Security Awareness

Additional Resources

Below is a list of additional resources and tips to help you further safeguard your personal information:

• Credit Reports: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion – AnnualCreditReport.com is the only source to get free credit reports as authorized by federal law. This law requires each of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.
• FDIC Consumer News: The FDIC’s quarterly publication for consumers offers information and tips on credit cards, bank accounts, loans, scams, money management, and much more.
• A Bank Customer’s Guide to Cybersecurity: Safety precautions for Internet banking or shopping, how to avoid identity theft online and roles of banks and government in protecting customers.
• Stop.Think.Connect.: The Department of Homeland Security’s national public awareness campaign aimed at increasing security awareness.

Authentication

Information you submit via our online banking service is protected. It is important to verify that only authorized persons log into online banking. This is achieved by verifying your password. When you submit your Login ID and Password, it is compared with the information we have stored. You will also be prompted to receive a Secure Code to register your browser. The importance of this security feature is that should someone ever get your Login ID and Password information, they still cannot log into your online banking unless they are at your computer. This process is repeated if in the future you reset the Cookies on your browser.

We allow you to enter your password incorrectly a limited number of times; too many incorrect passwords will result in the locking of your online banking account until you call us to reinitialize the account. We record “bad-login” attempts to detect any suspicious activity (i.e. someone trying to guess your password).

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the illegal use of someone else’s personal information in order to obtain money or credit.And identity theft can happen to anyone in any location across the country. Take simple steps to protect your online identity by:

1. Locking and password protecting your computer and cell phone.
2. Not sharing specific personal information online such as your full name or birthday.
3. Setting proper privacy settings on social networking sites.

Email

PrimeBank of Texas will never ask for personal information such as social security and account numbers in an email. The following preventative strategies are intended to help our customers proactively look for emails attempting to deceive users into “clicking the link” or opening attachments to seemingly real websites:

1. Never click on links in emails. If you do think the email is legitimate, whether from a third-party retailer or primary retailer, go to the site and log on directly. Whatever notification or service offering was referenced in the email, if valid, will be available via regular log on.
2. Never open the attachments. Typically, retailers will not send emails with attachments. If there is any doubt, contact the retailer directly and ask whether the email with the attachment was sent from them.
3. Do not give out personal information over the phone or in an email unless completely sure. Social engineering is a process of deceiving individuals into providing personal information to seemingly trusted agents who turn out to be malicious actors. If contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be a retailer or collection agency, do not give out your personal information. Ask them to provide you their name and a call-back number. Just because they may have some of your information does not mean they are legitimate!
4. Set secure passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information and update regularly.
5. Verify the authenticity of requests from companies or individuals by contacting them directly. If you are asked to provide personal information via email, you can independently contact the company directly to verify this request.
6. Pay close attention to website URLs. Pay attention to the URLs of websites you visit. Malicious websites sometimes use a variation in common spelling or a different domain (for example, .com instead of .net) to deceive unsuspecting computer users.
7. Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent through email or text message. Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.

ATM/Debit Card User Precautions

PrimeBank of Texas will never ask for personal information such as social security and account numbers in an email. The following preventative strategies are intended to help our customers proactively look for emails attempting to deceive users into “clicking the link” or opening attachments to seemingly real websites:

• Prepare for your transactions at home to minimize your time at the ATM.
• Mark each transaction in your account record, but not while at the ATM. Always save your ATM receipts. Don’t leave them at the ATM because they may contain important account information.
• Compare your records with the account statements you receive.
• Don’t lend your ATM card to anyone.
• Remember, do not leave your card at the ATM.
• Protect the secrecy of your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Protect your ATM card as though it were cash. Don’t tell anyone your PIN. Don’t give anyone information regarding your ATM card or PIN over the telephone. Don’t write your PIN where it can be discovered. For example, don’t keep a note of your PIN in your wallet or purse.
• Prevent others from seeing you enter your PIN by using your body to shield their view.
• If you lose your ATM card or it is stolen, promptly notify us. You should consult the other disclosures you have received about electronic fund transfers for additional information about what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
• When you make a transaction, be aware of your surroundings. Look out for suspicious activity near the ATM. Consider having someone accompany you when you use the facility, particularly after sunset. If you observe any problem, go to another ATM.
• Don’t accept assistance from anyone you don’t know when using an ATM.
• If you notice anything suspicious or if any other problem arises after you have begun an ATM transaction, you may want to cancel the transaction, pocket your card and leave. You might consider using another ATM or coming back later.
• Don’t display your cash; pocket it as soon as the ATM transaction is completed and count the cash later when you are in the safety of your own car, home, or other secure surroundings.
• At a drive-up facility, make sure all the car doors are locked and all of the windows are rolled up, except the driver’s window. Keep the engine running and remain alert to your surroundings.
• We want the ATM to be safe and convenient for you. Please report any suspicious activity or crimes to both the bank and the local law enforcement officials immediately.
• Use our 24-hour telephone bankline or Capital Online to verify transactions were correctly posted to your account.
• If you will be traveling outside the United States, please notify our debit card department at 1-800-383-8000 so we can ensure uninterrupted service.
• To report lost or stolen cards please call 1-800-383-8000.