Fraud Prevention
Knowing what to look for.
Phishing:
- Criminals create a fraudulent email that looks like it came from Citizens National Bank or another trustworthy company or person.
- Clicking on the link takes you to a fraudulent website designed to look exactly like the real Citizens National Bank website or another familiar site.
- Once there, you’ll be asked for confidential information (such as your account numbers or Social Security number). The cyber thieves will use the information you enter to steal from you.
Fraudulent websites may also download malware onto your computer that can be used for identity theft. Emails may be sent to actual account holders whose addresses were obtained illegally, or they may be sent to random email addresses.
Smishing:
Smishers are fraudsters who send text messages to your phone, instructing you to call a certain number or go to a specified website immediately. Generally, the smishers warn that something bad will happen to your account (such as it will be frozen or terminated) if you don’t follow their instructions.
Never respond to these texts. Do not call the numbers they provide or click on the links they send to you via text message or email. Citizens National Bank will only send you text messages if you have signed up for CItizens National Bank Alerts.
Vishing:
Vishers are fraudsters who reach out to you by phone instead of email. They’re after the same thing as phishers – your confidential banking information. Fraudsters can spoof caller ID to make it look like a call is actually originating from Citizens National Bank. So how can you tell whether a caller is the real deal?
It’s simple. Citizens National Bank will never call you and ask you for your account numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN), or any confidential information. Do not provide any confidential information over the phone unless you initiated the phone call. Hang up and call Citizens National Bank at (606) 679-6341 if you suspect fraud.
Other information:
Be alert for these warning signs:
- Missing bills or statements
You did not receive a bill or statement you expected to receive in the mail.
- Unexpected charges
Unfamiliar charges show up on your credit card, checking, savings or other account.
- Denied credit
You are unexpectedly denied credit or given unfavorable terms.
- Unsolicited credit cards
You receive credit cards that you never applied for.
- Collection calls
Creditors or collection agencies are attempting to collect money for unfamiliar purchases or services.
