Phishing

Criminals use fraudulent emails (known as phishes) or pop up Web pages that appear legitimate and are designed to deceive you into sharing personal or account information. The phishes often include logos of legitimate companies, content from their Web sites, and names of real employees.

Many scammers randomly generate email addresses that's why you may have received fraudulent emails that appear to be from banks you do not have an account with. They may also obtain email addresses online from Web pages, chat rooms, online auctions, directories or other sources.

Remember, The Claxton Bank will never send unsolicited emails asking clients to provide, update, or verify personal or account information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or Check Card numbers, or other confidential information.

Pharming

Pharming occurs when you type in a Web address and it redirects you to a fraudulent Web site without your knowledge or consent. The Web site will look similar to the legitimate site in hopes of capturing your confidential information.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit Card fraud can occur when someone takes your card and uses it without your consent. It can also happen when the card sits safely in your wallet.

Phone Solicitations

Scammers will attempt to randomly call people with hopes to lure them with cash gifts or prizes in exchange for personal or account information.

Print Fraud

Scammers will use local and community newspapers publishing fake advertisements with special rates and offers. If clients call, they are asked for their personal information and for an advance payment before the transaction can be completed.

Check Scams

Scammers will overpay for an item purchased and ask the difference to be wired back. Most times the check is counterfeit or forged for a higher amount.

Mail Fraud

Mail fraud occurs when scammers illegally intercept your mail or when you receive unrealistic offers.

The following are examples of fraud that have occurred at other institutions. We've categorized the scams by their subject matter and content.

Phone Scam

Scammers can call clients stating they are The Claxton Bank employees in the Bank Security department. Scammers claim clients' accounts have been compromised and in order to "secure" their accounts, clients need to provide them with information about their accounts.

Sweepstakes or Lotteries

Please beware of other lottery scams especially those that originate from foreign countries. Letters notifying you that you've won a lottery or sweepstakes may require you to send money to secure your winnings. These "official" notices sometimes include fake checks. These notifications and checks are fraudulent.

Phishing emails

Take care when clicking on links within emails phishing emails may appear to be from legitimate companies.

Notification of Changed Email Address or Password

An example would be a fraudulent email notifying clients of changes to their email addresses or passwords. The emails include statements such as: "Thank you for banking online at theclaxtonbank.com. Our records indicate that you recently added or made a change to one of your email address(es). This notification is to confirm that you initiated this change. If you feel you have received this email in error and did not add or change your email address(es), please click here." This email is not from The Claxton Bank and is fraudulent. Users should not click on the link in these emails; the link may take them to a phishing site or could download spyware to their computers.

System/Technical Updates

A fraudulent email could mention "system", "technical", or "technology" updates at The Claxton Bank. For example, an email tells clients that there may have been a "regular update and verification" to their Online Banking accounts, and that they need to verify their information. Clients are warned that their access to Online Banking will be limited if they do not respond.

Phone Solicitations

"Gift of $10,000 cash." The caller tells clients that they've won a gift of $10,000. Clients are asked to confirm their account and routing numbers so that the money can be transferred to their accounts by wire.

Clients receive a voice mail and are asked to verify possible fraudulent activities on their cards. The voice mail includes bogus phone numbers for clients to call.

How To Report Fraud

• If you believe you have provided personal or account information in response to a fraudulent email, Web site, or phone call, immediately contact a Claxton Bank employee at 912.739.3322 or visit a branch location.
• To report a suspicious email, Web page, or phone call, forward information about the email or Web page to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

At The Claxton Bank, the protection of all your assets including your identity is our top priority. We have a number of safety measures in place to help protect you, including industry standard technologies on our Web site and teams dedicated to fighting fraud and identity theft. You can depend on us to safeguard your personal and financial information.

There are many things you can do to help secure your identity and your accounts. Here are some tips to follow.

Identity Theft

• Don't include your Social Security number or driver's license number on sensitive documents.
• Don't leave incoming mail lying around.
• Drop your mail in an official postal mailbox.
• Shred or destroy any junk mail before you throw it away.
• Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal or account information.
• Use a safe deposit box to protect important documents.
• Review your credit report at least once a year.
• For more information about ordering free credit reports, go to the special Web site established by the three credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com

Online Fraud

• Look beyond the logo. To make fraudulent emails or Web sites appear real, scammers often include actual logos and images of legitimate companies. They also convey a sense of urgency, stating that if you fail to provide, update, or verify your personal or account information, access to your accounts will be suspended. It's important that you look beyond the logo and not give out your information.
• Use your spam filter. Many email services now have spam filters that minimize the amount of spam you receive. The filters can help you minimize the number of fraudulent emails in your inbox.
• Type, don't click. Even if you do open a suspicious email, don't click on any links. By clicking on the links, you could unknowingly download a virus or spyware to your computer. Even if you think the email is legitimate, type Web addresses into your browser instead of clicking on links. If the email is from an institution you do business with, use a bookmark that you've already created to visit the company's Web site.
• Change your online passwords often. The rule of thumb is to change your password every 30 to 60 days. Be creative with your passwords stay away from obvious passwords like your ZIP code, year of birth, or sensitive information such as your mother's maiden name or your Social Security number. Include numbers and letters so passwords can't be easily intercepted or guessed by others.
• Delete emails from unknown senders.
• Update your anti virus and anti spam software. By keeping anti virus and anti spam software up to date on your computers, you make it more difficult for scammers to access your personal and account information. Listed below are several top rated** Anti Virus Software solutions, if you have any additional questions please feel free to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 912 739 3322 and ask for Ryan Richardson.

Free Solutions*

• AVG Antivirus 8
• Avast

Paid Solutions*

• Trend Micro Internet Security 2009
• Kaspersky Antivirus 7
• Norton Antivirus 2009

*The Claxton Bank does not endorse or promote any products mentioned above, but does encourage the use and also encourages continuous

updating of any product you choose to use.

** Rating of the listed software is conducted by cnet.com. The free solutions can be downloaded from download.com a cnet.com website.

Credit Card Fraud

• Sign your cards immediately once they arrive in the mail.
• Memorize your PIN and don't write it on anything.
• Don't enter your card online unless you're on a secure site. Don't send your credit card number in the mail.
• Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and contact information for each issuer. This will come in handy if your wallet is lost or stolen.
• Report a lost or stolen card right away. Quick action will minimize potential loss and liability.
• Save your receipts to compare against your billing statement. When discarding receipts, tear them up or shred them.
• Monitor your statements monthly, making sure you recognize all charges. If you see any suspicious transactions, contact us immediately.
• Carefully review receipts for voided transactions and be sure they do not post to your account.
• Destroy your carbons. Do not leave them behind without tearing them up.
• Don't leave your purse, wallet, cards, or receipts unattended. Always keep them secure or in your sight.
• Only carry cards that you need; leave others in a safe place at home.
• Don't give out your account number unless you know and trust the company.
• Shield your hand from view of others when entering your PIN at ATMs.
• Report lost or stolen Check Cards immediately to The Claxton Bank by calling 912.739.3322 during regular business hours or 800.554.8969 after regular business hours.

Telephone solicitations

• Register your home and cellular phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry to prohibit telemarketers from calling you.
• Use caution when disclosing personal information.

Print Fraud

• Do your homework. If you see an advertisement for a loan or mortgage, make sure that it is legitimate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Check out the source through the Better Business Bureau.

Check Scams

• Use Direct Deposit for paychecks, Social Security payments, and other regular deposits.
• Be aware of fake check scams that promise easy money for working at home, winning sweepstakes, or depositing checks from foreign countries.
• Do not leave your checkbook unattended.
• Know who you are doing business with.
• Report lost or stolen checks immediately to The Claxton Bank by calling 912.739.3322

Mail Fraud

• Shred documents containing your personal and financial information before placing them in the trash.
• Report any unauthorized transactions to 912.739.3322 immediately.

Loan Fraud

• Notify the lender immediately if you receive a call, confirmation, or decline letter on a loan that you did not apply for. You could be a victim of identity theft.