Customer Awareness

FDIC Consumer News & Information

(1)The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The e-mail informs the recipient that "in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state and local governments…" the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient's account "due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act." It further states deposit insurance will remain suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called "IDVerify." If consumers go to the link provided in the e-mail, it is suspected they will be asked for personal or confidential information, or malicious software may be loaded onto the recipient's computer.

This e-mail is fraudulent. It was not sent by the FDIC. It is an attempt to obtain personal information from consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and should NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information through this media.

The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission. Until this is achieved, consumers are asked to report any similar attempts to obtain this information to the FDIC by sending information to alert@fdic.gov.

(2)The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

The subject line of the e-mails state: "Just for your time." The e-mail tells recipients that, "The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Online department kindly asks you to take part in our quick and easy 5 questions survey." It attempts to entice recipients to take the "survey" by telling them "In return we will credit $50.00 to your account Just for your time" The e-mail then directs recipients to click on a link to take the survey (a fraudulent link is provided).

This e-mail and associated Web site are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users' computers.

The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2011/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

Online shopping has become a popular way to purchase items without the hassles of traffic and crowds. However, the Internet has unique risks, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online.

Why do online shoppers have to take special precautions? The Internet offers a convenience that is not available from any other shopping outlet. From the comfort of your home, you can search for items from countless vendors, compare prices with a few simple mouse clicks, and make purchases without waiting in line. However, the Internet is also convenient for attackers, giving them multiple ways to access the personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers. Attackers who are able to obtain this information may use it for their own financial gain, either by making purchases themselves or by selling the information to someone else.

How do attackers target online shoppers?
There are three common ways that attackers can take advantage of online shoppers:

• Targeting vulnerable computers – If you do not take steps to protect your computer from viruses or other malicious code, an attacker may be able to gain access to your computer and all of the information on it. It is also important for vendors to protect their computers to prevent attackers from accessing customer databases.
  
• Creating fraudulent sites and email messages – Unlike traditional shopping, where you know that a store is actually the store it claims to be, attackers can create malicious web sites that mimic legitimate ones or create email messages that appear to have been sent from a legitimate source. Charities may also be misrepresented in this way, especially after natural disasters or during holiday seasons. Attackers create these malicious sites and email messages to try to convince you to supply personal and financial information.
  
• Intercepting insecure transactions – If a vendor does not use encryption, an attacker may be able to intercept your information as it is being transmitted.
  

How can you protect yourself?

• Use and maintain anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software – Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your own computer and leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall. Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date. Spyware or adware hidden in software programs may also give attackers access to your data, so use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove any of these files.
• Keep software, particularly your web browser, up to date – Install software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.
• Evaluate your software's settings – The default settings of most software enable all available functionality. However, attackers may be able to take advantage of this functionality to access your computer. It is especially important to check the settings for software that connects to the Internet. Apply the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need.
• Do business with reputable vendors – Before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that you are interacting with a reputable, established vendor. Some attackers may try to trick you by creating malicious web sites that appear to be legitimate, so you should verify the legitimacy before supplying any information. Locate and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in case there is a problem with your transaction or your bill.
• Take advantage of security features – Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if used appropriately.
• Be wary of emails requesting information – Attackers may attempt to gather information by sending emails requesting that you confirm purchase or account information. Legitimate businesses will not solicit this type of information through email.
• Check privacy policies – Before providing personal or financial information, check the web site's privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.
• Make sure your information is being encrypted – Many sites use SSL, or secure sockets layer, to encrypt information. Indications that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a padlock icon. If the padlock is closed, the information is encrypted. The location of the icon varies by browser; for example, it may be to the right of the address bar or at the bottom of the window. Some attackers try to trick users by adding a fake padlock icon, so make sure that the icon is in the appropriate location for your browser.
• Use a credit card – There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, and you may not have the same level of protection for your debit card. Additionally, because a debit card draws money directly from your bank account, unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay other bills. You can further minimize damage by using a single credit card with a low credit line for all of your online purchases.
• Check your statements – Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.

Note: This article was produced by Mindi McDowell and Monica Maher, and copyrighted by the US-CERT. This article was used with permission as stated in Terms of Use, Copyright Permission. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors. Established in 2003 to protect the nation's Internet infrastructure, US-CERT coordinates defense against and responses to cyber attacks across the nation.

Fraud Advisory for Consumers
Involvement in Criminal Activity through Work from Home Scams

This product was created as part of a joint effort between the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC).

Consumers continue to lose money from work-from-home scams that assist cyber criminals move stolen funds. Worse yet, due to their deliberate or unknowing participation in the scams, these individuals may face criminal charges. Work-from-home scam victims are often recruited by organized cyber criminals through newspaper ads, online employment services, unsolicited emails or “spam”,1 and social networking sites advertising work-from-home opportunities. Once recruited, however, rather than becoming an employee of a legitimate business, the consumer is actually a “mule” for cyber criminals who use the consumer’s or other victim's accounts to steal and launder money. In addition, the consumer’s own identity or account may be compromised by the cyber criminals.

Example of a Work-From-Home Scheme:
• An individual applies for a position as a rebate or payments processor2 through an online job site or through an unsolicited email.
• As a new employee, the individual is asked to provide his/her bank account information to his/her employer or to establish a new account using information provided by the employer.
• Funds are deposited into the account that the employee is instructed to wire to a third (often international) account. The employee is instructed to deduct a percentage of the wired amount as their commission.
• However, rather than processing rebates or processing payments, the individual is actually participating in a criminal activity by laundering stolen funds through his/her own account or a newly established account.

In February 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) coordinated with state law enforcement officials and other federal agencies to announce a sweeping crack down on job and work-from-home fraud schemes fueled by the economic downturn. Individuals who are knowing or unknowing participants in this type of scheme could be prosecuted.

1 Cyber criminals may also spoof a legitimate business to entice you into opening the email, which may contain a fraudulent application for information or malware.
2 Other common job titles for these schemes include trading partner or currency trader.

Protect Yourself:
• Be wary of work-from-home opportunities. Research the legitimacy of the company through the Better Business Bureau3 (for US-based companies) or WHOIS/Domain Tools4 (for international companies) before providing personal or account information and/or agreeing to work for them. In addition, TrustedSource.org can help you identify companies that may be maliciously sending spam based on the volume of email sent from their Internet Protocol (IP)5 addresses. See also the FTC’s recommendations6.
• Be cautious about any opportunities offering the chance to work from home with very little work or prior experience. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
• Never pay for the privilege of working for an employer. Be suspicious of opportunities that require you to pay for things up front, such as supplies and other materials.
• Never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
• If you think you may be a victim of one of these scams, contact your financial institution immediately. Report any suspicious work-from-home offers or activities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)7 at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

For more information, visit:
• PhishBucket.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting job seekers from fraudulent job offers.
• OnGuardOnline.org. Sponsored by the FTC, this site provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/us/article/work-at-home-schemes-408.

This advisory was created through a collaborative cross-industry effort to protect consumers and businesses against account takeovers. Led by the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), contributors include more than 30 of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., industry associations including the American Bankers Association (ABA), NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association, BITS/The Financial Services Roundtable; and federal regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
3 http://www.bbb.org/
4 http://www.domaintools.com/
5 An IP address identifies the company's website host or network interface and location.
6 http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/email-scams.aspx#3
7 The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

ICBA: How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2010)-Close to 10 million people each year have their personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card and bank account numbers and home addresses stolen, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Victims of identity theft spend approximately $5 million a year repairing their credit, and businesses deal with nearly $50 million in fraudulent charges annually[kt1] . While the Internet has given rise to a variety of financial crimes that include phishing, spoofing, pharming and vishing, most cases of identity theft still occur offline.

With these statistics in mind, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) offers the following tips to help consumers guard against identity theft.

"Community banks are careful guardians of our customers' personal data and information, but our customers must also play a role and practice caution in stores, online and as they go about their business every day," said Jim MacPhee, ICBA chairman and CEO of Kalamazoo County State Bank in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The following tips can help lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card or other cards that show your SSN. Read, "Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number."
• Don't give out 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. Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate organization. As a general rule, never give out your Social Security or driver's license numbers.
• Don't put personal information such as your birth year, mother's maiden name or other information on public social media sites. Fraudsters can use that information to decipher your passwords. Also, if you use a smart phone, be careful not to list personal information, account numbers and passwords. If you lose or misplace your phone, a potential fraudster could easily access your information.
• Ask questions whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction. Ask how the information will be used and if it will be shared. Ask how it will be protected. If you're not satisfied with the answers, don't give your personal information.
• Remember: Banks will not ask you to verify your personal account information over the phone or via e-mail if they initiated the call. They already have that on file. If you receive a phone call or e-mail asking you to verify such information, don't respond. Instead, contact the bank directly.
• Don't leave sensitive documents containing personal information where people can see it. Shred or destroy papers containing your personal information, including credit card offers and convenience checks that you don't use.
• Retrieve your postal mail promptly, and discontinue delivery while you're out of town. Whenever possible, mail bills from your post office, not your mail box. Stop or reduce junk mail or unsolicited credit card offers by visiting the National Credit Bureau's opt out website at: www.optoutprescreen.com or call them at (888) 567-8688.
• Open your bills and bank statements right away. Check carefully for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills don't arrive on time-it may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
• Check your credit reports. Review your credit report at least once a year. Check for changed addresses and fraudulent charges. To find out more about credit reports, your rights as a consumer, access the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the FACT Act at www.ftc.gov/credit.
• Protect your computer by following good security practices. Use strong passwords that are hard to guess. Use firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software that you update regularly. Download software only from sites you know and trust and only after reading all the terms and conditions. Don't click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.
• Before you get rid of an old computer, make sure you destroy the information on the hard drive. Often that means destroying the drive itself because erasing data doesn't completely eliminate it. Otherwise look for software tools that will completely wipe data from the hard drive.
• Use caution when shopping online, check out a website before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Read the privacy policy and take opportunities to opt out of information sharing. Only enter personal information on secure web pages that encrypt your data in transit. You can often tell if a page is secure if "https" is in the URL or if there is a padlock icon on the browser window. Consumer protections under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act apply to Internet credit card purchases. Keep records of the purchase.

"No method is foolproof," said MacPhee. "Identity thieves are devising new schemes all the time. But when you see how long it takes for someone to restore their good credit after being victimized, then you know that any steps you can take to prevent identity theft are definitely worth the extra time."

For more information, visit the Identify Theft Web page at www.icba.org.

FDIC Releases Alert on Fraudulent Phone Calls

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of suspicious telephone calls where the caller claims to represent the FDIC and is calling regarding the collection of an outstanding debt.

To date, the callers have alleged that the call recipient is delinquent in payment of a loan that was applied for over the Internet or made through a payday lender. The loan may or may not actually exist. The caller attempts to authenticate the claim by providing sensitive personal information, such as name, Social Security number, and date of birth, supposedly taken from the loan application. The recipient is then strongly urged to make a payment over the phone to "avoid a lawsuit and possible arrest." In some instances, the caller is said to sound aggressive and threatening.

These suspicious telephone calls are fraudulent. Recipients should consider them as an attempt to steal money or collect personal identifying information. The FDIC generally does not initiate unsolicited telephone calls to consumers and is not involved with the collection of debts on behalf of operating lenders and financial institutions.

If a caller demonstrates that he or she has the recipient's sensitive personal information, such as Social Security number, date of birth, and bank account numbers, the recipient may be the victim of identity theft and should review his or her credit reports for signs of possible fraud. The individual should also consider placing a "fraud alert" on his or her credit reports. This can be done by contacting one of the three consumer reporting companies listed below. Only one of the three companies needs to be contacted. That company is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of the report.

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, California 92834-6790
 

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241
 

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9554, Allen, Texas 75013
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-3054, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Questions related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

Protect Your Privilege - Don't Be Declined

OVERDRAFT PROTECTION
Farmers State Bank’s Standard Overdraft Practice protects you by paying overdrafts on the checking account, whether the overdraft occurs in a paper check transaction, electronic (ACH) withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, or Debit Card transaction.

We also offer Overdraft Protection Plans, such as a link to a savings account, which are separate from Overdraft Protection Privilege.  To learn more, ask us about these plans.

DON’T BE DECLINED
New federal regulations for Standard Overdraft Practice become effective on August 15, 2010.  This means that Farmers State Bank will no longer be able to pay overdrafts for ATM and Debit Card transactions unless you choose this service. 

The regulations will allow you to continue using
our Standard Overdraft Practice protection plan for other checking account transactions, such as paper checks and electronic (ACH) withdrawals. 

However, since ATM and Debit Card transactions are not covered, your purchase could be declined by a merchant (grocery store, department store, anywhere you use your Debit Card), or you could be declined for cash withdrawals at an ATM.

PROTECT YOUR PRIVILEGE
Here is how you can tell us that you want Farmers State Bank to pay overdrafts on your ATM withdrawals and Debit Card transactions using Standard Overdraft Practice as of August 15, 2010:

• Complete the Opt-In form at any Farmers State Bank branch;
• Log-in to Farmers State Bank On-Line Banking and email your Opt-in request; or
• Call Farmers State Bank Customer Support at 260-463-7111 or 888-492-7111.
  

Standard Overdraft Practice Fees:  You will be charged up to $32 each time Farmers State Bank pays an overdraft for any transaction covered through its Standard Overdraft Practice protection plan.  There is no limit to the total fees we can charge you for overdrawing your account.

Should I be concerned about Viruses & Spyware?

We have said this before, however it is a concept worth mentioning again; the best way to protect your Internet Banking Account is by protecting your PC.  Farmers State Bank computers are protected by multiple Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware/Malware products.  You should protect your own home computer by installing reputable Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware/Malware programs… and by ensuring that these programs are receiving frequent & possibly daily updates.  You should also ensure that you install security patch updates on your PC for applications such as Microsoft Office & Internet Explorer, and for operating systems such as Windows & Apple OS.
 
In addition, you should never share passwords unless you trust the person you are sharing with to access & use everything protected by that password.  Plus, you should avoid performing Internet Banking or Shopping transactions on a PC that you are unfamiliar with, that may not be protected as described above (Steer clear of ‘Courtesy’ PC’s found in restaurants, hotels, malls, airports & etc.).  These are just a few tips that will go a long way towards protecting your personal accounts and other sensitive information.  By following these precautions, you will greatly reduce the chance of thieves stealing personal information from your home computer.

As a reminder, currently Farmers State Bank does not send out text messages to your cell phones or any other handheld device. Recently, there have been a few customers who reported receiving a text message about a security notice from FSB that requests them to call an 800 number. The callers are then asked to supply a card number along with a pin number.

Please do not ever give out any personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are absolutely positive you know who you are talking to. This includes credit card numbers, pin numbers, social security numbers, address, phone numbers or other information.

If you have any questions or have experience something like this, please give us a call at 800.492.7111.

ATM attacks are among the most prevalent forms of fraud striking bank customers around the world today.  Your best defense to this threat is to read and follow the tips below to help reduce ATM skimming incidents.

1. Be wary of anything about the ATM machine that looks out of the ordinary, such as odd-looking equipment or wires attached to the device.
2. Look for a “no tampering” sign.  Crooks often place these to stop anyone curious about a new piece of equipment.
3. Avoid a jammed ATM machine that forces customers to use another ATM that has a skimmer attached.  Often, the criminal will disable other ATMs in the area to draw users to the one that has the skimming device attached.
4. Check your bank account(s) regularly to make sure there are no unusual or unauthorized transactions. 
5. If you see anything unusual or suspicious around the ATM, or if you find unauthorized ATM transactions on your bank account, immediately notify local law enforcement, as well as Farmers State Bank.
6. Always protect your PIN: Do not give the number to anyone, and do not write your PIN on or anywhere near your card. Always cover the keypad while you are entering your PIN.

Farmers State Bank is very vigilant about this particular threat and inspects all ATMs on a periodic basis.  Together, our combined efforts offer the best defense to these increasingly sophisticated crimes.  Thank you for reading this awareness piece and for helping Farmers State Bank protect you!

Social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace allow you to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  They allow you to share ideas and the events of your life with the people in your network. However, the ease with which people can obtain the personal information you make available can be cause for security concerns. If you use social networking sites, you can protect yourself by following a few simple guidelines.

Limit your available personal information 

Be wary of making too much personal information available online. Online banking and e-commerce sites frequently use “challenge questions” to help you recover a forgotten password, or for other security purposes. Often, your online profile will contain enough information to answer these questions. If a hacker has access to this information, he may be able to break into your online banking account. In fact, some online quizzes are nothing more than veiled attempts to gather answers to challenge questions.

Use privacy settings to restrict who can access your information…

Most social networking websites provide a way to limit what information is available and who can see it. Familiarize yourself with how the privacy settings work, and set them to limit your exposure as much as possible. If your social networking website has no privacy settings, consider taking your online socializing elsewhere.

… But don’t rely on them

E-commerce websites are held to a higher security standard than most other websites. Social networking sites have a spotty track record when it comes to protecting personal information. Even if your favorite website provides privacy settings, it may not enforce them as well as advertized.

Vary your password

Use a password for social networking websites that is different from the ones for your e-mail, e-commerce and financial websites. Ideally, you should use a different password on each website.

Know who you are “friending”

Consider refusing friend requests from people you don’t know. They may be interested in more than your friendship.

Beware of following links

Links sent in messages sometimes lead to websites that distribute malware. Consider the source of the message: is it from someone who never sends you messages? Does the message sound like something your friend would send? If it looks suspicious, ask your friend if they really sent it. If they didn’t, their computer may be infected with malware which actually sent you the message.

Talk to your kids about security

If you have children, talk to them frequently about how to remain safe online:

• Help your kids understand what information should be private.
• Explain that kids should post only information that you – and they – are comfortable with others seeing.
• Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child's social networking website.
• Remind your kids that once they post information online, they can't take it back.
• Tell your kids to trust their gut if they have suspicions. If they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened by anything online, encourage them to tell you.
• Consider using the social networking website your kids do, and become part of their network.

Top 10 precautions online banking customers should consider according to FDIC Consumer News.

1.  If you bank online, frequently check your deposit accounts and lines of credit to spot and report errors or frequent transactions, just as you should with traditional banking.
2. Never give your Social Security number, credit or debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs) or any other confidential information in response to an unsolicited e-mail, text message or phone call, no matter who the source supposedly is.
3. Don’t open attachments or click on links in unsolicited e-mails from anyone you don’t know or you otherwise aren’t sure about.
4. Watch out for sudden pop-up windows asking for personal information or warning of a virus.
5. Use a mix of security tools and procedures.
6. Beware of check scams.
7. When shopping online, deal with reputable merchants and be wary of unbelievably low prices.
8. Using a credit card generally offers more purchase protection than a debit card or other electronic forms of online payment.
9. Be on guard against scams hiding behind online coupon offers.
10. Be careful if you download banking software onto a cell phone.

WARNING:
2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

GOOD INFORMATION TO PASS ON TO EVERYBODY THAT YOU KNOW:

2010 Census to Begin
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the  United   States  and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR  ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range,
 
YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. 
The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.  Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau. 

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. 
No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions on Computer Security

Q: Do I have to buy expensive software to clean viruses from my computer?

A: There are reputable programs available for free on the internet that may meet your needs.  Be sure to do your homework prior to installing any software.  Verify the software’s reputation using software review websites such as Cnet.com, prior to installing the software.  Some examples of free anti-virus protection and malware removal are:

Program/Web Address
Avast! Home Edition/ www.avast.com
AVG/ www.free.avg.com
Malwarebytes/ www.malwarebytes.org
Microsoft Security Essentials/ www.microssoft.com/Security_Essentials

Note: We cannot endorse or recommend any of the above programs. They are listed here only to show examples of what is available.

Q: Is one anti-virus software program better than another?

A: Marketing hype aside, all reputable antivirus software does pretty much the same job. Some may be better than others in regards to a particular feature, but any one of them is better than no antivirus software at all. However, there are a number of disreputable antivirus programs that actually do more harm than good. Be wary of any antivirus software that advertizes itself via unsolicited e-mail (spam) or pop-up windows.

Q: How do I know if my PC is infected?

A: Infected PCs may exhibit suspicious behavior, such as running more slowly than normal, locking up often, crashing and restarting frequently, or displaying unusual error messages. Or they may exhibit no symptoms at all. Also, the suspicious behavior often shown by infected PCs may be caused by a number of other factors. So while a poorly performing computer should make you suspect that it may be infected, you won’t know for sure unless you frequently scan your PC with an antivirus tool.

Q: Aren’t you safe from these threats if you stay away from those shady and unsavory websites?

A: Your PC could be infected from a number of sources.  Viruses can be transferred from PC to PC through the use of a shared USB Flash Drive.  There are many instances where a nationally recognized company’s website has been compromised and visitors to their site have been infected with malware.  The best way to protect yourself is to protect your PC. 

Q: What do I need to do to protect my PC?

A: While there is no silver bullet that will protect you from every risk, if you take the following precautions, you can significantly reduce your exposure:

• Install an antivirus program and configure it to update its virus definitions daily.
• Configure your computer and connection to the internet properly. Some computer systems come with a lot of security enabled by default, but have someone who knows what they're doing check the configuration of your computer and other communications equipment —wireless routers, DSL or cable modems, etc.
• Turn on automatic software updates. This is a feature of some software which allows it to patch itself with very little effort from you. Make sure it's turned on for your operating system, security software, and any applications that have the option.
• Be aware of your Internet surroundings. Learn to tell scams from real email, and when not to follow links or open a document. It takes time and practice to develop Internet “street smarts.”
• Perform regular backups. If your system becomes infected with a virus, you may have to reinstall your complete system. Backups ensure you don't lose your data if that becomes necessary.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller announces new
tool to help protect Hoosiers from fraud

Hoosiers can receive email and text alerts onto
fraud trends and tips to avoid falling victim

INDIANAPOLIS – Attorney General Greg Zoeller and Director of the Consumer Protection Division, Abby Kuzma, today announced the launch of the Consumer Alert Program, a consumer fraud early warning system. The program will notify consumers by email or text message of frauds or scams believed to pose a threat to Hoosiers. Tips on how to avoid the scams and what to if victimized will also be included in the alerts.

“It is a full-time job tracking fraud trends and we appreciate how hard it is for everyone to keep up with all the scams cropping up all over the country,” Zoeller said. “Very few scams actually originate in Indiana and it is our job to monitor and identify which pose the greatest threat to Hoosiers. This alert program is an education and prevention tool consumers can use to protect themselves.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division coordinates with the Federal Trade Commission, National Association of Attorneys General, Better Business Bureau and other consumer protection agencies to gain knowledge of scams occurring in other states in order to provide quick notice of the potential threat to Hoosiers. Consumers who are signed up to receive the alerts will receive information by email or text message about which scams to avoid.

“We are seeing an increased sophistication in the scams being run today causing millions of Americans and thousands of Hoosiers to fall victim to fraud every year,” Kuzma said. “The goal of the Consumer Alert Program is to arm consumers with the information they need to avoid these situations.”

Anyone can sign up to receive the alerts. Visit www.IndianaConsumer.com and click on the red “Consumer Alert” button to complete the sign-up process. The alerts will be delivered via email or text message depending on individual preferences.

All contact and personal information is strictly confidential.

The topics of the alerts will vary depending on the types of scams occurring, the time of year and trends in the economy. Examples of alert topics include:

• Telemarketing robo call scams
• Foreclosure consultant companies operating illegally in Indiana
• Door-to-Door solicitors selling unsafe products
  

It is the mission of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to educate and protect Hoosiers from unscrupulous businesses and individuals as well as professional license holders who may pose a threat to citizens of Indiana. The Consumer Protection Division is also responsible for investigating and responding to consumer complaints to ensure safe and fair commerce in Indiana.

To sign up to receive consumer alerts, file a complaint or learn more about how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud, visit www.IndianaConsumer.com.

While Farmers State Bank does offer Bounce Protection as a convenience to its customers we would also like to provide additional information to help you manage your account to avoid overdraft situations.

Be aware of your checking account balance prior to making purchases with a check or debit card.

• Balance your account on a regular basis
• Remember to record and deduct any and all transactions you may conduct through your account
• Use our services; services like Telephone Banking and Internet Banking are free of charge and help assist you in keeping an accurate up-to-date balance.

Talk to your Farmers State Bank Personal Banker for more information regarding overdraft services.  We know that in these tough economic times you have enough to worry about, let us help. 

FDIC Consumer Alert - Oct.26, 2009
 
The Indiana Bankers Association has received notice that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

The subject line of the e-mail states: "check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage." The e-mail tells recipients that, "You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account. Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets."

The e-mail then asks recipients to "visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage" (a fraudulent link is provided). It then instructs recipients to "download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage."

This e-mail and associated website are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, some of which may be used to gain unauthorized access to online banking services or to conduct identity theft.

The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail.

Tips for Secure Online Banking

How can you make your password more secure?

Your online banking password is the key to your personal and financial information. If criminals know your password, they can use it to steal from you or pose as you in online transitions.  This newsletter will provide you with some simple tips to make your online banking experience safer.  
Criminals will always gravitate towards the easiest money.  The more barriers that you can put into place, the more likely the criminal will go elsewhere.  The reason all financial institutions implemented new login procedures (known as multifactor authentication) a few years ago was to add a layer of security and deter criminals from your online account.  Criminals adjust and so should you.  Here are some easy Do’s and Don’ts that you can use to steer criminals elsewhere:

Do’s

Install a reputable antivirus software program on all computers and keep them current.  This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself.  While we do not endorse or recommend a particular product, some good solutions are Internet Security packages available from makers such as:  Norton, McAfee, or Kapersky.

Make your password as long and complex as possible.  Our online banking system will permit you to create a password up to 8 characters long. 

Make it easy to remember, but hard to guess.  Use a combination of letters and numbers that you know, but that wouldn’t make sense to  others.  Combine initials and important numbers  and, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, a special character such as @ or # or $ or & or *.  A good password could be 17dg*wm4.  How can you make a similar combination work for you?

Use more than one password.   Use a generic password for low-risk situations such as a newspaper website where there is little risk to you if someone figures it out.  Not every website warrants the same level of protection as your online banking website. To make your ever-growing list of passwords more manageable, consider using a general-purpose password for websites that do not contain personal or financial information, and creating a unique, secure password for each website that does, such as online banking.

Use trustworthy computers. Shared public computers like those in airport lounges, Internet cafes, public libraries, and hotel lobbies could be connected to keystroke loggers or infected with password-stealing viruses. Don’t use them to access online banking or other websites containing confidential information about you.

Don’ts

Never e-mail your password or respond to an e-mailed request for your password or other confidential information. We will never ask you to submit confidential information in an e-mail.  E-mail travels the Internet in much the same way as a postcard travels through the U.S. Mail. There is no “envelope” to protect the contents from prying eyes. There is no reason for anyone but you to know your password ever.  Requests for your passwords via e-mail are most assuredly scams.

Do not include your login name in your password. Similarly, any part of your login name is a poor choice for a password.

Avoid predictable sequences of characters, such as “1234” or “abcd”, in your password. Automated password crackers often start by guessing predictable sequences such as these.

Avoid dictionary words or names Words in any language can be determined by automated password crackers that also contain multi-lingual dictionaries. Similarly, password crackers also contain lists of names used as possible passwords. No one else may remember the name of your high school sweetheart, but if his or her name is on the list, your password may be vulnerable.

Why Should You Be Afraid of Malware?

What is malware?
Malware is a general term for software that is meant to cause harm. Computer viruses, spyware, adware, and Trojan horses are all examples of malware. Computer security experts like to compare malware with human diseases (which is why computer viruses are called “viruses” in the first place).
The purpose of malware can be something as seemingly harmless (yet annoying) as popping up a window to show you unwanted advertizing, or as dangerous as snooping on the keystrokes as you type your internet banking password. 

How do computers get malware?
Computers become infected with malware through a number of mechanisms – sharing files on jump drives or floppy disks, opening suspicious e-mail attachments, or visiting websites that are themselves infected with malware.  Additionally, malware can arrive via downloaded files, such as music or videos from a peer-to-peer file sharing networks (such as Kazaa or BitTorrent), or simply by visiting a website that has been hacked and infected. No longer is it a matter of staying away from “bad” websites. Unfortunately any website that is not properly secured can be hacked and infected with malware that could infect your PCWhy Should You Be Afraid of Malware?

How do you avoid getting malware?
Doctors tell you to avoid getting the flu by washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with those who are already infected, and by getting immunized. Precautions against getting malware are remarkably similar to trying to stay healthy.

• The single most important step that you can take to protect your PC is to install and use well-known anti-virus software. Update the virus definitions regularly and scan your computer regularly. Most anti-virus scanners will provide tools to automate these tasks so that they take place when you are not using your computer. This software will help you when you visit a site that has been hacked and infected.

• Use a software firewall. If you are using Windows XP or Vista, enable the Windows Firewall. If you have a Mac and are running OS X 10.2 or above, enable the built-in firewall.

• Avoid fake anti-malware.  Unfortunately, there are rogue anti-malware vendors that promise to rid your computer of malware, but actually install malware instead, often holding your computer hostage until you pay them. Don’t buy anti-malware software advertized in pop-up ads. Legitimate software isn’t sold this way.  GetNetWise.org (maintained by the Internet Education Foundation) has a list of legitimate security tools (http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/).

• Don’t open suspicious e-mail attachments. Historically e-mail attachments are one of the most popular ways to spread malware. If you don’t know what it is, delete it immediately rather than open it.

• Surf the web carefully. Malware often comes from “dodgy” web sites. Download and install software only from websites you know and trust. Scan any downloaded files for viruses before you open them.

  How will I know if my computer is infected?
  If you have a Mac, your chances of being infected with malware are lower than if you are running Windows, although the incidence of Mac malware is on the rise. Some security experts predict that 2009 will see a large increase in the amount of malware targeted at Macs.
  It is possible that malware will make its existence known through pop-up windows or messages on your screen. If your computer exhibits this sort of behavior, your computer is certainly infected. Otherwise, you should look for the following symptoms.
  Programs running slowly, crashing: many types of malware like to piggy-back on other applications, like web browsers, to monitor what they are doing.  This can use a lot of your computer’s resources, causing it to slow down considerably.  On the other hand, some malware is just badly written and can slow down your computer or even crash other applications. 
  Suspicious network traffic; slow internet connection: If you are running Windows, press the CTRL, ALT and Delete keys at the same time, then select “Task Manager” from the resulting window. When Task manager opens, click on the Network tab and see if your PC is using the internet network connection, if it shows more than a few percent usage then this could be evidence of something using your internet connection without your knowledge.
  Anti-virus warnings: Antivirus software cannot be expected to find all malware, but it does detect about 75%.  Some malware will attempt to download other malware to do more damage.  Antivirus software may detect one of these applications but not both.  An anti-virus warning, combined with other signs, is a good indication of an infection, especially if you’re not currently browsing the web or copying files. 
  
  What should I do if my computer is infected?
  First, stop banking, shopping, or other online activities that involve sensitive information.  Confirm that your anti-virus software is enabled and up-to-date. Scan your computer for viruses. Allow the anti-virus software to do its job, cleaning up and deleting viruses. Some malware is very sophisticated and can be difficult to remove even with the tools mentioned here. If you suspect that your computer is still infected, you may want to contact a professional. Many of the stores that sell computers also have services to repair them; this may be a good place to find assistance.
  There are some helpful, legitimate (and free) resources that can aid in getting your computer healthy again:

• Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) has a number of tools that can help identify and remove malware from your computer.

• Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://onecare.live.com/scan) is a free service offered by Microsoft that can clean up malware as well as tuning up your PC.

Eventually, every computer reaches the end of its useful life.  If you are recycling or reselling your old computer or even kicking it to the curb, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that any future owner can’t get more out of it than you bargained for.
Your personal computer likely contains a lot of information that would be a gold mine for identity thieves – account numbers, addresses, passwords, tax returns, credit card statements. To prevent this information from falling into the wrong hands, you should take care of this information before you dispose of the computer.

Sensitive personal information resides on the hard drive inside your computer.  The hard drive is like a chalkboard with no eraser.  When a program wants to record some data on the chalkboard, it hastily wipes a spot clean with its hand and records the data there. After a while, the chalkboard is covered with half-erased messages. In the same way you can read the remnants of half-erased messages on a chalkboard, an identity thief can read your information from the erased files on your computer. Consequently, deleting files from the hard drive is not enough.

Back it up
The first order of business in disposing of your old computer is to back up the files that you want to keep.  Copy any files you will want in the future to a CD ROM, USB drive, external hard drive, or a new computer. Check your owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s website, or its customer support line for information on how to save data and transfer it to a new computer.

Wipe out the data
Utility programs to permanently delete the files on your old hard drive are available online for little or no cost.  Additionally, commercial security products often provide file wiping capability as well.

Some utilities will erase the entire hard drive, others will erase selected files. They also differ in how thoroughly they erase the data: some overwrite the hard drive with random data multiple times, others just once. Consider using a utility that erases and overwrites the data multiple times.

Alternatively, you can remove the hard drive from your computer and physically destroy it. In fact, this is probably the most effective method of wiping out the data. If you have a hard drive that has “crashed” and is no longer functional, consider giving it a few smacks with a hammer for good measure. Just because you can’t get it to work doesn’t mean someone else won’t.

Recycle, Donate, or Resell
Finally, there are a number of ways of disposing of your old computer once your personal information has been removed from it. Older computers may contain a certain amount of hazardous material, so it is best to keep them out of the trash stream. Many manufacturers (and some local communities) provide recycling facilities for computers past their prime. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has information on electronic product recycling programs at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm.
Many local communities have organizations that collect old computers, refurbish them, and donate them to local charities. This option also may provide you with a tax deduction.
You might also consider selling your old computer online via eBay or Craigslist, or giving it away at www.freecycle.org.  Once you have securely removed any sensitive personal information, you can part with it without worrying about identity theft.