Since its founding in 1933, the privacy and safety of your financial information has remained Countybank's utmost concern. We are committed to keeping you informed about the most recent identify theft practices and providing tips to help keep your financially safe.
Check Washing
Check washing isn't a new concept, but it's become more prevalent in the last year. In response, the U.S. Postal Service is warning users against sending checks through the mail because more checks than ever are getting stolen right out of people's mailboxes.
What is check washing?
Criminals steal mail directly from mailboxes. They then wash and rewrite the checks before cashing the check.
Tips on how to prevent this
- Pay your bills online
- Deliver your mail to the post office
- Use a pen with blue or black non-erasable gel ink
- Monitor your bank account
- Report incidents quickly
Resources
- 6 Ways You Can Thwart Check Washers
- Check Washing Makes a Comeback; Here’s How to Protect Yourself
- USPS Information on Check Washing
Phishing Scams
Don't take the bait!
You've probably heard about identity theft — people stealing other people's personal information to use for illegal purposes. In a new scheme called "phishing," ID thieves trick people into providing their Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN numbers, mothers' maiden names, or other personal information by pretending to be someone they're not.
Important Reminders
Countybank fraud services will only ask about potential fraudulent activities. They will not ask customers for the following information:
- Card number
- Social security number
- Password
- Codes that have been texted to a mobile device
When in doubt, contact Countybank directly using one of the following phone numbers.
| Countybank Customer Service |
| 864-942-1524 800-726-8689 |
How does phishing work?
The most common form of phishing is by email. Pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank, or government agency, the sender asks to "confirm" your personal information for some made-up reason. Typically, the email contains a link to a phony website that looks just like the real thing. You enter your personal information on the Web site — and send it into the hands of identity thieves.
Phishers also use the phone to hunt for victims' personal information. Some pose as employers and call or send emails to people who have listed themselves on job search websites.
Malicious Number Spoofing
Fraudulent phone calls can also come from what appear to be a legitimate phone numbers (i.e., caller ID shows an actual Countybank phone number, but the call is not from Countybank). In some cases the caller may already have the last 4 digits of your card number. Always keep the important reminders listed above in mind, and do not provide personal information such as your card number, social security number, password, or codes. Be wary if the caller texts you information and asks you to click on a link or provide a code.
How can you tell if the person or company who contacted you is legitimate or a con artist?
- Be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your personal information. It's a warning sign that something is "phishy." Legitimate companies and agencies don't operate that way.
- Don't click on links in emails that ask you to provide personal information. To check whether an email or call is really from the company or agency, contact it directly by phone or online. If you don't have the telephone number, get it from the phone book, directory assistance, or the Internet. Use a search engine to find the official website.
- Job seekers should also verify the person's identity before providing personal information to someone claiming to be a prospective employer.
What should you do if you got hooked by a phishing scam?
- If you provided account numbers, PINs, or passwords to a phisher, notify the companies with which you have those accounts immediately.
- Put a "fraud alert" on your files at the credit reporting bureaus. For information about how to do that and other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Clearinghouse online or toll-free, (877) 438-4338. The TDD number is (202) 326-2502.
- Even if you didn't get hooked, you should report phishing to the company or agency that was being impersonated to the National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center at fraud.org or toll-free at (800) 876-7060. The TDD number is (202) 835-0778.
- Remember, security tools such as PIN numbers and passwords help keep your transactions safe. Keep them private.