1.

LOST OR STOLEN INFORMATION like social security cards, checkbooks, credit cards or your mail can provide criminals with enough data to commit fraud.

2.

ONLOOKERS at the ATM or in stores may get your PIN while you are using your debit card. (First United Bank's Check Card can be used for signature transactions by simply selecting the "Credit" function when using the credit/debit card terminals at retail store locations.)

3.

INSIDE JOBS are also a threat to your security. An employee of a business such as a doctor's office or financial services company may illegally access personal information and sell it to identity thieves.

4.

THE INTERNET creates a place that criminals collect critical personal information. They use the Internet to look for personal pages that contain information like genealogical data with your mother's maiden name that can be used to set up a credit card account or possibly access existing accounts.

5.

PHISHING is an attempt to steal confidential information from consumers through the use of "pop-ups" or emails. These emails have Internet links to deceive you into disclosing sensitive information such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers. Oftentimes the email appears as if it comes from a trusted source. It directs you to a "spoof" website that encourages you to divulge sensitive information such as account numbers, passwords, PIN numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security Numbers. To ensure that the email is legitimate, contact us immediately.

6.

SKIMMERS are devices used to read the magnetic strip from your credit card or bank card. They are often hidden in places where you would legitimately use your card to make a transaction like an ATM or a restaurant. Your information is typically used within 24 hours of the skim to make online purchases.

7.

ON THE PHONE you may be duped into providing information to someone disguising themselves as a legitimate business representative like your phone company, a department store or cable company.