Fraud Reporting and Prevention

How You Can Help Safeguard Your Information

• Guard Your Personal Information: Avoid sharing financial details like your account or Social Security numbers unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
• Secure Your Debit and Credit Cards: Report lost or stolen cards immediately to block unauthorized transactions.
• Be Alert to Scams: Beware of phone, email, or text scams requesting sensitive information. Citizens will never ask for personal details through these channels.
• Protect Your Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager for added security.
• Safely Dispose of Documents: Shred bank statements, financial solicitations, and sensitive documents before discarding them.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review account activity through online banking or our mobile app and report any suspicious transactions promptly.
• Use Secure Communication Channels: Always send sensitive information through secure methods. Avoid emailing confidential details.
• Check Your Credit Reports: Take advantage of the free annual credit reports available at AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure your information is accurate and secure.

Understanding Your Rights Under Consumer Protection Laws

To obtain a free credit report, contact any of the Credit Reporting Bureaus:

Protecting Yourself Against Check Fraud

Check fraud continues to pose risks to customer accounts, but with awareness and proactive steps, you can help safeguard your financial assets. Understanding the potential consequences of fraud, issuing checks properly, and reconciling your statements in a timely manner are critical to protecting your account.

Tips for Checking Account Security

• Protect Your Checkbook and Checks
  • Store your checkbook and unused checks in a secure place.
  • Report any lost or stolen checks immediately to Citizens.
• Guard Your Account Information
  • Never share your account or routing numbers with unknown individuals, especially over the phone or online.
  • Avoid using deposit slips for notes or scrap paper, and don't give them away.
• Dispose of Financial Documents Safely
  • Shred canceled checks, old statements, and deposit slips to prevent unauthorized access.
• Be Cautious When Traveling
  • If you're traveling, leave your checkbook at home in a safe location and consider using secure payment methods, like credit or travel cards.
• Write Checks Securely
  • Always use ink pens when writing checks to prevent alterations.
  • Fill out the payee name and the amount (both numbers and words) completely, starting at the far left of the line. Draw a line through any unused space to prevent additions.
  • Write out payee names in full to avoid alterations. For example, "L.S.U." could be altered to "L.S.Underwood."
• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
  • Reconcile your checkbook with your monthly bank statement to catch discrepancies or unauthorized activity early.
  • Take advantage of online and mobile banking to monitor your transactions in real time.
• Enable Bank Fraud Alerts
  • Consider signing up for fraud alerts through Citizens to receive notifications of suspicious activity.

How to Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing is a scam where fraudsters use fake emails or pop-ups to steal personal information like passwords, bank details, or Social Security numbers. Here's how to protect yourself:

• Don’t Trust Unsolicited Emails
  Never reply to or click on links in emails asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies won’t request this via email. Instead, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website.
• Avoid Emailing Sensitive Information
  Email is not secure. When providing information online, ensure the website starts with "https:" and has a lock icon, though these are not foolproof.
• Review Statements Regularly
  Check credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late, contact your provider.
• Use Antivirus Software and Firewalls
  Keep antivirus software updated to block harmful files. Firewalls add extra protection, especially with broadband connections. Regularly update your operating system to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Be Wary of Attachments
  Don’t open email attachments or download files unless you're certain of the sender’s legitimacy.
• Report Suspicious Activity
  Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov and file complaints at www.ftc.gov. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery resources if you’ve been scammed.
  
  

For free resources or to file a complaint, visit www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

ATM Security: Protecting Yourself and Your Finances

Using ATMs is quick and convenient, but ensuring your security is crucial. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Treat Your ATM Card Like Cash: Store your card securely, preferably in a protective sleeve. Never share or leave your card unattended.
• Keep Your PIN Secure: Choose a unique PIN, avoid using personal information, memorize it, and never share it or write it down.
• Take Your Receipt: Always take your receipt and compare it to your statements to detect unauthorized transactions.
• Avoid Sharing Card Information: Never share your PIN or ATM card details over the phone. Banks won’t ask for this information.
• Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately: Contact your bank right away if your card is lost or stolen to minimize risk and get a replacement promptly.