Customer Awareness Program

Intracoastal Bank’s customer awareness program is provided here to enhance our customers’ knowledge on login authentication risks and security considerations when using digital banking services.

Although the Bank has numerous safeguards in place to help protect your personal and account data, and to assist in protecting your accounts from fraudulent transactions, it is important that you frequently monitor your account balances, transactions and the automatic alerts/notifications you receive from the Bank.

There are numerous ways that cybercriminals will try to get information from you. Please note that the Bank will not:

  • Contact you asking for your login information
  • Will not request that you open a link or attachment in an email or text message that you weren’t expecting from us
  • Use urgent or fear-inducing language in our communication with you
  • Pressure you to send a payment or deposit money
  • Ask you to send your login or account information in unsecure email, text or chat

All the above may be red flags that a cybercriminal is trying to get your personal information.

If you suspect fraudulent activity on any of your bank accounts, debit or credit cards, please see our contact us page for assistance.

While we understand navigating through today’s digital security precautions that the bank may have, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) codes, PIN’s or verification questions, can be time consuming, they are put in place to help the Bank protect your personal data.

In an effort to manage your risk of online security threats, here are a few further steps from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) that may help you reduce your risk.

Tips to Minimize Your Risk (ICBA)

(Press Release: ICBA Shares Consumer Tips to Protect Financial Data During Cybersecurity Awareness Month Oct. 01, 2024)

While no method is completely foolproof, you can significantly reduce the risk of online identity theft by:

    • Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information, such as your banking ID, account number, username or password, even if they appear to originate from your bank, government agencies or companies with which you have a relationship.

    • Creating strong and unique passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for each of your online accounts to avoid a domino effect if one password is compromised. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate passwords and change them regularly. 

    • Enabling security features: Use the strongest multifactor authentication options offered by your bank. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. Consider using an authenticator app or a secure token. 

    • Guarding against phishing attempts: Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information. Phishing scams often mimic legitimate companies, so double-check the sender’s details, avoid clicking on unknown links, and report suspicious messages. 

    • Maintaining up-to-date software: Regularly update your devices’ operating systems, apps, and antivirus software to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities. Automatic updates can help you stay protected without the hassle of manual intervention. 

    • Monitoring accounts for unusual activity: Frequently review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Notify your bank immediately if you spot anything suspicious.

Other Articles, Presentations and Video Tips on Protecting Your Information…

There are numerous publicly available corporate, organization and government resources that provide a significant amount of valuable information on how to protect yourself from fraud and cybercriminals. Here are just a few sites for you to visit:

FTC Consumer Advice: 

The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to “protect it,” or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam. https://consumer.ftc.gov/

American Bankers Association (ABA):

“Banks Never Ask That!”

Don’t fall for fake. Take action to protect your hard-earned cash against phishing scams. https://www.banksneveraskthat.com/

“Practice Safe Checks”

While the use of checks has declined 25%, reports of check fraud have nearly doubled since 2021. https://practicesafechecks.com/

“Protecting Your Identity”

Fraud complaints increased 19% in 202 … ABA recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe. https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/protect-your-money/protecting-your-identity

“Protect Your Money”

Protect your personal information and your financial assets with these resources from the ABA Foundation https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/protect-your-money

FDIC:

In addition to identity theft, every year millions of people are victims of frauds and scams, which often start with an email, text message, or phone message that appears to be from a legitimate, trusted organization. https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/cybersecurity

 

KnowBe4’s (www.knowbe4.com) Ultimate Resource to Phishing:

Did you know that 91% of successful data breaches started with a spear phishing attack?  https://www.knowbe4.com/resource-center/phishing

FTC Consumer Advice Site

Banks Never Ask That!

Practice Safe Checks

Protecting Your Identity

Protect Your Money

Ultimate Resource to Phishing

FDIC Cybersecurity Resources