At Elderton State Bank, security is one of our top priorities. We take measures to protect both your money as well as your personal data. Explore our security center for resources and information on how Elderton State Bank protects you and how you can protect yourself.
Protecting our customers’ financial data is a high priority for Elderton State Bank. We will never request your Password, Debit Card PIN, or Secure Access Code. When contacting Elderton State Bank electronically, never include personal or confidential information. We will promptly return your message and answer your question. We encourage our customers to closely monitor accounts regularly. For best practice, you should immediately report any suspicious activity to us at 724-354-2111 or toll-free 877-491-4848.
General Fraud Prevention Tips
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be a victim of fraud or a scam:
- Did you receive a check as a result of selling a valuable item on the Internet such as a car, boat, or jewelry?
- Is the amount of the check more than the price of the item sold or was the check overnighted to you?
- Did you receive the check from someone you have only communicated with via email or text?
- Is the check from another business or individual than the one that purchased your item?
- Have you been informed that you were the winner of a lottery or contest?
- Have you been instructed to send funds or gift cards as soon as possible to another individual?
- Have you been asked to pay money to receive a deposit?
- Are you receiving pay or commission for facilitating money transfers through your account?
- Did you respond to an email requesting that you confirm, update, or provide your bank account information?
Online Security
It is Elderton State Bank’s commitment to keep your accounts safe, while adopting the latest security requirements possible. Our authentication process for Online Banking complies with the best industry practices on how to best protect you and your finances. Here are some additional ways you can protect yourself while online:
- It is important to keep your computer as safe and secure as possible by installing and regularly updating your anti-virus software, patches, and updates to your operating system. Third party programs and browsers should also be kept up-to-date.
- Use strong and varying usernames and passwords on different websites. If possible, use letters and numbers as well as symbols in your passwords. Do not use obvious passwords, such as your date of birth, social security number, or names of children, pets or spouses.
- Do not store usernames and passwords where anyone could get them, such as saving passwords in a browser or mobile device.
- Uninstall programs and apps that you do not use and keep your computer or device as clean as possible.
- Always enter the URL of a website directly into a browser. Avoid being re-directed to the site or using a hyperlink from a site that is not deemed secure.
- If possible, do not use unsecure Wi-Fi or hotspots and keep your own wireless networks password protected.
- Do not send sensitive or confidential information through ordinary email or text.
- Do not download files or software from unknown sites or sources.
Mobile Device Security
Smartphones are basically a hand-held computer and should be carefully protected, monitored, and kept up-to-date just like your home or office computer. Here are some additional ways you can protect yourself while using your mobile device:
- Keep your security software current.
- Secure your phone using a strong password.
- Research an app and make sure it is trustworthy before downloading it.
- Be wary of using Wi-Fi hotspots. If you must use a public hotspot please employ a VPN.
- When in doubt about a call, voicemail, text, or email, do not respond to it and delete it.
- Do not save passwords, your PIN, account numbers, or other confidential and sensitive information on your phone.
- Notify your mobile service provider and your bank if your phone is lost or stolen.
Debit Card Security
Debit cards are handy and useful while on the go. Debit cards should be protected the same way you protect cash. Here are some additional ways you can protect yourself while using your debit card:
- Your card should always be stored in a safe place
- Only you should know your PIN. It should be memorized and never written on the card or stored in your purse or wallet.
- You should never disclose any of your card information or any other personal information in response to an email, call, or text.
- You should only disclose your debit card information over the phone if you know and trust the company and you placed the phone call.
- You should check to make sure that any online shopping site is secure by noting that the URL begins with “https”.
- Review your activity and if you see unauthorized transactions, report it Immediately to Elderton State Bank by calling 724-354-2111.
- If you lose your card or it is stolen, call Elderton State Bank immediately.
General Identity Theft Security
Identity theft can occur in a number of ways. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, please access the Federal Trade Commission website at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft
Here are a few things you can do to prevent identity theft:
- Install anti-virus on your computer, keep it current, and run it or set it to automatically run.
- Be wary of emails from sources you don’t know. If it appears to be fraudulent, do not open it or any link or attachment within the email. Simply mark it as spam and delete it.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of outrageous claims by individuals or companies you do not know.
- Shred all documents with personal information, such as statements, invoices, bills, receipts, pre-approved credit offers, credit card checks, and insurance-related materials. Do not simply throw them away intact.
- Do not keep your social security card in your purse or wallet. Do not give your social security number to anyone that you do not know and trust. Provide it only when necessary.
- If a check or checks from your checkbook are lost or stolen contact Elderton State Bank immediately.