Your identity is one of the most valuable things you own. It’s important to keep your identity from being stolen by someone who can potentially harm your good name and financial well-being.

The simple fact is you can protect yourself against most forms of identity theft. The first step is education. Take a few moments to learn about each different techniques used by thieves to put your identity and finances at risk and the proactive steps you can take to avoid being a victim.

Educate Yourself

Knowing what the risks are to your identity – online and in your daily life – is the first step to protecting it!

Keep it to Yourself

Your Personal Information is valuable. Learn how to keep it safe and secure with our Identity Theft resources.

Be Proactive.

Watch our series of informational videos about protecting your information. And come back often for updates.

Protecting your digital life is the foundation of modern fraud prevention. Follow these five essential steps:

1. Double-Lock Your Passwords: Use unique passphrases for every account. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on banking, email, and social media—it is the strongest lock you have.

2. Stop Phishing in Its Tracks: Never click links or download attachments from unexpected texts or emails. Remember: BankFirst will never ask for your password or PIN via email.

3. Bank Safely: Only log in when you see the “https” and lock icon. Never conduct banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi.

4. Update Software Daily: Enable automatic updates on your phone and computer to patch “security holes” hackers exploit.

5. Secure Your Physical Devices: Use biometric locks (FaceID/Fingerprint) and enable “Remote Wipe” in case your phone or laptop is stolen.

Check fraud is rising, but it can be stopped with vigilance. The most important rule for businesses and consumers is the 24-Hour Rule.

The 24-Hour Defense

Once a fraudulent check posts to your account, you have a crucial 24-hour window to return it.

• Check accounts daily: Log in every morning to review posted checks.

• Review images thoroughly: Don’t just look at the amount. Verify the payee name on the image matches your records and check the endorsement on the back.

• Go Digital: The best defense is to eliminate paper checks. Switch to ACH or Wire Transfers whenever possible.

What is Check Washing?

Criminals steal mail and use chemicals to “wash” the ink off your checks, rewriting them to themselves for much larger amounts.

• Protect your mail: Drop outgoing mail inside the Post Office or in blue boxes before the last daily pickup.

• Retrieve mail daily: Never leave mail in your box overnight.

Scammers are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make their lies more convincing.

AI-Powered Threats

• Voice Cloning: Scammers mimic the voice of a grandchild or friend in a fake “crisis” to demand immediate money. Action: Hang up and call the person back on the number you have saved for them.
• Tech Support Traps: Fake pop-ups claim your computer has a virus. They will demand remote access or payment via gift cards. Action: Never give remote access to your computer to an unsolicited caller.

Romance & Investment Scams

• The “Pig Butchering” Scam: A “love interest” steers you toward a fake crypto or investment platform with “guaranteed” high returns.
• The Deployed Hero: Scammers use stories of being overseas (military/doctors) to avoid meeting in person while asking for “travel fees” or “emergencies.”
• Red Flags: Urgency, “too good to be true” profits, and requests for untraceable payments (Gift cards, Bitcoin, Wire transfers).

Whether you are shopping for the holidays or daily essentials, keep security in mind.

• In-Store Safety: Cover your hand when entering your PIN to block “shoulder surfing.” Store bags in your trunk, out of sight, while finishing your shopping trip.

• Online Smart-Shopping: Bookmark trusted retailers rather than clicking email links. Use a Credit Card for online purchases—it offers better fraud protection than a debit card and doesn’t give scammers direct access to your bank account.