Security

Beware of Phishing!:

Phishing (pronounced fishing) involves the use of seemingly legitimate email messages and internet Websites to trick customers into disclosing sensitive information, such as bank account information, social security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, and personal identification numbers (PINS). The fraudulent email message usually requests the customer to update or validate their financial or personal information in order to maintain their accounts, and directs them to a fake website that may look like the website of a legitimate business.

Some consumers will mistakenly submit financial and personal information to the perpetrator who will use it to gain access to financial records or accounts, commit identity theft or engage in other illegal acts.

Here are some simple tips to help you recognize and prevent phishing attacks:

• Remember that trusted financial institutions generally do not ask customers to send private information through an e-mail message.
• Be suspicious and extremely cautious about unsolicited e-mail requests for financial information, passwords, or other personal data.
• Review your financial accounts regularly and notify your financial institution immediately if you notice any errors or suspicious transactions.
• If you suspect that you have already been “hooked” into a phishing scheme and have divulged personal data in response to an e-mail solicitation, report the threat to your financial institution or card issuer immediately. Cancel the affected account and open a new one.

Be advised that Clarion County Community Bank WILL NOT ask for verification of ANY personal information via email. If you should receive such an email, please notify us at (814) 226-6000 during regular office hours.

 

Protect Your Identity:

Despite the efforts of law enforcement, Identity Theft is becoming more sophisticated and the number of new victims is growing. In general, consumers are protected against liability for unauthorized accounts or transactions under federal and state law and by financial industry practices. However, innocent victims of ID theft sometimes do suffer losses. And if the crime is not detected early, people may face months or years cleaning up the damage to their reputation and credit rating, and sometimes they lose out on loans, jobs and other opportunities in the meantime.

Here is a brief list of steps to take to help minimize your chances of becoming a victim of ID theft:

1. Protect your Social Security number (SSN), credit card and debit card numbers, PINs (personal identification numbers), passwords and other personal information. Never provide this information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax, letter or e-mail — no matter how friendly or official the circumstances may appear.
   
   In case your wallet gets lost or stolen, only carry the identification, checks, credit cards or debit cards you really need. The rest, including your Social Security card, are best kept in a safe place.
    
2. Protect your incoming and outgoing mail. Chances are that your mail carrier will deliver a credit card or bank statement, an envelope containing a check, or other items that can be very valuable to a thief. Or perhaps you'll put in the mail a check or papers containing account numbers or other personal financial information.
    
3. Keep your financial trash "clean." Thieves known as "dumpster divers" pick through garbage looking for pieces of paper containing Social Security numbers, bank account information and other details they can use to commit fraud. For your best protection against dumpster divers, destroy these items before throwing them out, preferably using a "crosscut" shredder that turns paper into confetti that cannot be easily reconstructed.
    
4. Keep a close watch on your bank account statements and credit card bills. Monitor these statements each month and contact your financial institution immediately if there's a discrepancy in your records or if you notice something suspicious, such as a missing payment or an unauthorized withdrawal.
    
5. Avoid ID theft on the Internet. "Hackers" and scam artists are finding ways to steal private information transmitted over the Internet or stored on computer systems. You can do a lot to protect yourself while shopping, banking, e-mailing or surfing on the Web. For example, never provide bank account or other personal information in response to an unsolicited e-mail or when visiting a Web site that doesn't explain how your personal information would be protected.

For more detailed information regarding Identity Theft, and how you can prevent it, you are encouraged to view the following Consumer News document published by the FDIC: http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall04/cvrstry.html
 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I sign up to use online banking?
A: To begin using online banking, click “Enroll Now” in the Login Section. After submitting your enrollment information, you should receive your Access ID and Temporary Password within 3-5 business days.

Q: Do I need special software?
A: No. You may access Online Banking anytime day or night through our Web Site. There is no need to install software or download programs.

Q: Why do I need an 8 to 16 digit, alpha-numeric, case sensitive password?
A: To increase the level of security for your accounts. While shorter, less complex password structures are secure, the fact remains the longer the password, the greater the security. Additionally, by using both letters and numbers, the security factor is increased even more.

Q: What is an “alpha-numeric, case sensitive password”?
A: “Alphanumeric” refers to the fact that both numbers and letters are used. “Case sensitive” means that both upper and lower case letters are used; therefore, “a” is not the same as “A”. For example, if your password is “Clarion3” you must type it exactly like that. “clarion3” will not allow you to enter the system. This method is used to provide you with a higher level of security.

Q: Can I change my password?
A: Yes. You can change your password at any time by clicking the “Change Password” button at the top of the page after logging into the Online Banking Application.

Q: What if I forget my Access ID and/or Password?
A: Because of our commitment to your privacy and the security of your information, we will need a written, signed request from you to reset this information. A new Access ID and/or Password will be sent to you in the mail.

Q: What accounts can I access through Online Banking?
A: You can access any of your Clarion County Community Bank Checking, Savings, CD’s, Loans or Safe Deposit Box accounts. Some accounts provide information only and are not available for transactional activity.

Q: Is there a fee for using Online Banking?
A: Basic Online Banking is a FREE service to our customers! Additional fees do apply to our Online+Plus product and Bill Payment services.

Q: How current is the information?
A: The available balance for Checking and Savings accounts is real-time and will change throughout the day based on your activity. All other account information such as Loan and Certificate of Deposit balances are current as of the end of day processing from the previous business day.

Q: When will my transfers take place?
A: Transfers made prior to 4:00pm Eastern Time on regular business days will be credited that same day. Transfers made after 4:00pm will be credited on the following business day.

Q: Will Online Banking work with my favorite money management programs?
A: Absolutely! Online Banking will allow you to export your transaction information into formats compatible with Quickbooks, Quicken, Microsoft Money, and Excel.

Q: What browser should I use to access Online Banking?
A: We require that you use an Internet Browser that supports 128-bit encryption. Either Microsoft Explorer (4.0 or newer) or Netscape Navigator (4.07 or newer) can be used.

Q: What should I do if I have other questions?
A: If you would like more information on performing a specific function within Online Banking, please contact a Customer Service Representative at any of our offices.