Consumer Safety

It's important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling to an unfamiliar area. 

• Notify Client Services before traveling outside of your normal purchasing area.
• If you experience a blocked debit card during a transaction, try using your PIN. Blocks typically won’t affect PIN-based transactions.
• Don’t use public computers or public Wi-Fi connections for online banking unless absolutely necessary.
• Regularly check credit reports and bank statements to monitor for fraudulent transactions. 
• Never leave your personal belongings with someone you don't know. 

Phishing and malware are key contributors to most identity theft and fraud. It's important to practice internet safety to keep your financial information private.

• Keep antivirus software up-to-date.
• If you're in an unknown place, use VPN to connect.
• Only click on secure and trusted URLs. You can hover over a link to reveal it's destination. 
• Educate yourself about common online scams.
• Use strong passwords and change them frequently. Passwords should be at least 12 characters in length and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
• Use different passwords for your financial online services from more casual online accounts such as social network sites – and never share them with anyone or write them down.
• Keep your Online Banking security preferences phone number and/or SMS text number current, and contact us if you suspect fraud.

Latest Browsers:

• Chrome  
• Safari
• Edge
• Firefox

• Only use ATMs that are well lit and have unobstructed views.
• Check your surroundings before using an ATM.
• Take someone with you, especially at night.
• Conduct your transaction quickly. Have your card out and ready to use. Never count your money while at the ATM. And never allow a stranger to help you with an ATM transaction.
• Protect your PIN, and when your transaction is complete, quickly take your card, money and receipt.
• If something or someone appears suspicious while you are at the ATM, cancel your transaction and leave right away. If anyone follows you, go to a well-lit, crowded location and call the police.
• Look for any suspicious materials or odd colors on the ATM.
• Look for areas where a scammer could place a camera, such as a brochure rack or a pinhole near the keypad.
• Look at the ATM keypad to see if there’s a fake on top of the legitimate one.
• Before inserting your card, give the card reader a small tug. If there is any movement or the device comes off, don't use that ATM and call Customer Service.

When you follow security best practices, you reduce the risk of stolen cards and fraudulent transactions.

• Protect your PIN when making a purchase. Memorize your PIN and never write it down.
• Monitor transactions regularly.
• Set up debit card alerts so you can be notified of suspicious activity. 
• Use debit card controls to set limits and determine where your card can be used. 
• When available, use contactless payment methods such as tap-to-pay or mobile wallet to reduce the risk of card skimming.
• If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to limit financial damage. 

Don't get caught off guard. Emergency preparedness can save your finances during unexpected events or disasters. 

• Establish an emergency fund for unexpected events such as medical bills, repairs, or hurricane season.
• Open a savings account so you have back-up funds.
• Learn basic first aid and survival skills and keep necessary items on site. 
• Store physical documents in a secure location to protect them from theft and damage. American Bank offers a variety of Safe Deposit Boxes at various locations.
• Keep digital copies of important financial and personal documents. 
• Keep your insurance coverage up-to-date. Whether it's property insurance, health insurance, flood insurance, or disability insurance. 

You can't prevent what you don't know. Fraud awareness is crucial to your financial safety. Remember to educate yourself and your peers on the latest types of fraud. Learn to recognize the signs.

Learn More

• Reconcile your bank and credit card statements monthly. Make sure there is nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary on your statements.
• Immediately report lost or stolen checks or credit, debit or ATM cards.
• Pay bills online or use a locked mailbox to avoid mailbox theft. You are less likely to have your personal information stolen online than from your mailbox.
• Have your new personal checks delivered to a bank branch for pickup.
• Check your credit report annually. You may obtain a free credit report each year.
• Do not give out personal information such as checking account, credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call.
• Shred all documents containing personal information.

What to Do if You're a Victim of Identity Theft 

• Take action IMMEDIATELY. Delays can cost you years in dealing with the impact of identity theft.
• Contact the local police.
• Contact us to secure your Online Banking and Bill Pay access, accounts and/or debit cards.
• Contact the three major credit bureaus. Visit the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website.
• Purchase identity theft protection from a reputable vendor.

• Use the lock feature on your phone and/or tablet. This feature not only password protects and locks your device, but also encrypts your user data.
• Keep your mobile device’s operating system up-to-date.
• Do not “jailbreak” your smartphone or tablet. If you buy a used smartphone or tablet device, take precautions to ensure it has not been “jailbroken.”
• Install anti-virus software on your mobile device and be sure to keep it current.
• Avoid downloading software, games, music, books and other digital content from unknown sources.