Protecting yourself against "Phishing," a type of online fraud.
What is Phishing?
Identity theft over the Internet is on the rise and “Phishing” is one form of fraud that attempts to obtain your personal information through the use of emails, websites, and popups. This type of fraud occurs when you receive an email that is sent as though the email is from a legitimate company. The email will request sensitive personal information by telling you to either supply the information in a popup window or by clicking on a web link that sends you to a counterfeit web site. Once the information is obtained the data may be unlawfully used against you to create transactions on your existing accounts.
How can I identify these fraudulent emails?
Keep in mind that Florida Bank of Commerce will not send emails asking for customer information. Any such emails should be reported immediately as a fraudulent email.
Fraudulent emails will ask you for your confidential information. These emails will appear as though your account information has expired and will ask you to update your account with current information as soon as possible. Some examples of this information may include user names, passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, addresses, social security numbers, and phone numbers.
Fraudulent emails may appear to be from a genuine source. Many “Phishing” emails are constructed as though the email appears to be from a legitimate email address. The email may contain actual company logos and be very professionally worded. The sender of the email can also easily manipulate the address of the email to make it look as though it is from a trusted source.
Fraudulent emails will also link to bogus Web sites. Once a web link is clicked in the counterfeit email a phony website may be displayed that appears to be official. The website will then proceed to prompt you for your confidential information.
Fraudulent email may also contain bogus phone numbers. Fake Phone numbers may be used to make the email or website appear as though it is legitimate. The email or website could also contain actual phone numbers of the company. The thought is that if the email contains a company phone number then the email must be legitimate. Look up the phone number in a phone book and call to verify the email.
What should I do if I find one of these emails?
Do not click on any of the links in the email. If you find an email that you believe to be fraudulent either call our customer service department at (407) 246-7772 or email info@fbcbank.com to report it.
Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when a criminal obtains your personal information to steal money from your accounts, open new credit cards, apply for loans, rent apartments and commit other crimes — all using your identity. These acts can damage your credit, leave you with unwanted bills and cause you countless hours and frustration to clear your good name.
If You're a Victim of Identity Theft or Account Fraud
If you're a victim of identity theft or account fraud, you should notify your bank(s) immediately. If your account(s) is with Florida Bank of Commerce (FBC) you should call contact your FBC financial service representative immediately. FBC will work with you in an effort to make appropriate corrections of unauthorized transactions in your FBC accounts and to correct any incorrect reports submitted by FBC to credit bureaus, and will attempt to help protect you from any future identity theft or account fraud.
We also suggest that you immediately:
- Call the fraud departments of all three credit bureaus. Ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your file. This tells creditors to call you before they open any more accounts in your name.
- Equifax 1-800-525-6285
- Experian 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
- Contact your local police and ask to file a report. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief, having a police report can help you in clearing up your credit records later on.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Call the FTC's identity theft hotline toll-free at 1 (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338). The hotline is staffed by counselors trained to help victims and take their complaints. You may also file a complaint online at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.
- Complete the identity theft affidavit, which will assist you in reporting to many companies that a new account has been open in your name. Obtain a copy of the identity theft affidavit by clicking the link below: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/resources/forms/affidavit.pdf.
Together, you and FBC may be able to head off identity theft and account fraud before they ever happen. If you would like more information about identity theft, you can visit one of our branches and speak to your financial service representative.
More information is also available at these sites:
- Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) consumer website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
- Call the FTC toll-free at 1 (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338)
- Deluxe ID TheftBlock ® at http://www.deluxe-idtheftblock.com/.
