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Ways to Protect Your Accounts

Protect Your Identity

1. Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request, whether it is over the phone or over the Internet. E-mails and Internet pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake padlock icon that ordinarily is used to denote a secure site. If you did not initiate the communication, you should not provide any information.
   
   
2. If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself. You can find phone numbers and websites on the monthly statements you receive from your financial institution, or you can look the company up in the phone book or on the Internet. The key is that you should be the one to initiate the contact, using contact information that you have verified yourself.
   
   
3. Never provide your password over the phone or in response to an unsolicited Internet request. A financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information online. Thieves armed with this information and your account number can help themselves to your savings.
   
   
4. Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct. If your account statement is late in arriving, call your financial institution to find out why. If your financial institution offers electronic account access, periodically review activity online to catch suspicious activity.

Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Protect Your ATM / Debit Card

1. Never disclose your PIN number and reset it regularly. Only you have your PIN - not even the bank or card processors know your PIN. It is best to memorize your PIN. If you write it down, store it in a safe place that is not accessible to others. Protecting your PIN is your first and most important line of defense.
   
   
2. Carefully select your PIN. Do not use obvious codes when selecting a PIN. If you suspect someone knows your PIN, then reset it.
   
   
3. Protect your PIN. Use your hand or body to shield the PIN pad to prevent "shoulder surfers" from observing your PIN.
   
   
4. Monitor your account activity regularly. Access your account via your Heritage Internet Banking account to monitor your latest account activity.
   
5. Swipe your card yourself. If you have your card, a thief does not. Insist on retaining physical control of your card to prevent skimming. Always safeguard your card and never lend it to anyone.

If you discover fraud on your card, report the fraud to the police as soon as possible. Then, inform the bank. The bank will cancel your card and issue you a new one (with a different number, of course) immediately. You may also call the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP or MasterCard at 800-528-2273 to report the theft.

Your personal financial security is important to Texas Heritage Bank. Please take these precautions to protect your family's and business' financial well being. We appreciate being your hometown bank.