03/28/2022: Online Identity Theft: A Guide For Parents

To an identity thief, your personal information can provide instant access to your financial accounts, your credit records, and other assets.  If you think no one would be interested in your personal information, think again.  Unfortunately, when it comes to crimes like identity theft, you can’t completely control whether you will become a victim, but you can reduce your risk.

If you get an email or pop-up message asking for personal information, don’t reply or click on any link in the message.  Any link provided in an email asking you to “update” or “validate” information could lead to fraudulent sites.  This is called “phishing.”  Email is not a secure transmission method and legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.

Seneca Savings will NEVER initiate emails requesting the transmission of personal information.  We will also NEVER request personal information through a pop-up window.  If you receive any questionable electronic communication, that appears to be from Seneca Savings, or ehelp@senecasavings.com, please call (315) 638-0233 to verify its authenticity.

Identity theft is still one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and has ranked as one of the top consumer concerns for the past several years. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has produced a multimedia presentation to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. The presentation provides information on steps consumers should take to secure their computer and protect themselves from identity theft, as well as actions consumers should take if they become a victim of identity theft:

Follow this link if you think you are a victim of Identity Theft https://www.privacyrights.org/criminal-identity-theft-what-to-do-if-it-happens-to-you – or – http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft

FDIC informational articles:

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

• 10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Information and Your Money
• More About How to Protect Yourself From Data Breaches
• Avoiding Scams: Sticking to the Basics Can Go a Long Way
• Can You Spot a Scam? Test Your Knowledge by Taking Our Quiz
• Your Wallet: A Loser’s Manual
• How Older Adults Can Steer Clear of Scam Artists
• Avoiding Fraud, Protecting Your Privacy: Best Practices for Young Adults
• Protect Yourself From Mortgage Scams
• 5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Costly Scams Involving Fake Checks and Money Orders
• When Telemarketer Calls Don’t Ring True
• Don’t Get Taken by Wire Transfer Scams
• Computer Security Tips for Bank Customers: A Basic Checklist
• Logging In…and Locking Out Fraud Artists
• Protecting Your Plastic from High-Tech Criminals
• At the ATM: 10 Ways to Minimize Fees and Maximize Security
• Simple Steps for Safe Mobile Banking
• Safe Mobile Banking: Our Latest Tips for Protecting Yourself
• When People Face Tough Times, Crooks Try to Profit
• Beware of Disaster-Related Financial Scams

ICBA reference items:

• ICBA Encourages Consumers to Protect their Data during Cyber Security Awareness Month – http://www.icba.org/news/newsreleasedetail.cfm?ItemNumber=471762
• ICBA Provides Tips for Consumers to Protect Themselves Against Cyber Crimes – http://www.icba.org/news/newsreleasedetail.cfm?ItemNumber=191464
• ICBA Provides Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse – https://www.icba.org/news/newsreleasedetail.cfm?ItemNumber=333108

Other Resources:

• Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force: www.stopfraud.gov
• On Guard Online: www.onguardonline.gov
• Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
• Consumer Fraud (Department of Justice Homepage): www.usdoj.gov