Because your security and privacy are important to us

Brannen Bank values our banking relationship with you. We understand the sensitive nature of your personal financial information and take every precaution to protect your privacy. Trust, privacy and confidentiality are key to our relationship with you. We know that you expect us to uphold these keys to the highest degree and we work diligently to meet your expectations.

Your Security

With ever-increasing concerns of online safety and cybersecurity, know that Brannen Bank has implemented many levels of security to safeguard your online information. Also, there are easy measures you can take to make sure your information is secure.

Online Banking Security

To provide assurance that your information remains confidential, our Online Banking system applies industry standard security protocols and uses TLS encryption for transferring data between your computer’s web browser and Brannen Bank. TLS is a security protocol used for transmitting information via the Internet. Modern web browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Edge support TLS, and many web sites use TLS to securely exchange confidential user information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. TLS technology scrambles or “encrypts” information as it is transmitted between your computer and Brannen Bank’s computer systems.

Encryption is the process by which information is transformed or coded into a form that cannot be read by unauthorized parties. This process prohibits unauthorized individuals from intercepting and viewing the information and is also referred to as a “secure session”.

Email is normally transmitted across the Internet unprotected and it could be intercepted and read by others. Please refrain from sending any private information to Brannen Bank via unsecured email. In addition, Brannen Bank will not ask for private information such as account number, social security number, or username over unsecure email.

General Security Tips

Anyone can fall prey to fraud and identity theft. Below are some ways to minimize your risk. If you feel you may be a victim of identity theft, please contact your local authorities and email customer service immediately ([email protected]).

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out if only absolutely necessary.
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, through email, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done to your house. At work, make sure to lock up all confidential information in a filing cabinet before you leave the office.
• Inspect your credit report and financial statements. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. Review financial accounts and statements regularly for charges you did not make.
• Be alert and take immediate action when:
  • Your bills do not arrive as expected
  • You receive unexpected credit card or account statements
  • You receive unexpected denials of credit when you have not applied for credit
  • You receive calls or letters about purchases you did not make.

Cybersecurity Awareness Tips

• Use a unique username and password for Online Banking that you never use anywhere else, i.e., webmail, social networking or any other online accounts. If hackers get the password for one of your online accounts, they will often try to use it to access other accounts.
• Never include your account number or Social Security Number as part of your username or password.
• Keep your computer operating system, Internet browser, and other software up to date. These updates often address security concerns. This is also true for cell phones and cell phone applications.
• Be cautious with how much personal information you share on social media profiles. Fraudsters can use these sites to collect your personal information to commit fraud.
• Email, phone and text messages are all popular places for scams. Fraudsters can spoof a sender’s email address or phone number to appear to be from you trust.
• Configure any new device with security in mind. Be sure to change default passwords, and beware that default settings are often intended more for an ease of use than to secure the device. Enable security settings that are made available and give extra consideration to those that control information sharing.

Identity Theft

Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with some of our tips or through the resources below. If you think any of your account information has been stolen, please contact us immediately.

• FTC ID Theft Website
• FDIC ID Theft and Fraud Information

Electronic fraud is just like any other type of fraud, it’s a criminal pretending to be something they’re not. This can mean emails with forged addresses or websites that are designed to look like legitimate businesses. These false solicitations always have one thing in common: they ask you to provide personal information, often by asking you to “update your account information” by providing Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or other information. Once they have this information, it is easy for an experienced criminal to create a false identity for himself, using your name, and your credit.

Here are some common ways ID Theft happens:

• Dumpster Diving. Thieves rummage through your trash to find bills, credit card offers, and other paperwork with personal information on it.
• Skimming. Thieves steal credit and debit card numbers by affixing special storage devices on ATMs and gas pumps. Inspect all card readers before using them.
• Phishing. Thieves pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages linking to fraudulent sites that ask for personal information.
• Changing your address. Thieves can divert your mailed statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form. Brannen Bank and other companies request customers to switch to electronic billing to help prevent this.
• “Old-Fashioned” stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail; pre-approved credit card offers; checks and tax information.

If you suspect you have been a victim of ID Theft, here is what you need to do:

• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
  • Call Customer Service of the company where the accounts were opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
  • Use the resources available at the FTC’s “Recovering from Identity Theft” website.
  • Make sure to ask for written verification that the disputed accounts have been closed and fraudulent debts discharged.
• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

*Important Note: Brannen Bank will not call and ask for private information over the phone. If the Bank detects any unusual activity on your card, a representative will call, text or email you to verify the activity. We will never ask you for your Social Security Number.

If you call into the Bank to speak with an employee, you may be asked to give private information in order to be assisted with any questions or concerns.

Know the Scams

Scammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim.

Know the best ways to avoid being scammed

Don’t respond: If you’re not 100% certain of the source of the call, email or text, then hang up the phone, don’t click on the link in the email and don’t reply to the text message.

Don’t trust caller ID or answer phone calls from unknown numbers: If you recognize the caller ID but the call seems suspicious, hang up the phone. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to appear to be from a legitimate caller.

Don’t give out your information: Never provide any personally identifiable information unless you’re absolutely certain the person and reason are legitimate. Remember: Brannen Bank will never ask you to send us personal information such as an account number, Social Security number or Tax ID over text, email or online.

Research and validate: If the individual or organization seems suspicious, make sure the request being made is legitimate by calling the organization through an official number from their website or consulting with a trusted family member or friend.

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately.