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The CitiBank TV commercials are comical indeed, but identity theft is no laughing matter. Read this page carefully … and check back often. Identity thieves can use your personal data to take over financial accounts, run up credit card charges, apply for loans, credit cards or other services in your name and even file fraudulent tax returns. F&M Bank wants you to fully understand how to PROTECT YOURSELF from fraud and identity theft … and alert you to scams that could threaten your credit history and your financial security! If You Are Contacted By F&M Bank, REMEMBER … Be positive you know with whom you are speaking on the phone BEFORE giving out credit card or bank account numbers. F&M Bank will NEVER ask for your ATM or CHECKCard PIN (personal identification number) for any reason! And we will NEVER contact you via e-mail regarding sensitive financial information. If you receive a phone call from someone identifying himself or herself with F&M ... and you are unsure of the person's identity ...hang up and call us back to verify the authenticity of the person with whom you are speaking. Keep your identity SECURE! Take Care With Credit & Debit Cards Whether you are traveling, enjoying a night out, or simply shopping ... be careful when using your credit cards and F&M ExpressCHECKCard for purchases and cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for people holding cell phones near you at retail stores, restaurants and grocery stores. With the new CAMERA cell phones, photos can be taken of your credit card, which gives them your name, number and expiration date. This information could allow someone to make multiple purchases on your account before you realize it. What If My Wallet Is Stolen?
New Fraud Alert Concerning Bogus E-Mails From The IRS! The U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have warned of attempts to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license information and bank and credit card numbers. Unsuspecting consumers have received e-mail, claiming they are under investigation for tax fraud and are subject to prosecution. The e-mail informs recipients they can "help" the investigation by providing "real" information and directs them to an official-looking Web site where detailed personal information must be provided to dispute the charge. While this particular Web site was shut down, new versions of the scam could surface in the future. The IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers about issues related to their accounts. Official taxpayer contact usually includes a letter on IRS stationery in an IRS envelope. IRS letters also contain a contact phone number. Taxpayers who believe they have received suspect communication are encouraged to call a fraud alert hotline at 1-800-366-4484. You can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. An IRS representative will be able to verify the taxpayer's account status and determine whether a communication is legitimate. Fraud Alerts Regarding Bogus E-mails From The FDIC The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is receiving complaints from consumers who received e-mail seemingly from the FDIC. This phony e-mail gives the recipient an opportunity to secure their credit cards against fraud and to apply to be a part of a secure online network launched by the FDIC in collaboration with various credit card providers. By accessing an embedded link, the e-mail claims the recipient can sign up for a free trial membership, which provides shopping coupons for some of the more popular online retail outlets. This e-mail was not sent by the FDIC and is a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal information or to implant a computer virus onto the recipient’s computer.
Other False E-mails Earlier this year, bogus e-mails informed recipients that the Department of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge had advised the FDIC to suspend all deposit insurance on their bank account due to suspected violations of the USA PATRIOT Act. The e-mail stated that deposit insurance would be suspended until personal identity, including bank account information, could be verified. This e-mail was not sent by the FDIC and was a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal information from consumers. Consumers are asked to report any similar attempts to obtain your personal information to the FDIC by sending information to alert@fdic.gov. Helpful Hints
Helpful Links & Numbers
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