Important Notes:

Don't Be A Victim!
Beware of Scams When Contributing to Haiti Earthquake Victims

FRAUD ALERT: A phishing cyberattack adopting a Facebook ploy has targeted millions of people, according to an alert from the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The cyberattack has sent e-mails containing fraudulent but authentic-looking notices from Facebook. The phishing e-mails contain a hyperlink that sends people to a phony Web page that requests Facebook account log-in information for security purposes. The phishing site releases malware that attempts to steal personal information, such as bank account-related information.

READ OUR NEW SPECIAL DEBIT CARD MEMO HERE:

Safe On-Line Shopping Tips This Holiday Season

1. Make sure your computer and browser are secure. Set your firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software to automatically update and scan your PC.
2. Don’t create passwords that include easily accessed personal information, such as mother’s maiden name or date of birth. Instead, use something unique that only you know.
3. Don't give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you know who you’re dealing with and preferably only if you've initiated the contact. Never give out Social Security or driver’s license numbers. If you must share personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization.
4. If you receive an e-mail asking for personal information, do not hit the reply button or click on any link in the e-mail. Instead, go directly to the sender's Web site by typing in its Web-site address.
5. Look for secure sites with an "s" in the URL (https://) and a closed-padlock icon on the Web page.
6. Always double-check the URL to be sure you are shopping with the company you intended to shop with. A simple typo can help identity thieves.
7. If you’re using a company’s site for the first time, consider checking it out with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
8. Never respond to an offer by way of a spam or bulk e-mail. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
9. Consumer protections in the federal Fair Credit Billing Act apply to online credit-card purchases. Keep records of all your purchases in case there’s a problem.
10. Avoid providing unnecessary information such as annual income, spending habits, hobbies and lifestyle data.
11. Shop with U.S.-based companies. Domestic state and federal consumer-protection laws apply. You’ll be protected and have recourse should something go awry.
12. Register your credit and debit cards at www.verifiedbyvisa.com or www.mastercardsecurecode.com for a more secure online shopping experience. Some credit-card companies offer virtual account numbers that are generated each time you make a purchase, and some e-mail providers let you create several aliases to protect your personal e-mail address.
13. Bradford National Bank offes LifeLock, FREE, to all members of the Real Community Bank Club Checking program.

The holidays are such a rush of shopping, parties, family gatherings and sharing. But we're often not ready to tell those close to us about how to protect themselves and the information that they handle for others from thieves looking to take data, skim credit cards and, well, basically ruin many a happy holiday with fraud. 

Those intent on fraud come in all shapes and sizes, so it's something to see: the temporary store clerks skimming cards behind the counter, the phishers sending those important bank emails to your customers and saying they must change a password, even the rogue insider at the institution collecting data to sell outsiders.

For your customers, here's a short list of the kinds of scams and schemes criminals are using to make holidays a real heartache:

Fake charity websites -- They're out there and asking, pleading for your credit card information. Stick with the well known ones like the Salvation Army or the Red Cross.
Fake delivery invoices: I get these in both my personal mail and work email, annoying, but they can be ignored. If these fake delivery invoices are opened, they usually deliver some nasty malware onto the computer. If you owe someone money, they're going to call you or send invoice via snail mail.
Fake "New Friend Request" emails: These are sneaky, so be on the watch for these on Facebook and other social media sites.
Holiday ecards laden with computer viruses: One word describes these potentially virus-laden missives -- dangerous. Check with the person who supposedly sent it to you; if it doesn't jibe, delete! Even if legit, scan for viruses.
Unsecured, public area computers: Unsecured? Enough said. Many times keyloggers and sniffers are placed on there by criminals to watch and record every key stroke. Even checking your email is dangerous on public area computers.
Fraudulent holiday-related websites: You're aware of them, but are your customers?
Job-related email scams: The recent FDIC warning on ACH fraud noted that money mules were being used to move the stolen funds. These scams are where the hackers hire those mules. Warn your customers about this scam.
Auction site fraud: The classic fraud via sites such as eBay and others isn't going away. Buyer beware - if it looks or sounds too good to be true, walk away.
Password theft: This is done in myriad ways, so caution is the watchword. Also, remind your customers to change their passwords frequently and not use the same password for every site they visit.
E-mail banking scams: Can be devastating to a customer's balance, and even their identity, so keep plugging away with the warnings about phishing, vishing, smishing, because the criminals are using more than just the computer to get what they want.

Debit Card Memo Here:

If you suspect debit card fraud, or if your card is lost or stolen, you should contact Bradford National Bank immediately at 618-664-2200 or you can email cardsecurity@bradfordbank.com.  After hours and on weekends and holidays, you should contact the SHAZAM network directly at 1-800-383-8000.

If you are planning a trip or have special needs with your debit card, you should contact Bradford National Bank ahead of time at 618-664-2200.  We will work hard to accommodate your trip or special needs.  It is important that you have an alternative method of payment when you travel (Travelers Checks, credit card) for emergency situations.

Sign up for internet banking so you can check your account balances frequently. Report unusual or suspicious activity immediatly to Bradford National Bank.

It is important that your contact information is up to date and on file at the bank (home phone, cell phone, email address). 

Bradford National Bank WILL NOT email our customers and ask for account information. If you receive such an email, please report them immediately by forwarding them to Bradford National Bank.

If you get an email from anyone requesting personal or account information, do not click on any included or attached links or provide any information. If you feel it is a valid request, call the requesting organization on the telephone to verify.

ATM Debit Card Safety & Fraud Prevention

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Click Here For A Detailed Report on Phishing

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Visit The National Cyber Security Website