Internet Safety Tips:

Please ensure you have a firewall between you and the Internet. Microsoft Windows has had a firewall turned on by default since Windows XP SP 2, though having that version of Windows or later is no guarantee of its effectiveness. In addition, most home network equipment have basic firewall capabilities. There are various, free testing services on the Internet that can check your firewall for you without requiring you to install any software or make any other changes. As with everything on the Internet, be cautious if a site tries to install software on your computer or requests payment.

Please ensure your machine's operating system and applications are up-to-date with all security patches. "Pathes" are software updates that address known security vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by viruses and other malware, as well as rogue websites. For Microsoft Windows users, Automatic Updates may or may not address all of your installed software, such as Microsoft Office products, which can also present a risk when surfing the Internet. Apple Mac software can be updated through the "Software Update" utility. Other software, such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Apple iTunes, Sun Java, and more should be updated as well.

Please ensure that you have anti-virus software installed and running, as well as ensuring that it is being updated regularly. Anti-virus companies issue updates on an almost-daily basis and sometimes more frequently than that. Given the prevalence and sophistication of viruses and other malware, it is critical that your anit-virus software be kept up-to-date.

Please be cautious when clicking links in unsolicated e-mails as e-mails are easily forged and can point your computer to malicious websites. Best practices when opening e-mail include asking the following questions:

1. Did I expect this e-mail?

2. Is it from someone I know and trust?

3. Is the content reasonable and/or relevant?

4. Are there spelling mistakes or is there unusual grammar being used?

Internet Banking Password Tips:

Choice Bank goes to great lengths to ensure the security of your online banking experience.

Tips:

We require your password to be 6 to 12 characters, case sentitve and a comination of #'s, letters & special characters at least one letter and two numbers. Take advantage of this by mixing case letters, numbers and the special characters.
We require your password to change every 120 days but you may choose to do it more often if you so desire
Never share your password or user name with others even third party providers
Try to avoid using the automatic login feature.
Keep your account fresh and check it once a month. Inactivity to your account for 90 days will automatically lock you out of your account. This is just another step we do to protect you.

Fraud Victims:

Immediately contact Choice Bank if you feel that your Choice Bank accounts have become a victim to indentity theft or fraud by calling (920) 230-1300 or (877) 303-1302.

In addition, there are other steps you can take if you feel you are victim of fraud or identity theft and how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Please visit the FTC website for additional information. If you desire to place a fraud alert on your credit reports and/or review your credit report activity, you may want to contact one of the following companies:

TransUnion, (800) 680-7289, www.transunion.com

Equifax, (800) 525-6285, www.equifax.com

April 2012 - ATM Skimming in Oshkosh

Below is the article from the Oshkosh Northwestern regarding skimming devices found on ATMs in Oshkosh.

Police warn of skimming devices on ATMs

Police are urging people to be aware that skimming devices have been found on ATMs at financial institutions in Oshkosh.

Oshkosh Police received fraud reports from three citizens Wednesday who noticed they had unauthorized transactions on their financial accounts. Each person had used an ATM in the 1600 block of West 20th Avenue over the weekend, according to Oshkosh Police.

A skimming device is attached to the bank card slot on the ATM and appears to be part of the machine. When a customer uses their ATM card, the skimmer reads the magnetic strip. When the skimming device is removed, account information can be accessed.

If it appears there is a part added to an ATM, customers should not use the machine and should report it to the financial institution or police.

Anyone with information about the skimming device is asked to contact Oshkosh Police, (920) 236-65700. Tips can also be submitted to Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers, (920) 231-8477, by texting the tip and “IGOTYA” to 274637 or through the website,www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org/

February 2012 - FBI Warns of New Banking Scam

February 2012 - NACHA Email

October 2011 - Scam Alert

September 2010 - Labor Day Warning

June 2010 - Security Alert

June 2010 - Telephone Scam

February 2010 - Your Internet Safety

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the updates please feel free to contact Choice Bank directly at (920) 230-1300 or info@choicebank.com.