Fraud is on the rise and financial institutions are seeing increased attempts to gain account and online login information through text scams and phishing attempts. Idaho First Bank will never call you or send you a text or email with a link to unlock your account or debit card and we will never ask for secure information such as online banking passwords or access codes. If you are unsure of communication you have received, please call us at 1-866-634-2760.
Security
Gift Card Scams
Check out these resources on how you can stay alert of gift card scams and fraudulent wire transfer requests:
Your Computer
The computer system you use for online banking activities is key to protecting your personal information. We encourage you to keep your system updated with patches for your operating system and other applications. In addition, make sure you have antivirus/internet security software installed and up-to-date.
To help you get the best experience using the Idaho First Bank Website, we recommend using Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
If you are not currently using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari or Firefox, you can download one now by clicking one of the links below and then following the instructions:
Online Banking Safety
Idaho First Bank is committed to protecting your personal information. Our Online Banking uses several different methods to protect your information. All information within our Online Banking uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol for transferring data. SSL is a cryptosystem that creates a secure environment for the information being transferred between your browser and Idaho First Bank. In addition to the security features put in place by Idaho First Bank here are some tips on keeping your information secure:
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Never give out any personal information including usernames, passwords, SSN, Date of Birth
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Create difficult passwords which include letters, numbers, & symbols when possible
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Don’t use personal information for your usernames or passwords like Birth Dates & SSN
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Avoid using public computers to access your Online Banking
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Don’t give any of your personal information to any websites that does not use encryption or other secure methods to protect it
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft involves the unlawful acquisition and use of someone’s identifying information, such as:
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Name
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Address
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Date of Birth
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Social Security Number
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Mother's Maiden Name
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Driver's License
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Bank or Credit Card Account Number
Thieves then use the information to repeatedly commit fraud in an attempt to duplicate your identity which may include opening new accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for loans, credit cards, and social security benefits, renting apartments and establishing services with utility and telephone companies. It can have a negative effect on your credit and create a serious financial hassle for you.
How Does Identity Theft Occur?
Surprising to most people is that identity theft is actually a very easy crime to commit. In fact, over 1,400 people are victimized each day. That being the case, it is important for you to know how these thieves operate so you can protect your personal information.
At the heart of the crime is the thief obtaining information that most people would assume only the true owner of the information would know. Common examples are social security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial institution account numbers, mother's maiden names, and passport information.
Thieves obtain this information in numerous ways. Some thieves will steal wallets, purses, and even mail. Others will listen and/or watch a person conduct personal business, such as talking on the telephone or getting cash from an automated teller machine. Thieves will also deceive or trick people into disclosing personal information through phone scams, via the mail, or on the Internet.
Very aggressive thieves will even obtain personal information by using a process referred to as "pretext calling." Pretext calling occurs when an individual contacts an entity in possession of a customer's personal information and cons the entity into releasing the information by acting as the customer or someone authorized to have the customer's information.
Once a thief has possession of the information, the thief will apply for credit cards, loans, phone services, or just about any other service where economic gain can be realized without actual payment. When applying for credit cards, loans, or other services, thieves will often intentionally use incorrect addresses or complete change of address forms on existing accounts so that the victim will not be immediately aware of the crime.
How do I protect myself?
Keep your credit cards, debit cards, personal identification numbers (PINs) and other passwords, checks, social security cards, other cards or documents which bear your social security number, health insurance cards, driver's license and number, and other personal information where they will be safe. When disposing of these items, do so by shredding.
Keep your deposit and withdrawal slips, credit card purchase receipts, financial institution statements, credit card statements, utility bills, medical bills, insurance information, investment updates, and credit card solicitations where they will be safe. When disposing of them, do so by shredding.
Don't put your trash out until shortly before it will be picked up.
Mail bill payments and other items that contain personal information at a U.S. Postal Service drop box rather than in your curbside mailbox. Don't put any mail in your curbside mailbox until shortly before it will be picked up.
Take your mail out of your curbside mailbox as soon as possible after it has been delivered. If you are traveling, have the U.S. Postal Service hold your mail or have someone you trust pick it up daily.
Limit the information on your checks, and don't carry around any more cards than necessary.
Don't give any of your personal information in person, over the telephone, or over the Internet to anyone--unless you have a very good reason to trust them.
Don't give any of your personal information in response to an unsolicited e-mail claiming to be from your financial institution or some other highly credible source. This is a technique referred to as "phishing." Be sure to validate the request before providing the information (for example, contact the customer service telephone number on your account statement to ask about the request).
Don't give any of your personal information to websites that do not use encryption or other secure methods to protect it.
Use a firewall if you have a high-speed Internet connection. This software can be purchased on-line or from most software retailers.
Don't use PINs or passwords that are easy to guess (for example, don't use birth dates or spouse, child, or pet names).
Examine your credit card and financial institution statements immediately upon receipt to determine whether there were any unauthorized transactions. Report any that you find immediately to the financial institution.
Make a prompt inquiry if bills or statements are not received in a timely fashion--this could mean that they are being diverted by an identity thief. Obtain copies of your credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting agencies to be sure that they are accurate.
You may also wish to do the following:
Request not to receive any further preapproved offers of credit by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or go to Opt-Out Prescreen
Ask to be removed from national direct mail lists by writing to the DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512, or go to Direct Marketing Association.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or go to National Do Not Call Registry.
For more information about identity theft and other tips on how to protect yourself and your information please visit the following websites:
Equifax
PO Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30349-5069
To order a report: (800) 685-1111
To report fraud: (800) 525-6285
Experian
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013-0949
To order a report: (888) 397-3742
To report fraud: (888) 397-3742
Trans Union
P O Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
To order a report: (800) 916-8800
To report fraud: (800) 680-7289
Debit Card Protection
Debit card usage has increased dramatically in recent years and fraudulent use of debit cards has also increased. We at Idaho First Bank have some suggestions for you for the care and usage of debit cards. NEVER give your debit card information when requested by phone, email, or texting. We at neither Idaho First Bank nor any other bank we know of will ever request information from you in this manner. Please contact us if you receive any such request at 208-634-1000. It is a good idea to pay by credit card if your card leaves your sight. An example might be when a waiter takes your card from your table in a restaurant or when ordering online. Debit cards are easier to process illegally vs. credit cards.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Idaho First Bank will NEVER request personal information by email or text messaging including account numbers, passwords, personal identification information or any other confidential customer information.
Fraudulent emails may be designed to appear as though they are originated by Idaho First Bank. Do not respond to any email communications which request any type of personal or confidential information and do not go to any links listed on that email.
These communications are not originated by Idaho First Bank! Never give out any information that the Bank already has to a caller, texter, or email sender. If you contact us we may verify the last 4 digits of your SSN to confirm your identity but we will never contact you and ask for your debit/credit card number or your full SSN. If we need to contact you, it will always be done in a manner that protects your personal, confidential information and we will clearly identify ourselves. One of Idaho First Bank's top priorities is to safeguard YOUR confidential information and we work diligently to do so.
We always work with the local regulatory and law enforcement departments to be certain any type of illegal activity is stopped as soon as possible. We have multi-layer security to protect your confidential information and will continue to be vigilant in protecting it.
Immediately report any suspicious emails or websites to Idaho First Bank by forwarding the message to customersupport@idahofirstbank.com . If you suspect identity theft or have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Idaho First Bank at (208) 634-1000.