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Fraud Prevention and Security Tips


Online & Mobile Banking Security

Unique ID and Password — In order to access CNB’s online banking platform, you must enter a unique User ID and Password. We strongly recommend that you use a passphrase for your password. A passphrase is a sentence or a phrase that is unique to you. A strong passphrase can be a fact about you or someone you know. For example, I may use the first letter of each word of the sentence, "My mom and dad were married in 1958 @ 2PM!" which would make my passphrase "Mmadwmi1958@2PM!". This passphrase is easy for me to remember but difficult for a hacker to obtain. Your password is the key to protecting your personal information.
 
Account Names — CNB does not display your account numbers in online banking. You choose a "pseudo" name for each of your accounts. For example, a pseudo name would be checking account, savings account, and loan account. 
 
Multi-Factor Authentication — CNB's multi-factor authentication feature enhances our ability to verify your identity when you access your online banking. You supply us with three questions and answers that only you know. If we detect unusual or suspicious activity, we will ask you to answer your security questions to make sure that it's really you.
 
Cookies — When using our online banking, our Internet Banking Service Provider passes a cookie to your computer in order to identify your computer during a session. A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website and is stored on your computer. The cookie identifies your computer while your are logged on. This cookie does not contain any personal information; it simply provides another level of security for our online banking. Users must accept this cookie to use our online banking product.
 
Automatic Log-off — If you are logged on to your online banking account but do not use it for 10 minutes, you will not be able to proceed until you "re-log" onto the system.
 
Password "lockout" System — To keep unauthorized individuals from accessing your account by guessing your password; we have instituted a password lockout system. If your password is entered incorrectly a certain number of consecutive times, the user is "locked out" of the system. You must contact the bank for your account to be reset and the system to become "unlocked".

Fraud Awareness

The following are ways fraudsters may trick you:

By Phone

Fraudsters may attempt to impersonate CNB Bank by contacting you via phone calls or text messages, pretending to notify you about suspicious activity on your account. Their goal is to trick you into sharing personal information such as your account number, password, or other sensitive details. This tactic, known as spoofing, can happen in the following ways:
 
Calling— Scammers may call you pretending to be from CNB Bank, claiming there’s been fraud on your account. They may request your login credentials, personal information, or even one-time security codes to "resolve" the issue. Remember, CNB Bank will never ask for this information over the phone.
 
Texting— Fraudsters may send you texts posing as CNB Bank, often labeled as a "fraud alert." The text might urge you to click on a link or respond with personal information to verify your account. These messages can look very convincing, but CNB Bank will never request sensitive information through text.
 
To protect yourself from spoofing:
• Do not provide personal information over the phone or by text message if the request seems suspicious.
• Verify the caller or sender by contacting CNB Bank directly through official channels.
• If you receive a suspicious text or call, report it to us immediately.
 
What CNB Bank Will Never Ask For:
To ensure your security, please be aware that CNB Bank will never ask for the following information over the phone or via text message:
• Your full account number or login credentials.
• Your online banking password or PIN.
• Your Social Security number.
• One-time security codes or verification codes.
• Your debit or credit card CVV code.
 
Personal details such as date of birth, address, or mother's maiden name unless you're directly contacting us for service.
If you receive a call or text asking for any of this information, do not respond. Contact us immediately to report the incident at 1-888-258-1520.
 

Online

Fraudsters may attempt to steal your personal and financial information by tricking you into providing sensitive details through online scams. These scams often involve fake websites or malicious software designed to capture your login credentials, account numbers, or other personal information. Common online threats include:
 
Phishing — Fraudsters trick you into entering personal information, such as account numbers and passwords by luring you to a fake website (an example is one that looks like a trusted financial institution).
 
Pharming — Similar to phishing, pharmers seek to obtain personal information by directing you to a bogus website where your information is stolen.
 
Malware — Short for malicious software, is designed to damage or take control of your computer without your knowledge and your personal information such as IDs, passwords, PINs, and account numbers are forwarded to fraudsters.
Installing and updating your anti-virus software, anti-malware programs, firewalls on your computer, and operating system patches and updates can make your computer safer.
 
To safeguard your information:
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or pop-ups requesting personal information.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
• Always ensure that you're on CNB Bank’s official website before entering any login credentials.
 
What CNB Bank Will Never Ask For Online
When interacting online, it’s important to know that CNB Bank will never:
• Request your full account number, password, or PIN through unsolicited emails or pop-ups.
• Ask you to provide sensitive information through an unsecure website.
• Send you links in emails asking you to log into your account directly from the email.
• Request personal details like Social Security numbers or credit card information via email.
 
If you encounter any of these requests, do not respond. Report any suspicious activity to CNB Bank immediately at 1-888-258-1520.

Secure Data Transfer

Encryption — The latest encryption technology reduces the risk that your confidential account information could be accessed by another party. Encryption is a way to rewrite something in a code, which can be decoded later with the right "key." When you request information about your accounts, the information is sent across the web in an encrypted format to CNB. We decode your request and send the requested information back to you in an encrypted format. When the information reaches you, it is decoded so that you, and no one else, can read it.

Router and Firewall

Other Security Measures — In addition to the above safeguards, sophisticated firewalls and an authentication process ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to enter our system.

How you can protect your Internet security

While CNB works to protect your banking privacy, you will also play an important role protecting your accounts. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your CNB account information is protected, including:
  • Keep your password to yourself.

  • Change your password frequently. Passwords must be a combination of letters, numbers, and specified special characters (the system requires a password change every 180 days).

  • Remain at your computer until your CNB transactions are completed then log out. Log out of CNB Online Banking prior to visiting other Internet sites.

If you notice suspicious or unusual activity on your CNB accounts, call 304-258-1520 or 1-888-258-1520 (long distance).
Do not change your "pseudo" name for your CNB accounts to your account numbers.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when your personal information such as your bank account number, debit card number, or social security number is stolen and the information is used illegally.

How identity thieves get your personal information:

  • Stealing wallets and purses.

  • Stealing mail.

  • Stealing credit and debit card numbers by processing your card through a "skimming" device.

  • Getting information from your home.

  • Rummaging through your trash-a practice known as "dumpster diving."

  • Fraudulently obtaining a credit report.

  • Scamming you for information by posing as a business person or government official.

  • Diverting your mail to a different location by completing a "change of address" form.


How to protect your information

  • Do not give out your personal information unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with or you have initiated the contact. This is on the phone, through mail, or over the Internet.

  • Protect your mail. Instead of using an unsecured mailbox take mail to the post office or use post office collection boxes.

  • Shred or tear all information such as charge receipts, credit card offers, checks, bank statements, and expired charge cards before putting in the trash.

  • Keep your social security number (SSN) secure and only give your SSN when absolutely necessary.

  • Protect passwords and personal identification numbers (PIN). Do not give your password or PIN to anyone. This pertains to ATM/Debit cards, Internet banking, and telephone banking.

The Bank will NOT contact you via email for you to enter confidential information. If you receive an email believed to be from CNB, go to our website by using a bookmark/favorite you've established for it, or by typing in our website address from official bank correspondence.
 
For more information about identity theft go to the following website: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Check Fraud

What is it?
 
Check fraud refers to several types of fraud that involve writing bad checks, stealing and altering checks, or forging checks.  It can happen in different forms:
  • Paper Hanging:  This occurs when someone intentionally writes a bad check, taking advantage of the time it takes for checks to clear.  The recipient receives products or services with the check, but the check bounces after the fact.

  • Check Kiting: In check kiting, individuals write bad checks using multiple accounts.  For example, they might write a bad check from Bank A, then temporarily cover that amount by writing another bad check from Bank B and depositing it into Bank A.  This cycle continues until they have enough real money to cover the amount.

  • Check Washing: Criminals steal a check and wash it with chemicals to erase the original amount and payee.  They then write in a new amount and address the check to themselves or an accomplice.

  • Check Cooking: Similar to check washing, but criminals scan the check and use software to alter it before printing a counterfeit check.  This helps them bypass security measures that prevent check washing.

  • Check Theft & Forgery: Instead of altering a stolen check, criminals may steal or print blank checks and forge a signature.

 
How can I prevent check fraud?
  • Use our online & mobile banking tools to monitor your account daily for suspicious activity.

  • Be cautious.  Be wary if someone tries to send you a check unexpectedly.

  • Educate yourself.  Understand the different types of check fraud to protect yourself.

  • Avoid leaving mail in your mailbox for too long.

  • Use secure mail drops when mailing checks.  Avoid window envelopes and wrap a sheet of paper around your check before you place it in the envelope.

  • If you are heading out of town, ask the Post Office to hold your mail until you return.

  • Sign up for Informed Delivery through the U.S. Postal Service. It sends you daily notifications of incoming mail and packages.

  • Use electronic bill pay when possible.  This lessens your risk of check/mail fraud.

Remain Vigilant.  If you are a victim of a financial related scam, call us at 304-258-1520 to share your experience.  We'll help you with your next steps.
 

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