Home : Security/Fraud Tips Learn More » Deposit Rates » Find a Home Federal Bank location near you » IMPORTANT NOTICE: Posted 4/30/2008 The IRS is reporting phishing attempts targeting the Economic Stimulus Refunds. Phishing is when a fraudster sends an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a legitimate business or organization that you deal with (in this case, the IRS). The message often asks you to “update” or “validate” your account information by clicking on a link that goes to a web address that looks very similar to the legitimate one, however, information provided on the site goes to fraudsters rather than to the legitimate business. Phishing attacks target random email addresses in an attempt to find someone who might actually respond with their personal banking information, then the fraudsters utilize the information to perpetrate fraud and identity theft. The IRS Stimulus payment phishing emails contain verbiage similar to this; “Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush’s program to jumpstart the economy.” Or, “Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund”, or some variation along these lines. By clicking on the link, unwary computer users land on a phishing site, rather than the IRS website. Once there, users are prompted to enter their bank routing number and checking account number with the promise that their payment will be deposited directly into their bank account. Please be aware that the IRS will never communicate via email, and most importantly, will never ask you for your bank account information. The IRS website offers a page for consumers to report the receipt of phishing scams. By reporting the information, the IRS can “…use the information, URL’s and links in the suspicious emails you forward to trace the hosting website and alert authorities to help shut down the fraudulent sites.” As always it is in your best interest to stay diligent in your efforts to protect your account and information. Currently, neither Home Federal Bank nor any of our customers have seen or reported any such attempts, however, we are ever aware of and watchful for scams like this. We feel strongly about taking a proactive approach in an effort to minimize the potential that our customers will fall prey to scams like this most recent one. If you do receive the IRS Stimulus phishing email, or any other “Phishing” scam, notify us immediately so we may work to have the website shut down. If you have replied to a potential phishing scam and provided any of your information, it is important that you notify us immediately so we may protect your account from unauthorized access. We are available Monday through Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm at 1-800-888-7283 or (208) 466-4634. You may also email us by selecting the “Contact Us” option on our website, www.myhomefed.com. We wish you and your family the very best and are available to answer any questions you may have. Protecting Your Security: Consumer Fraud Tips According to law enforcement officials, fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. For the protection of our customers, Home Federal Bank has initiated a vast array of safeguards to prevent and detect fraud. But one of the first lines of defense against fraud is you—the consumer. As part of our dedication to your privacy, we'd like to share information about the latest fraud schemes so that you will be better prepared to avoid being victimized. Pretexting This scam involves getting your personal information under false pretenses. For example, someone contacts you claiming to be from the security department of your bank. They ask you to verify personal information over the phone, such as your Social Security Number, your birth date, or your mother's maiden name. Sometimes the caller may even know a piece of personal information about you that may help to convince you that they are a legitimate bank representative. The pretext caller will then sell your personal information to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you. Do not, under any circumstances, give any personal or banking information out over the phone, especially if you don't initiate the phone call. No one from Home Federal Bank will ever contact you over the phone or via e-mail to request verification of personal information. Phishing/Internet Schemes E-mail and Internet-related fraud schemes are being perpetrated with increasing frequency, creativity, and intensity. Phishing is one of the most common of these types of schemes. Phishers send an e-mail or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you deal with. The message often asks you to "update" or "validate" your account information. No one from Home Federal Bank will ever contact you over the phone or via e-mail to request verification of your personal information. Spoofing In a "spoofing attack," the attacker creates a misleading context to trick you into making an inappropriate security-relevant decision. For example, criminals have set up bogus automated teller machines, typically in public areas or shopping malls. The machines would accept ATM cards and ask for PIN codes. Once the machine has the PIN, criminals have enough information to steal from the account. Counterfeit Cashier's Checks/Nigerian Scams If an unsolicited financial deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of buyers who want to send you a check for more than the amount of the items you may be selling online or in the newspaper. They will encourage you to deposit the check and then wire transfer the extra funds to them. More likely than not, the check is counterfeit and it's a scam to steal your money. Skimming A small, inexpensive device is inserted onto an ATM, ready to swipe information from unsuspecting customers. Watch out for unusual devices on ATM machines. Fraud Prevention Guidelines To avoid fraud and maintain your security... Protect your checking account number and access codes Don't give your account number, debit card number or PIN to a stranger, even one claiming to be from your bank. Report lost or stolen checks immediately Your bank will block payment on any checks having those numbers. Destroy checks on closed accounts And guard new checks closely. Notify your banker of suspicious phone or Internet inquiries Be wary of anyone asking for account information to award a prize or provide a product or service "authorized" by your bank. Home Federal Bank will never contact you via phone or the Internet and ask you for personal or account information. Check your balance frequently Review and reconcile your checking account for accuracy. Put outgoing mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box Be knowledgeable of current scams Don't insert your ATM card into an obscurely placed ATM machine, or one with a card slot protruding from the face of the machine Use Verified by Visa Verified by Visa protects your existing Visa card with a password you create, giving you assurance that only you can use your Visa card online. Simply activate your card and create your personal password. You’ll get the added confidence that your Visa card is safe when you shop at participating online stores. 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