Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
Fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to steal personal and financial information. Understanding common scams and following safe banking practices can help protect your accounts, identity, and finances.
At First National Bank of St. Ignace, we're committed to helping our customers recognize fraud risks and make informed decisions when banking online, over the phone, and in person. If you believe your banking information has been compromised, please contact us immediately.
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First National Bank of St. Ignace Security Statement
At First National Bank of St. Ignace, we take pride in the fact that you trust and bank with us.
We take steps to safeguard all customer information. We restrict access to your personal account information to those employees who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
First National Bank of St. Ignace will never ask you to provide your online banking password, PIN, or security verification codes through unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from the bank, contact us directly before responding.
Common Scams & Fraud Tactics
Phishing
Phishing is a scam where criminals send fraudulent emails that appear to come from a trusted organization, such as your bank, a retailer, or a government agency.
Common warning signs include:
- Requests to verify account information
- Urgent messages claiming account problems
- Links to websites that look legitimate but are fake
- Unexpected attachments
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Never click links in suspicious emails.
- Type websites directly into your browser.
- Contact the organization using a verified phone number if you're unsure.
Smishing
Smishing is phishing conducted through text messages. Scammers will send you a text claiming to be a person or organization that you trust, including your family members or your bank.
Messages may claim that:
- Your debit card has been locked
- Suspicious account activity has occurred
- A package delivery problem requires action
- You must verify information immediately
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Do not click links in unexpected texts.
- Never provide passwords or verification codes.
- Contact the bank directly using trusted contact information.
Vishing
Vishing is fraud conducted through phone calls that will use urgency and fear to pressure you into revealing personal or financial information.
Scammers may pretend to be:
- Bank employees
- Government agencies
- Technical support representatives
- Utility companies
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Hang up and call the organization directly.
- Never provide passwords, PINs, or one-time security codes over the phone.
- Be cautious of caller ID, which can be spoofed.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud.
Criminals may use:
- Stolen mail
- Data breaches
- Phishing scams
- Malicious software
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Monitor account activity regularly.
- Review your credit reports.
- Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
Account Takeover Fraud
Account takeover fraud happens when a criminal gains access to online banking or financial accounts.
Red flags may include:
- Password reset notifications you didn't request
- Login alerts from unfamiliar devices
- Unauthorized transactions
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Use strong passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication.
- Never share login credentials.
Security Best Practices
Create Strong Passwords
A strong password is one of your first lines of defense. Tips for strong passwords include:
- Use at least 12 characters
- Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid using birthdays, names, or common words
- Use a unique password for each account
Password managers can help you securely store and generate passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method in addition to your password. Benefits include:
- Greater protection from account takeover
- Increased security if a password is compromised
- Improved protection for online banking and email accounts
Whenever available, MFA should be enabled.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Review account activity frequently to identify suspicious transactions early. Consider:
- Setting up account alerts
- Reviewing statements each month
- Checking balances regularly through online or mobile banking
Report any unauthorized activity immediately.
Keep Devices Updated
Software updates often include important security patches. Protect yourself by:
- Installing updates promptly
- Using reputable antivirus software
- Keeping operating systems and apps current
Be Cautious On Public Wi-Fi
Public networks can expose your information to cybercriminals. When using public Wi-Fi:
- Avoid conducting financial transactions whenever possible
- Use secure websites that begin with "https"
- Consider using a trusted VPN connection
Think Before You Click
Scammers often rely on urgency and emotion to get quick responses. Before interacting with a message:
- Verify the sender
- Examine links carefully
- Question unexpected requests
- Contact the organization directly if something seems suspicious
Understanding Financial Elder Abuse
Elder financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult's money, assets, or financial resources for personal gain. This abuse can be committed by strangers, caregivers, friends, family members, or scammers posing as trusted organizations. Warning signs may include unusual withdrawals or transfers, sudden changes to financial accounts or legal documents, missing funds or valuables, and increased pressure to make financial decisions quickly. Older adults are often targeted through scams involving fake government agencies, technical support, sweepstakes winnings, romance schemes, investment opportunities, or individuals claiming to need urgent financial assistance. Family members and caregivers can help reduce risk by having regular conversations about financial safety, monitoring for suspicious activity, encouraging skepticism of unsolicited requests, and discussing significant financial decisions before money is sent or accounts are changed. If financial exploitation is suspected, it is important to act quickly by contacting the bank, reviewing account activity, securing account credentials, and reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Financial Security FAQs
What is a phishing scam?
A phishing scam is a fraudulent email designed to look like it comes from a trusted organization, such or government agency. These messages often attempt to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or providing personal information.
What Is the Difference Between Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing?
The difference is how the scam is delivered:
- Phishing occurs through email.
- Smishing occurs through text messages.
- Vishing occurs through phone calls or voicemail messages.
In all cases, the goal is to steal personal information, account credentials, or money by pretending to be a trusted source.
How can I tell if a text message from my bank is legitimate?
Be cautious of messages that create urgency, request passwords or include suspicious links, or ask for personal information. If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the bank directly using a trusted phone number rather than replying to the message.
Should I use multi-factor authentication for online banking?
Yes. Multi-factor provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. Even if a password is compromised, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
What makes a strong password?
A strong password should be at least include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information or common words, and use a unique password for each account whenever possible
What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link?
If you clicked a suspicious link, close the website, run a security scan on your device, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Contact your financial institution if you entered account information.
How can I protect myself from identity theft?
You can reduce your risk of identity theft by monitoring your accounts regularly, reviewing your credit reports, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, shredding sensitive documents, and being cautious of unsolicited emails.
What are the warning signs of elder financial abuse?
Warning signs may include unusual withdrawals or transfers, sudden changes to account ownership or beneficiaries, missing funds or valuables, pressure from others regarding financial decisions, or legal or financial documents.
What should I do if I think someone has accessed my bank account?
Contact the bank immediately, review recent transactions, and closely monitor your accounts for additional suspicious activity. Reporting concerns quickly can help reduce potential losses and protect your accounts.
Does First National Bank of St. Ignace Ever Ask for Passwords or Security Codes?
No. First National Bank of St. Ignace will never ask you to provide your online banking password, PIN, or security verification codes through unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls. If you receive a communication requesting this information, contact the bank directly before responding.