World Password Day is the first Thursday in May every year, and it serves as a great reminder to check in on the strength of all of your passwords. You may already know that it’s a good idea to update the password to your online banking account once every couple of months, but it’s equally… Read more »
Tag: Security Tips
Powell Valley National Bank promotes personal security year round, but we recognize that travelers are extra susceptible to cybersecurity breaches. Since summer is a widely-traveled season, we’ll compile all of our security tips here in one convenient place to help you have a safe and secure summer!
Message From The FTC Regarding Coronavirus Scams
A Message From The Federal Trade Commission Regarding Coronavirus Scams: “As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people’s pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us. The details are still being worked out, but there are a few really important things… Read more »
Cybercriminals Taking Advantage of Coronavirus
The vulnerability and anxiety spreading alongside the Coronavirus (COVID-19) present an opportunity for cybercriminals. Over the last few weeks, there’s been an increase in social engineering and phishing campaigns targeting Americans, and Coronavirus-themed phishing kits have emerged for sale on the Dark Web. Taking advantage of widespread fear, cybercriminals have launched fake websites made to… Read more »
Fake Check Scams on the Rise (Especially Among Young Adults) – Avoid Them With These Tips
The Federal Trade Commission recently released new data about fake check scams. Here’s what we learned: Fake Check Scam Facts Complaints about fake check scams increased 65% since 2015. In 2019, over 27,000 fake check scams were reported resulting in over $28 million in losses. Individual median losses were $1,988. People in their 20’s were… Read more »
Detect and Avoid Credit Card Skimmers (Infographic)
A credit card skimmer is a portable device that attaches on top or in front of a legitimate scanner. The skimmer passively records your card data when you insert your card in the real scanner. Card thieves often temporarily attach these skimmers to gas pumps or ATMs. Check out the tips below and exercise caution… Read more »
New Scam Alert: Fraudulent Calls Regarding Social Security Number
NEW SCAM ALERT: Beware of fraudulent calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. Never provide your social security number or other private information to someone over the phone. These types of scams can take on many forms. Today, a PVB employee received a voicemail from someone claiming to be from the Social… Read more »
Secure Travel Tips
Traveling in style means traveling secure. These cybersecurity tips from Homeland Security can help keep your information safe while you’re on the go this summer. 9 Cybersecurity Tips for Traveling Before You Hit the Road… Update Your Phone Software In addition to being our lifeline to friends, family, and most of the world,… Read more »
6 Tips for a Scam-Free Summer
With summer soon arriving, many of us are gearing up for trips and vacations. Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help ensure you have a scam-free vacation. Research A good place to start is asking friends and family for recommendations on travel agencies, vacation rentals, hotels, and packages. Next, Google the… Read more »
2019 Scam Trends and How to Avoid Them
As consumers learn more about avoiding scams, criminals learn more about creating them. Last year in the U.S. over 50,500 scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau, and at the time of this article, over 9,600 scams have already been reported in 2019. Fraud can come in many different forms and affect people of… Read more »
How to Use Your Smartphone to Detect Card Skimmers at Gas Pumps
Card skimmers are small electronic devices that criminals put in gas pumps to steal people’s card information when they pay for gas at the pump. The Texas Department of Agriculture recently released a video about avoiding card skimmers, and one of the most interesting tips was to use your smartphone to check for Bluetooth signals… Read more »