Important Information
We will never call, email or otherwise contact you to request your access ID, password, or other log-in credentials for the online services we offer. If you receive such a request, do not provide any information. Contact us at 1-800-979-4577 toll-free in Western Arkansas or 1-877-631-0107 toll-free in Northwest Arkansas to report the incident.
CONSUMER PROTECTION – REGULATION E
Regulation E provides rules for error resolution and unauthorized transactions for electronic fund transfers, which includes most transactions processed online. In addition, it establishes limits to your financial liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers. These limits, however, are directly related to the timeliness of your detection and reporting of issues to First Western. It is for this reason that we encourage you to immediately review periodic account statements and to regularly monitor your account activity online.
The “Electronic Fund Transfers” disclosure provided to you at the time of account opening provides detailed information. We will provide to you, upon request, a free printed copy of this disclosure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS USERS OF ONLINE SERVICES
The new FFIEC Guidance takes note that business transactions, because of their frequency and dollar value, are inherently more risky than consumer transactions. The Guidance also notes the steep rise of online account takeovers and unauthorized online fund transfers related to business accounts in the last five years.
Recently, small- to medium-sized businesses have been primary targets as cyber criminals have recognized that the security controls they have in place are not as robust as that of larger businesses. Analysis indicates enhanced controls over administrative access and functions related to business accounts and layered security using multiple and independent controls would help to reduce these types of crimes.
The FFIEC Guidance suggests enhanced controls for businesses:
- Business customers should be encouraged to perform a periodic risk assessment and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the controls they have in place to minimize the risks of online transaction processing.
- The password, website, computer and network tips above provide a starting point for this process and the web resource links provide additional detailed information.
- The FTC Business Center has a great deal of information for businesses at http://business.ftc.gov/privacy-and-security/data-security.
- Business customers should understand the security features of the software and websites they utilize and take advantage of these features. Segregation of duties–the process of separating duties so no one person can perform all steps of a transaction–is an example of a very important security feature.
- Layered security options that may be available to business customers doing online transactions include transaction thresholds, out-of-band verification (such as telephone or email verifications), fraud detection and monitoring systems, and IP reputation-based services. The Guidance encourages establishing layered security processes.
How We Protect Your Info
Web Site Encryption – We have enhanced our internet banking web site security with encryption. The https in front of the address bar of your browser indicates that your web browser has entered a secure session and any information sent between your computer and the bank is encrypted.
Multifactor Authentication - Used in online banking to identify you by reviewing your activity and the computer(s) that you are using to access our web site. If it doesn’t match, additional authentication measures are presented to you.
Password Tips
Do not share your User IDs or Passwords with another person or provide them to others. Safeguard your User ID and Password information–never leave the information in an unsecured location.
Create a unique User ID and Password for each site. Do not use the same identifying information on multiple websites.
Create strong User IDs and Passwords. In other words, use upper case letter(s), lower case letter(s), number(s), and special character(s) (!@#$%^&*).
Change your password on a regular basis.
Computer Tips
Keeping your computer free from viruses and malware can be a daunting task. However using a strong firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware software can make this task much easier. Some websites that can give you insight on how to better protect your computer are:
How to Report Fraud
You should take immediate action with First Western and other parties if you think the security of your personal and/or account information may have been compromised. Contact First Western immediately if:
- Your debit/credit card is lost/stolen
- Your checkbook is lost/stolen
- You notice suspicious account activity or suspect fraud in your account
- You receive a suspicious phone call, phone or text message or email claiming you need to verify your account information immediately
- You encounter what looks to be a fraudulent bank web site
- You think you are the victim of identity theft
To report a lost or stolen debit or credit card call toll free (available 24 hours) : 1-866-546-8273.
Alternatively, if you have an internet banking account with us, you can login and report your card as lost or stolen in the Settings section
Other Important Steps
It is recommended that, in the event of fraud or identity theft, you also take these important steps to protect yourself and your good name.
- Contact your other creditors to notify them of potential fraud. Carefully review and close any accounts that you believe may have been compromised.
- Report the theft or fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 1-877-ID THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report and report the identity theft to the three major credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
- File a police report with local law enforcement and other important agencies.
- Postal Inspection Service: usps.com. If you believe your mail was stolen or redirected, notify your local post office.
- Social Security Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number for fraudulent purposes, call the hotline.
