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Security

While Freedom Bank works to protect your banking privacy, you also play an important role in protecting your information. Check out the helpful resources below to protect your identity.

Tips

  • Examine your financial institution statements immediately upon receipt to determine whether there were any unauthorized transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions that you find immediately to Freedom Bank.
  • Add your phone numbers to the national Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Since February 2008, these registered telephone numbers will no longer expire off the list.

Annually

  • Each year, you are entitled to one free credit report through annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
  • Request a copy of your Social Security statements at ssa.gov/mystatement to be sure that no one else is using your social security number for employment.

Every 5 Years

Please read the other sections below to learn about the different types of fraud and how to prevent them, from spyware and other computer fraud to mail and phone fraud to email phishing and web spoofing. Our Fraud Summary page provides more tips on how to protect yourself.

Fraud Summary

Identity Theft is the most popular and profitable form of consumer fraud. It occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Common way’s identity theft can happen:

“Old Fashioned” Stealing

  • Thieves typically steal wallets and purses. They also steal mail such as credit card and bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, check orders and other financial mail.

Dumpster Diving

  • Thieves dig through trash looking for bills, financial or other personal information.

Change of Address

  • Thieves modify or redirect your billing statements to another address by completing a “change of address” form.

Phishing

  • Thieves may send unsolicited Emails, pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The link is directed to a “spoof” website designed to look like a legitimate site.

Skimming

  • Thieves may use a card reader device to copy the card’s magnetic strip to duplicate without the card owner’s knowledge.

Monitor your accounts

Keep track of transactions on your accounts by logging in to Freedom Bank‘s Online Banking, where you can view your activity as it is posted.

Protect your personal information

  • Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
  • Do not have personal information such as your Social Security number and driver’s license number printed on your checks.
  • Keep your new and cancelled checks in a safe place.
  • Do not leave your purse, wallet, checkbook, or any other forms of identification in your car
  • Shred or tear up any documents containing banking or credit information, especially pre-approved credit offers, before you throw them away. To opt out of pre-approved credit card offers, call 1-888-567-8688.
  • Keep your PINs and passwords a secret. Do not write them down or share them with anyone.

Computer Security

Freedom 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.

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.

Mail & Phone Security

We recommend you learn ways to protect yourself from common fraud schemes.

Vishing

Vishing scams target consumers by “spoofing” text or voicemail messages that ask you to call a phone number and give your personal information. Here’s how it works:

  • You receive a “spoof” email, text message, or voicemail about suspicious account activity.
  • The email, text message, or voicemail message will ask you to call a “customer service” number.
  • When you call the customer service number, a recording will ask you to provide personal information such as account numbers, passwords, a social security number, or other critical information.
  • The recording may not mention the company’s name and could potentially be an indication the call is being used for fraud.
  • In a variation of this scam, you may receive a phone call.
  • The call could be a “live” person or a recorded message.
  • The caller may already have your personal information, which may seem as if the call is legitimate.

Smishing

Smishing is when consumers’ cell phones and other mobile devices are targeted with mobile spam. The spam, or text messages, attempt to trick consumers into providing personal information. Here’s how it works:

  • You receive a fake text message, which may include a fraudulent link, asking you to register for an online service.
  • The scammer attempts to load a virus onto your cell phone or mobile device.
  • The scammer may also send a message ‘warning’ you that your account will be charged unless you cancel your supposed online order.
  • When you attempt to log on to the website, the scammer extracts your credit card number and other personal information.
  • In turn, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.
  • Scammers may also send you a text message again ‘warning’ you that your bank account has been closed due to suspicious activity.
  • The text message will ask you to call a ‘customer service’ number to reactivate your account.
  • When you call the number, you are taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts you to key in your credit card, debit card or ATM card number, expiration date and PIN to verify your information.
  • Again, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.

Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams

Lottery/Sweepstakes scams target consumers by a notification, which arrives through the mail, by email, or by an unsolicited telephone call. Here’s how it works:

  • The notification advises you have won a prize, but you did not enter in any type of lottery or sweepstake by the promoter contacting you.
  • The promoter will ask you to send payment to cover the cost of redeeming the prize when the prize does not exist.
  • In this type of scam, you may rarely if ever receive any winnings in return.

Check Overpayment Scams

Check Overpayment scams target consumers who sell items through an online auction site or a classified ad. Here’s how it works:

  • The seller takes a big loss when the ‘buyer’ passes a counterfeit cashier’s check, money order, corporate or personal check as payment.
  • The counterfeit check is written for more than the agreed price.
  • The ‘buyer’ will ask the consumer to wire back the difference after the check has been deposited.
  • The check will more than likely bounce and the consumer becomes liable for the entire amount.

Tips for the Mailbox

  • Deposit outgoing mail at the Post Office.
  • Remove incoming mail from your personal mailbox as soon as possible, or use a P.O. Box or locked, secure mailbox.
  • Request a mail hold from the United States Postal Service or call them at 1-800-275-8777 if you plan to be away from home for an extended period.
  • Know your billing cycles. If bills are late or missing, contact your creditors.
  • Watch for your new or replacement debit card from Freedom Bank. You should receive it within ten business days.
  • Switch to a more secure way of receiving your account statement. When you sign up for Freedom Bankonline e-statements, your statement will no longer sit in your mailbox. Instead, we will send you an email when your statement is available through your secure e-safe account.

Tips for the Phone

  • Do not give out personal information, such as your account numbers, card numbers, Social Security, tax identification numbers, passwords, or PINs, unless you have initiated the call.
  • We will not make an unsolicited call requesting your personal information.
  • If you ever believe you are not talking to a representative of a legitimate company, hang up and call the phone number listed in the telephone book.

Phishing & Spoofing

While Freedom Bank works to protect your banking privacy, you also play an important role in protecting your information. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your identity:

Phishing scams target consumers by “spoofing” emails and websites. Here’s how it works:

  • You receive an email message, asking you to click on a link in order to update some sensitive personal information.
  • The link will redirect you to a “spoofed” website, which is designed to look like a legitimate website.
  • The website will ask you to input personal information such as your account numbers, PINs , or a social security number.

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 Freedom Bankor 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.

Emails from Freedom Bank

For your protection, we will not send you an email to update or confirm your sensitive information by clicking a link or replying.

Emails to Freedom Bank

Please do not send personal information in un-secure email. Secure email may be sent from the Secure Feedback form from within our Online Banking’s Support Tab.

Credit Bureaus

NAME MAILING ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
Equifax® P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241		 1 (800) 525-6285 www.equifax.com
Experian® P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013		 1 (888) EXPERIAN
(397-3742)		 www.experian.com
TransUnion® Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790		 1 (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com
Equifax® is a registered trademark of Equifax, Inc. All rights reserved. Experian® is a registered trademark of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. TransUnion® is a registered trademark of TransUnion LLC. All rights reserved.

Donation Scam

An excess donation scam is a type of fraud where a scammer pretends to be a donor who accidently overpays when making a donation to an individual or charity. The scam involves convincing the recipient of the donation to return as excess amount, which is part of a deceptive scheme to steal money. These scams target small charities and fundraisers.

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

  • The scammer contacts the victim, expressing interest in making a donation. The scammer may mention he/she has been stricken by a sudden illness and wanting to donate to such a great cause.
  • The scammer “accidently” donates more than the intended amount stating a clerical error or miscommunication.
  • After the donation is processed, the scammer contacts the victim, apologizing for the mistake and often requests funds to be returned a different way such as by wire, gift cards or another bank account.
  • The original donation payment is returned as being fraudulent.  By this time , the victim has already sent the “refund” resulting in a financial loss.

WARNING SIGNS!

  • Unsolicited large donations– You need to be cautious if you receive an unsolicited donation especially if the sender is eager to send funds quickly.
  • Overpayment claims- RED FLAG!  – If the sender claims they accidently overpaid, verify the original amount before taking action.
  • Pressure to refund quickly- The sender wants to receive the “refund” before the original payment is returned as fraud.
  • Emails-  The sender will prey on the emotions of the receiving individual or charity stating he/she has limited communication due to an illness.  There will be broken English in most cases.

You Can Protect Yourself By:

  • Verifying funds before initiating any “refund” especially to unknown donors
  • Treat overpayments as being suspicious
  • Report suspicious emails to their local bank
  • Report the activity to www.ic3.gov.
  • Share information about common scams with others

 

 

Visit the link below to view Consumer Alerts issued by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC Consumer Alerts

Information We Collect

We collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:

  • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms
  • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others
  • Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency

Protecting Children’s Privacy Online

We feel strongly about protecting the privacy of children. As such, we do not knowingly collect or use personal information from children under the age of 13, through the Bank’s web site, without obtaining verifiable consent from their parents and or legal guardian. Should we determine that a child under the age of 13 sent or otherwise provided personal information to us, that information will be used only to obtain consent from their parent and or legal guardian.

Sharing Customer Information

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers to nonaffiliated third parties except as permitted by law.

Maintenance of Accurate Information

We continually strive to maintain complete and accurate information about you and your accounts. Should you ever believe that our records contain inaccurate or incomplete information about you, please notify us. We will investigate your concerns and correct any inaccuracies.

Sharing of Former Customer Information

We share and protect information about former customers the same way we share and protect information about current customers as described above.

Confidentiality and Security

We allow access to nonpublic personal information about you only to those employees who have a need to know that information in order to provide products or services to you. Our employees are trained to respect customer privacy and to access customer information only when they have a business reason to know the information. In addition, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to safeguard your nonpublic information.

What this means for you?

The purpose of the USA PATRIOT Act is to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and other purposes, some of which include:

  • To strengthen U.S. measures to prevent, detect and prosecute international money laundering and financing of terrorism;
  • To subject to special scrutiny foreign jurisdictions, foreign financial institutions, and classes of international transactions or types of accounts that are susceptible to criminal abuse;
  • To require all appropriate elements of the financial services industry to report potential money laundering;
  • To strengthen measures to prevent use of the U.S. financial system for personal gain by corrupt foreign officials and facilitate repatriation of stolen assets to the citizens of countries to whom such assets belong.

U.S.A. Patriot Act

Customer Identification Program Policy Statement

Important information about procedures for opening a new account

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money-laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

What this means for you?
  • When you open an account, we will ask for your name, physical address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.
  • We may also ask to see your government issued photo ID or other identifying documents.

We thank you for your understanding and for joining us in securing a safer tomorrow.

This policy statement applies to “transaction” accounts. Transaction accounts, in general, are accounts which permit an unlimited number of payments to third persons and an unlimited number of telephone and preauthorized transfers to other accounts of yours with us. Checking accounts are the most common transaction accounts. Feel free to ask us whether any of your other accounts might also be under this policy.

Our policy is to make funds from your cash or check deposits available to you on the first business day after the day we receive your deposit. Electronic direct deposits will be available on the day we receive the deposit. Once the funds are available, you can withdraw them in cash and we will use the funds to pay checks that you have written. Please remember that even after we have made funds available to you and you have withdrawn the funds, you are still responsible for checks you deposit that are returned to us unpaid and for any other problems involving your deposit.

For determining the availability of your deposits, every day is a business day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.

If you make a deposit on a business day that we are open, we will consider that day to be the day of your deposit. However, if you make a deposit on a day we are not open or a Saturday, we will consider that the deposit was made on the next business day we are open.

If we cash a check for you that is drawn on another bank, we may withhold the availability of a corresponding amount of funds that are already in one of your accounts. Those funds will be available at the time funds from the check we cashed would have been available if you had deposited it.

LONGER DELAYS MAY APPLY

Case-By-Case Delays – In some cases, we will not make all of the funds that you deposit by check available to you on the first business day after the day of your deposit. Depending on the type of check that you deposit, funds may not be available until the second business day after the day of your deposit. The first $225 of your deposits, however, may be available on the first business day after the day of your deposit.

If we are not going to make all of the funds from your deposit available on the first business day after we receive your deposit, we will notify you at the time you make your deposit. We will also tell you when the funds will be available. If your deposit is not made directly to one of our employees, or if we decide to take this action after you have left the premises, we will mail you the notice by the first business day after we receive your deposit.

If you will need the funds from a deposit right away, you should ask us when the funds will be available.

Safeguard Exception Delays– In addition, funds you deposit by check may be delayed for a longer period under the following circumstances:

  • We believe a check you deposit will not be paid.
  • You deposit checks totaling more than $5,525on any one day.
  • You redeposit a check that has been returned unpaid.
  • You have overdrawn your account repeatedly in the last six months.
  • There is an emergency, such as failure of computer or communications equipment.

We will notify you if we delay your ability to withdraw funds for any of these reasons, and we will tell you when the funds will be available. They will generally be available no later than the seventh business day after the day of your deposit.

SPECIAL RULES FOR NEW ACCOUNTS

If you are a new customer, the following special rules will apply during the first 30 days your account is open.

Funds from electronic direct deposits into your account will be available on the day we receive the deposit. Funds from deposits of cash, wire transfers, and the first $5,525 of a day’s total deposits of cashier’s, certified, teller’s, traveler’s, and federal, state and local government checks will be available on the first business day after the day of your deposit if the deposit meets certain conditions. For example, the checks must be payable to you (and you may have to use a special deposit slip). The excess over $5,525 will be available on the ninth business day after the day of your deposit. If your deposit of these checks (other than a U.S. Treasury check) is not made in person to one of our employees, the first $5,525 will not be available until the second business day after the day of your deposit.

Funds from all other check deposits will be available on the SEVENTH business day after the day of your deposit.