Protect Yourself — Internet E-mail Scams
Phishing scams
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal (credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims.
Phishers claim to be from a business or organization that you may deal with – for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service or even a government agency. The message may ask you to update, validate or confirm your account information. Other emails threaten a dire consequence if you don’t respend. The messages direct you to a Web site that lokos like a legitimate organization’s site. But it isn’t. It is a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information.
At Community Bank, we will never ask for your personal information through email. Your best protection against fraud is caution. Do not respond to any message asking for the following:
- Password
- PIN number
- Credit Card Validation Code
- Bank Account numbers
- ATM or Credit Card numbers
- Personal information, such as Social Security number
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from Community Bank, report it to our security team immediately at abuse@communitybankpkbg.com.
To avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam:
- If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either.
- Use anti-virus software and a firewall, and keep them up to date.
- Don’t email personal or financial information.
- Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them.
- Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails.
- Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email.
- If you believe you’ve been spammed, file your complaint at www.ftc.gov.