It seems as though everyday we are hear about new internet scams. Although the internet can be so helpful, hearing of these scams can be worrisome. Anchor Bank continually makes investments in state-of-the-art online banking security to ensure we protect the confidentiality of every customer’s online information and to provide the utmost security of every user. But what are you doing at home to protect yourself? While the internet may be a jungle of different threats, we’ve come up with quick tips and things to look out for to protect yourself online from the comfort of your home.

Computer Protection Tips

• Update your computer operating system on a regular basis.
• Keep your browser current with the latest security updates.
• Use updated anti-virus software.
• Use updated anti-spyware software and consider using more than one, to ensure the most thorough scan.
• Change your passwords on a regular basis, as a good practice to help prevent unauthorized access.
• Download free software only from websites you know and trust.
• Do not install software without knowing exactly what it is or what it will do (read the end-user license agreement).
• Close pop-up ads by clicking on the “X” instead of clicking within the advertisement itself.
• Review your browser security settings and set them to a high enough level to help detect unauthorized downloads. (Click your browser’s “Help” menu for steps).
• Do not click link inside of spam email. Especially emails claiming to offer anti-spyware software.
• Install a personal firewall on your computer. A firewall works like a filter that prevents access to information on your computer.
• Don’t give any of your personal information to any web sites that do not use encryption or other secure methods to protect it.

Email Protection Tips

• Do not click links in emails to log in, or to update or confirm your sensitive information
• Do not fill out forms in emails
• Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading files, regardless of who sent them
• ‘Spam’, or mass email messages, often contain links to phishing websites and other unsavory websites.
• Many phishing scams originate outside of the United states. Be wary of emails from people or sources you don’t know or trust.
• Poor grammar and misspelled words from unknown sources asking you for personal information are clear warning signs of a phishing scam being operated outside of the United States.
• Legitimate companies or organizations will never ask you to divulge any personal information over email.
• Phishing emails may also be fake contests or offerings, asking you to input personal information.
• If an offer or email you receive is too good to be true, it most likely is.

Bank Error Messages

One of the newest schemes by fraudsters involves spoofing bank error messages. Here’s how it works:

• Fraudsters will send you an email message about a data or site maintenance error at Anchor Bank or any of your banks.
• The email will ask you to click on a link, which will redirect you to a site and will install malware on your computer.
• This malware allows scammers to intercept your password and bypass the dual authentication system many financial institutions use.
• The next time you attempt to log in to your online banking service, scammers attempt to steal your password and may quickly drain your account.

Although some of these tips may seem a bit obvious, it’s a good refresher. Keep a look out for our other blog posts to help protect yourself from fraud or any other crimes. If you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Anchor Bank accounts, contact us immediately at 1-561-383-3150.