Security

There always seems to be a new app or a new update to computers, mobile devices, and systems that pose potential security risks and opens up new opportunities for scams. When we find out about those risks, we let our employees and customers know. We want them to share that information with friends and family to help protect those in our communities from security risks and scams.

You should not worry, but you need to stay alert and informed. The more educated and informed you are the more capable you will be to recognize when fraud or a scam is occurring.

To keep your data secure, the bank encrypts your data and your access channels to protect it from hackers. We monitor all your connections to the bank to ensure that when your data is accessed, it is by you or someone at the bank.

If you have the slightest bit of question that something is legitimate or not, disconnect , hang up, or stop texting. Contact us with a number you know (859-236-2926 or toll-free at 866-888-0220), not one that could have been sent by a scammer. Let us know your situation so we can help.

First, contact the bank and report the scam and the information you may have disclosed. The quicker you report the scam, the quicker we can respond and protect you and your accounts. After that, we will help you to contact any law enforcement agencies, credit bureaus, and other financial services providers to inform them of your situation. Never be embarrassed to share you were scammed. Con-artists are really good at what they do. By reporting a scam, you can help yourself and others.

In the same way you should educate yourself, educate others. No one is too young or too old to be taught how to recognize scams and con-artists. Please, if you receive educational materials that you believe could help others, then forward it to them or print it off and share it with family, friends, church groups, or local committees you may be a part of and get the word out.

Many of the scams and threats to security seem to change with new technology but the underlying principles remain the same:

• If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you didn't enter a lottery or a contest, then you’re not going to win. Be cautious if someone says you won a prize.
• No legitimate organization will ask you to pay taxes up front or make a payment to get your prize.
• A bank will never contact you asking for your SSN, account numbers or any other private information.
• If someone contacts you and says you “Must Act Now” or something bad will happen, then that is a red flag and you should end the conversation immediately and contact someone you trust to help you navigate the situation.
• If someone says “you cannot tell this to anyone”, then you should tell a trusted friend, family member, your bank, or law enforcement officer immediately.