Security Education
At The Community State Bank, we take your personal and financial security very seriously (see Privacy Policy). We also believe in keeping you informed and up to date on various fraud or scams that could negatively affect this security.
Below is a variety of educational information we feel is essential to help you protect yourself and your family from fraud. For more detailed information on each of the items listed, just click on the topic name.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number, credit card number, or other identifying information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Read about how thieves obtain your information, how to protect yourself, and what to do in the unfortunate event of becoming a victim.
Email Fraud
"Phishing" attacks occur when criminals use fraudulent e-mails and counterfeit (fake) Web sites to steal personal and confidential information. You'll discover ways to protect yourself and what steps to take if you become a victim of this type of crime.
Take note that under no circumstances will The Community State Bank contact you via e-mail to update your personal information or request a password; nor should any other legitimate organization. If you ever receive a request asking for your private information, please contact one of our TCSB locations.
Telemarketing Fraud
Telemarkeing Fraud is a scheme where the telephone is used as the primary method of communication to obtain personal information and/or to persuade someone to send money. Learn to spot the danger signs to protect yourself from unscrupulous telemarketers and what steps to take if you do become a victim.
Lottery Winnings and Other U.S. Mail Fraud Schemes
With these schemes you will receive some form of correspondence which will include information on your lottery/sweepstakes winnings or even a great job offer. Included with the correspondence will be specific instructions on how to collect your winnings or earn that great salary for little or no effort. You will also receive a check with this information; a check which will turn out to be invalid in some manner. Learn more about these scams and what defines "mail fraud".
Overpayments for Merchandise
This type of fraud is generally committed through Web sites where you are advertising something for sale. The buyer "accidentally" sends you extra money in the form of a counterfeit cashier's check or money order and provides specific instructions for returning the overpayment along with the merchandise, before you discover the check is a counterfeit. Read more about how these schemes work, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you do become a victim.
Debit Card Fraud
Thieves can easily make duplicate copies of your ATM/debit card and quickly begin making purchases using your money. One method, known as "skimming", uses technology to capture and recreate your debit card. Learn to spot the danger signs associated with this type of fraud, ways to limit your risk, and steps to follow if you do become a victim.
While the above list does not include every type of fraud or scam, as there are many variations, it is an opportunity to educate yourself, thus making it more difficult for you to become a victim.
Notice - As a reminder, email sent over the Internet does not carry the same secure connections as other secure forms. We do not recommend sending confidential information such as account numbers or social security numbers via e-mail.
