Security Practices

Identity Theft
ATM Security
Common Frauds
What is Phishing?

At American National Bank of DeKalb County we take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. From your checking account to your mortgage, we are constantly researching new and additional ways to protect your private information. If you would like additional information or have a question about our privacy policy, please contact one of our Personal Bankers, and we’ll be glad to help.

Use the links above to learn additional tips about how you can protect your private information.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the nation. It involves criminally using another individuals personal information, which is acquired through various means, including ones own mailbox. The identity thief needs only to get your name, address, and bank or credit card account numbers, or your Social Security number, etc., to take over your identity.

Do you think you might be a victim of identity theft? Click here.

To order your credit report online, Click here.

A few pointers to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Do not reveal personal information unless you know how it will be used or shared.
Deposit outgoing mail at the post office and remove delivered mail from your mailbox immediately.
Carry only the identification and bankcards that you need.
Do not give out personal data over the phone, through the mail, or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact.
Shred or tear up your charge receipts, credit card solicitations, expired cards, statements, checks or other sensitive personal information.
Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other identifiers.
Don’t carry your Social Security number in your wallet. Do pick your own passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers) that will be tough for someone to figure out.
Review your bank and credit card account statements promptly.
Safely store extra checks, credit cards, and documents that list your social security number.
Contact your financial institution immediately if there is a discrepancy in your records or your notice something suspicious, like a missing payment or unauthorized withdrawals.
Contact your credit card company if your bill does not arrive on time.
Once a year, check your credit record with the three major credit bureaus. To order your report, call the following toll-free numbers
- Equifax: 800-685-1111
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- Trans Union: 800-888-4213

ATM Security

If possible avoid using ATMs during hours of darkness. If you must do so, try to have another person accompany you, or use an ATM in a well-lighted area.

When possible, try to use and ATM that is well-trafficked and with limited foliage.

Thoroughly observe the area around the ATM before approaching and using the machine

Be cautious of anyone who engages you in conversation as you approach the ATM, while you are using it, or immediately thereafter.

Spend as little time as possible at the ATM facility.

Don't count or needlessly expose cash at the ATM.

Don't leave your receipt at the ATM because it may contain account information.

Don't report your PIN to anyone in person or over the telephone for any reason, even if the individual represents himself as a bank employee.

If an ATM appears to be tampered with in any way, report it to the bank immediately and do not use the ATM.

Common Frauds

Swindlers sometimes convince bank account holders to withdraw funds, promising them an immediate windfall or telling them that their money will be immediately re-deposited in order to test the honesty of a bank employee. Don’t withdraw large sums of cash, either to show to a stranger or give, even for a few minutes, to someone you do not know. One of the most prevalent of these types of con games is known as the Bank Examiner Scheme:

The phony examiner scheme is a popular swindle usually perpetrated against elderly customers. One variation of the scheme involves the con artist impersonating the financial institutions auditor or a law enforcement officer, such as an FBI agent, rather than an examiner. The elements of the scheme are:

The customer (victim) is confronted in person or by telephone by a stranger who claims to be a federal/state bank or savings and loan examiner.
The stranger claims an employee of the financial institution is altering deposit records and stealing the funds.
The stranger asks the customer to withdraw funds, mark the money and give it to him. He says that he will then redeposit it, creating a trap if the employee alters the deposit slip and attempts to steal the money. The customer never sees the stranger- or his or her money-again.

What is Phishing?

Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mail and fraudulent Web sites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account user names and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them.

American National Bank of DeKalb County respects your right to privacy and will never ask for your information in this manner. Click here to review our privacy policies.





		Security Practices Identity Theft ATM Security Common Frauds What is Phishing? At American National Bank of DeKalb County we take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. From your checking account to your mortgage, we are constantly researching new and additional ways to protect your private information. If you would like additional information or have a question about our privacy policy, please contact one of our Personal Bankers, and we’ll be glad to help. Use the links above to learn additional tips about how you can protect your private information. Identity Theft Identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the nation. It involves criminally using another individuals personal information, which is acquired through various means, including ones own mailbox. The identity thief needs only to get your name, address, and bank or credit card account numbers, or your Social Security number, etc., to take over your identity. Do you think you might be a victim of identity theft? Click here. To order your credit report online, Click here. A few pointers to help you avoid becoming a victim. Do not reveal personal information unless you know how it will be used or shared. Deposit outgoing mail at the post office and remove delivered mail from your mailbox immediately. Carry only the identification and bankcards that you need. Do not give out personal data over the phone, through the mail, or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact. Shred or tear up your charge receipts, credit card solicitations, expired cards, statements, checks or other sensitive personal information. Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other identifiers. Don’t carry your Social Security number in your wallet. Do pick your own passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers) that will be tough for someone to figure out. Review your bank and credit card account statements promptly. Safely store extra checks, credit cards, and documents that list your social security number. Contact your financial institution immediately if there is a discrepancy in your records or your notice something suspicious, like a missing payment or unauthorized withdrawals. Contact your credit card company if your bill does not arrive on time. Once a year, check your credit record with the three major credit bureaus. To order your report, call the following toll-free numbers Equifax: 800-685-1111 Experian: 888-397-3742 Trans Union: 800-888-4213 Back to Top ATM Security If possible avoid using ATMs during hours of darkness. If you must do so, try to have another person accompany you, or use an ATM in a well-lighted area. When possible, try to use and ATM that is well-trafficked and with limited foliage. Thoroughly observe the area around the ATM before approaching and using the machine Be cautious of anyone who engages you in conversation as you approach the ATM, while you are using it, or immediately thereafter. Spend as little time as possible at the ATM facility. Don't count or needlessly expose cash at the ATM. Don't leave your receipt at the ATM because it may contain account information. Don't report your PIN to anyone in person or over the telephone for any reason, even if the individual represents himself as a bank employee. If an ATM appears to be tampered with in any way, report it to the bank immediately and do not use the ATM. Back to Top Common Frauds Swindlers sometimes convince bank account holders to withdraw funds, promising them an immediate windfall or telling them that their money will be immediately re-deposited in order to test the honesty of a bank employee. Don’t withdraw large sums of cash, either to show to a stranger or give, even for a few minutes, to someone you do not know. One of the most prevalent of these types of con games is known as the Bank Examiner Scheme: The phony examiner scheme is a popular swindle usually perpetrated against elderly customers. One variation of the scheme involves the con artist impersonating the financial institutions auditor or a law enforcement officer, such as an FBI agent, rather than an examiner. The elements of the scheme are: The customer (victim) is confronted in person or by telephone by a stranger who claims to be a federal/state bank or savings and loan examiner. The stranger claims an employee of the financial institution is altering deposit records and stealing the funds. The stranger asks the customer to withdraw funds, mark the money and give it to him. He says that he will then redeposit it, creating a trap if the employee alters the deposit slip and attempts to steal the money. The customer never sees the stranger- or his or her money-again. Back to Top What is Phishing? Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mail and fraudulent Web sites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account user names and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. American National Bank of DeKalb County respects your right to privacy and will never ask for your information in this manner. Click here to review our privacy policies. Back to Top