PROTECTING YOURSELF

Most identity theft and bank fraud is detected by the victim/customer. If you monitor your accounts regularly, you may help stop fraud earlier. Accessing your accounts online – with PlainsCapital Online Banking or Mobile Banking – is a great way to stay informed.  Below are some common red flags to help you know what to look for:

• You did not receive an expected bill or statement by mail
• Unexpected charges occurred on your account
• Checks post to your account that are out of sequence from your current range
• You find a new account on your credit report that you do not recognize
• You receive a new credit card that you did not apply for
• You are denied credit or offered less than favorable credit terms for no reason
• You get calls from creditors or debt collectors regarding merchandise or services that you did not buy
• You receive a check you were not expecting or that is for the wrong amount, especially if you are asked to wire the funds out directly after the deposit

Don’t reply to an email, phone call, or text message that does any of the following:

• Threatens to close or suspend your account if you don’t take immediate action
• Tells you your account has been compromised, and then asks you to give your personal information or account information
• Asks you to provide your personal information directly in the email or on a website the emails sends you to
• Contains a generic message such as “check this out” or “thought you’d be interested in this.”

If you are ever concerned about an email, phone call or text message you receive that is reporting to be from PlainsCapital Bank, do not respond to the message and contact the bank at a known number, not the number provided on the message.

• Do not send confidential information of any kind by email unless it is encrypted
• Never give your confidential information to someone who calls you unsolicited
• Do not use public computers and open wireless networks for sensitive online transactions
• Install anti-virus and firewall software on your personal computer and keep it up to date
• Do not print your driver’s license, phone number, or Social Security number on your checks
• Do not put outgoing mail in your mailbox. Drop it into a U.S. Postal Service collection box
• Shred any unwanted financial offers you receive in the mail, instead of throwing them away

If you are ever concerned about an email, phone call or text message you receive that is reporting to be from PlainsCapital Bank, do not respond to the message and contact the bank at a known number, not the number provided on the message.

• Change your passwords often. Even if the website does not require it, it is a good practice to change your passwords at least every six months
• Never disclose your login credentials to other people or companies
• Do not store your ID and password information where others could have access to it. It is best not to write the information down at all

You can request a free annual credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies, whether or not you suspect any fraudulent activity. You should review these reports carefully to ensure they are correct. Most victims do not know they are a victim of identity theft for an average of 14 months. The longer the fraud takes place, the larger the risk of loss and the more time it takes to clear up the fraud.

You can request a report by directly contacting each of the agencies below. If you are a victim of ID Theft, they can also talk to you about setting up fraud alerts to notify you of any new request for credit.

Equifax: 1.800.525.6285
Experian: 1.888.397.3742
TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289