Stay Safe with Smart Banking
Your Partner in Banking Securely
At First State Bank & Trust, your financial security is our top priority. As your local, trusted bank, we’re here to help with tips and reliable strategies to give you confidence when banking online. Whether it’s your savings, retirement funds, or daily transactions, you can count on us to support and protect what matters to you.
Practical Tips for Safe Banking
Be Alert for Unusual Account Activity
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Check your account statements regularly. Look for transactions you don’t recognize, and contact us immediately if something seems off.
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Sign up for account alerts, such as text or email notifications for large withdrawals, balance changes, or suspicious activity.
Guard Your Access: In-Person and Online
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Never share your PIN or account numbers. We will never call, email, or text asking for your passwords or Social Security number.
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Use unique, strong passwords for online banking. Enable two-factor authentication when available on websites, for extra security.
Take Care When Banking by Phone or Computer
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Use FSBT’s website or mobile app.
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Be cautious about who you speak with on the phone. If anything feels suspicious, hang up and call us directly at (800) 877-3728.
Protect Your Checks and Documents
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Handle checks with care. Mail checks directly from a post office, rather than leaving them in your mailbox.
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Shred statements or paperwork containing account details before throwing them away. Or, sign up for eStatements (www.fsbtrust.com/estatement) to avoid having account information in the mail.
Stay Secure at the ATM
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Cover your PIN entry. Block your hand when entering your PIN at ATMs or card readers.
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Watch for tampering. Avoid machines that look unusual or have loose parts, and report concerns to us.
Recognize Banking-Specific Scams
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Impersonation scams: Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, urging urgent action to “secure” your account.
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Overpayment or refund scams: If you receive a check and are asked to send money back, be wary. This is a classic sign of fraud.
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Account takeover attempts: If you receive unexpected notifications about password resets or new device logins, alert our team immediately.
If something about your banking experience doesn’t feel right, contact your local branch. We’re here to help and happy to answer any questions. It’s always better to double-check and stay secure.