Updates on Our Commitment to Keep TEXAS STRONG
COVID-19 Update
We committed to keeping you up-to-date on the steps First Financial Bank is taking to keep TEXAS STRONG. Throughout the entirety of COVID-19 we have kept our doors open to ensure you can keep your doors open. We continue to regularly sanitize each of our branches, offices, and customer-contact areas. To better protect you, other customers, and our employees, we ask that you also continue to practice good social distancing, wear masks, and avoid going in public if you are not feeling well. Remember, our mobile and online banking services and state-of-the-art ATMs provide the same great service you are used to without leaving your house or car.
Fraud Prevention Update
Educating our communities and customers on the latest fraud schemes has always been an important part of what we do. As criminals continue to take advantage of these uncertain times and prey on unsuspecting victims, we want to provide information to help you against common scams and tips to keep your accounts and personal information secure. Criminals are evolving and finding new ways to commit fraud, so First Financial Bank is committed to providing you with up-to-date information. Below are a few tips to keep your accounts TEXAS STRONG.
1. Do Not Be a Money Mule
There are many different ways criminals disguise money mule solicitations. A common money mule trend for 2020 is unemployment insurance fraud. The economic pressure caused by COVID-19 has forced some states to accept unemployment insurance applications over the internet with no in-person verification. There is a sophisticated crime ring that is taking advantage of these online application processes to commit identity theft by applying for unemployment insurance benefits using compromised information. Be extremely skeptical if you have been contacted by a person who wants to use your account to deposit funds.
Over the last few years, a large number of money mule scams have been disguised as "work from home" opportunities. These schemes take advantage of people who are looking for the flexibility and convenience of working from home. This type of solicitation can be especially harmful as more people are working from home and looking for new job opportunities. As more and more companies offer work from home, it might be harder to recognize the malicious offers from the legitimate ones. Be aware of unsolicited emails of any sort that ask for your personal information, and notify law enforcement if needed.
2. Use Strong Passwords
"123456" or "abc123" are not safe passwords. Make sure your password is complex with at least 12 characters. The longer your password is, the more secure it is. Use multiple characters like both uppercase and lowercase letters and special characters like @,#,&,*, and so forth. This makes it far more difficult for cybercriminals to guess your password. We also recommend using different passwords across various platforms, as this can lower the chances of your accounts being compromised. Remember, even with a strong password, it is important to never give your password to anyone.
3. Be Careful With Social Media Quizzes
Social media is an important tool for First Financial Bank to communicate with our customers and communities, but we all must remain diligent in safeguarding our information. If you use social media, you might have seen a quiz where you fill in information about your first job, first car, where you went to high school, and more. While these might be fun ways to get you know your friends and family, these expose sensitive information that can be used to verify your identity, or collect answers to your security questions. When in doubt, skip the post.
4. Update Your Contact Information
Being able to communicate with our customers in a timely manner is important to combat fraudulent activity. Over the next few weeks, you will begin to see notifications in Online and Mobile Banking, or you may receive a phone call from your local branch asking for updated contact information.
Please click here for more information on the importance of updated contact information and how to keep your accounts safe, sound, and secure.