Fraud

Install a reputable antivirus software program on all computers and keep them up-to-date. You should also regularly use reputable software to remove spyware from your computer. Spyware records information about your internet use and transmits it without your permission. This can compromise your PC security. Be cautious of pop-ups that offer antivirus and spyware protection.

Always access our internet banking by typing the correct URL (http://www.fmlafayette.com) into your browser. Never click on a link in an email to take you to a website or enter personal details in the email or website.

Never email your username or password or respond to an email or phone request asking for confidential information. This information should be kept secret at all times. Farmers & Merchants Bank will NEVER ask you to submit confidential information in an email.

Make your password as long and complex as possible. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters such as @ or # or $ or %. Avoid using a predictable sequence of characters such as “12345” or “abcde” in your password. Also avoid using dictionary words and names. Your password should be easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Avoid using shared public computers to access online banking or other websites that contain confidential information about you. They may be equipped with keystroke loggers or infected with password stealing viruses. Examples of share public computers are those in public libraries, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, and airport lounges.

It is important to completely log off from your internet banking session by clicking “LOG OUT.” You will receive a message that states “You are now logged out!” Simply closing the window you performed the transaction in may not close the banking session. If your computer is infected with a Trojan, your session may become hijacked by a criminal and financial transactions performed without your knowledge.

It is important to check your statements regularly. A quick check will help you identify any fraudulent transactions.

If you think your account has been compromised, please contact Farmers & Merchants Bank immediately!

Phishing is the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company. Do not reply to email, text, or pop-up messages that ask for your personal or financial information. Do not give out personal or financial information via phone call. Do not click on links within the email or text message. The message or person may seem to be from an organization you trust, but it is NOT! Legitimate businesses will not ask you to send sensitive information through insecure channels.

"We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity."

"During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn't verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information."

"Our records indicate that your account was overcharged. You must call us within 7 days to receive your refund.”

Corporate Account Takeover is a type of business identity theft where cyber thieves gain control of a business' bank account by stealing employee passwords and other valid credentials. Thieves can then initiate fraudulent wire and ACH transactions to accounts controlled by the thieves, or create and add new fake employees to payroll, or steal sensitive information.

Cyber thieves target employees through phishing, phone calls, and even social networks. It is common for thieves to send emails posing as a bank, delivery company, court or the Better Business Bureau. Once the email is opened, malware is loaded on the computer which then records login credentials and passcodes and reports them back to the criminals.

It is important to protect your cyber environment just as you would your cash and physical location. Do not use unprotected internet connections. Encrypt sensitive data and keep updated virus protections on your computer. Use complex passwords and change them periodically.

Look out for unexplained account or network activity, pop ups, and suspicious emails. If detected, immediately contact Farmers & Merchants Bank, stop all online activity and remove any systems that may have been compromised. Keep records of what happened.