January BANKING SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH   Tax Refund Direct Deposit  Sixty-six million taxpayers are already using direct deposit for their tax refund. So why should you? The IRS can electronically transmit your refund directly into your account. It’s safe, easy, and fast. You can also select up to three financial accounts for direct deposit of your tax refund. You can choose IRA accounts, checking and savings as well as Health Savings Accounts, Coverdell education accounts or medical savings accounts. To arrange direct deposit use IRS Form 8888 to split your refund. Use the appropriate line under “Refund” on Form 1040 to deposit into a single account.

DECEMBER BANKING SAFETY TIP Holiday Shopping  It is important to take certain precautions when shopping during the holiday season to avoid being a victim or identity theft or fraud.   ·         Look at your bank and credit card statements every month to make sure each transaction was authorized by you.  If not, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.  ·         If shopping online, use a secure site, which is indicated with a lock symbol or https in the url address.   ·         Only give out your checking or credit card information if you initiated the transaction.  Do not respond to e-mails or phone calls asking for your billing information.   ·         Shred information that has your name, account number, or other personal information to avoid identity theft.  It is also important to get a free copy of your credit report to check for fraudulent activity and that accounts are being reported with the correct status.                               Information provided by 2009 American Bankers Association

NOVEMBER BANKING SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH Safety tips that reduce your exposure to fraud    F                 Figure out your balance                 Keep close tabs on the balances of any financial account that is accessible by a plastic payment card. Identifying a dramatic balance change in one of your accounts is the best early warning system a consumer can have. If your financial institution offers online banking or email balance alerts sign up for them immediately. Many programs offer balance information in email format or text format to most cell phones.   R                 Respond to contact by unknown persons with extreme caution                 It’s OK to hang up and call back! Do not trust text messages, emails or direct telephone calls from persons unknown to you especially if they identify themselves as an employee of your bank or credit union. If you are still in the possession of your plastic payment card you can always find a toll free number on the back of the card to call when you have concerns about your account safety. NEVER call a telephone number that is provided to you by unknown persons. Obtain your bank or credit union phone number on your own and call them immediately to verify your account status. A                 ATM Safety                 Never approach an ATM if anyone is lingering nearby. Never engage in conversations with others around an ATM. Remain in your automobile until other ATM users have left the ATM. Never use an ATM if you see loose or wobbly parts attached to the face of the ATM or dramatic change in the appearance of the ATM since your last visit. If you feel uneasy do not use the ATM. Go to another ATM location where you feel safer.    U                 Unreported incidents can hurt you                 If your plastic card is captured inside of an ATM call your card issuer immediately to report the card capture. Sometimes you may think that your card was captured by the ATM when in reality it was later retrieved by a criminal who staged its capture. Either way, you will need to arrange for a replacement card as soon as possible.    D                 Don’t hesitate                 Ask your card issuer for a new card number if you suspect that your payment card may have been compromised at a merchant, restaurant, or ATM. It’s important to change both your card number and your PIN whenever you experience a potential theft of your personal information.     Information provided by FICO www.fico.com or www.myfico.com

Information provided by the American Bankers Association and 2007 Financial Education Corporation.