive and confidential information. This identity theft technique does not involve a breach of the bank's security systems - rather, it involves what is called "keylogging spyware." Criminals are able to access your computer system, then capture and use your IDs and passwords to pose as you. Learn more about online fraud scams at: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/fraudschemes.htm The Risk The criminal could use the information obtained from the keylogging spyware to transfer funds electronically from your deposit account using Bill Pay. Funds withdrawn from your account are typically routed through banks in the U.S. and credited to accounts opened by the criminals or their accomplices. The funds are then promptly withdrawn or wired overseas, making recovery extremely difficult. How Can It Happen? Criminals use spyware embedded on your computer to record and steal your user ID and password combinations. The spyware enters your computer system when you visit a web site online or through a variety of other methods, including "phishing" attempts (fraudulent e-mails that ask for confidential information or simulate bank or other internet sites) or viruses distributed through e-mail. Public computers at hotels or libraries are also susceptible to viruses and spyware, so please use caution. What Can You Do to Protect Your Information? We strongly advise you to take the following actions in order to guard your information and finances as securely as possible. Ensure all of your computers are protected and scan for viruses daily. Make sure your computer uses up-to-date anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Don't rely solely on your online service provider for anti-virus protection. You can download some popular anti-virus products including the ones listed below. Please note there may be a cost for these products. AVG anti-virus (for private, non-commercial and single home computer use only) - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1 McAfee - http://us.mcafee.com/root/downloads.asp Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx Panda Software anti-virus - http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm Symantec - http://www.symantec.com/downloads/index.jsp The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of good information on ways to protect you and your family from all kinds of identity theft. To learn more visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html One of your best defenses is to review and reconcile your accounts frequently. Pay close attention to any electronic transfers and report any "suspicious" items to us immediately. Please know that we will continue to be diligent in our efforts to protect you and hope you share in our commitment by protecting yourself. If you ever suspect a fraudulent transaction has occurred, please immediately call your local Centra Bank office so we can assist you. Additional Ways to Protect Your Electronic Information When performing Internet transactions that involve the use of personal information, first read the site's privacy statements. If no privacy statements are readily available, don't provide any personal information to the site. When upgrading your personal computer for a new one, be cautious as to what happens to the old systems. Have your hard drive erased completely, even if you are throwing it away or donating it to charity. Use free or purchased software to clean the hard drive so no one can retrieve previous information. Just deleting files is not enough. When using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), use a password to protect access to the device. Keep as little confidential information on your PDA as possible. In the event it is lost or stolen, you will not be at risk of the information getting into the wrong hands. Make sure your computer is password protected, especially a laptop. In many cases the theft of a laptop is not just for the physical device but also for the confidential data inside. Think twice before entering confidential information (such as making Internet purchases or storing a resume) on a public personal computer at a public library or copy center. Even after you have deleted a file or shut down the browser application, someone could still follow behind you and gain access to the information on the computer's hard drive.

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