Our commitment to you.

Farmers State Bank is committed to protecting your privacy. We will never request private personal information from you via e-mail. We will never send you e-mails requesting you to release or update information such as your account number, PIN, credit/debit card numbers, user ID or passwords.

What is Phishing ... ?

Phishing is a computer based scam that uses spam or pop-ups to trick you into disclosing your bank account information, social security number, credit/debit card numbers, passwords or other personal information.

A common method phishers use is to send an e-mail or pop-up message that claims to be from a legitimate organization that you have a relationship with. Often they will imitate your financial institution, Internet service provider or even a government agency. The message usually requires that you “update” or “validate” your account information. Often there will be a message threatening restriction on or denial to your accounts if you do not furnish the information. The message includes a link to a web site that looks almost identical to a legitimate organization’s site. The goal of the site is to trick you into giving your personal information so that phishers can steal your money and your identity.

What should you do if you receive phishing e-mail?

If you receive a suspicious e-mail in your in box do not reply or click on the link in the message. Many phishing e-mails use logos, formats and slogans identical to legitimate organizations, which can make it extremely difficult to recognize fraudulent e-mails. However, remember if it asks you to give personal information such as your account number, social security number or passwords it is not from Farmers State Bank.

You can report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you get spam that is phishing for information forward it to . If you receive a phishing e-mail purporting to be Farmers State Bank please contact the bank at (605) 987-2671 so that we may investigate.

What should you do if you have been the victim of a phishing scam?

If you feel you have given any personal banking information out to a fraudulent site please contact the bank at (605) 987-2671 so that we may take the proper steps to protect your account.

If you believe you have given out other private personal information to a phishing site you can file a complaint at www.ftc.gov. You should also visit the FTC’s Identity Theft Web site at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft to find out how to minimize your risk of damage from ID theft. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file.

Equifax - 1-877-576-5734

Experian - 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union - 1-800-680-7289

FDIC Video -Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams

How to Practice Safe Computing

Here is a list of recommendations to follow in order to avoid becoming a victim of scams:

1. Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for personal financial information.

2. Be careful of e-mails that are not personalized and/or may contain spelling errors and/or awkward syntax and phrasing.

3. Be careful of personalized e-mails that ask for personal financial information.

4. Do not use links in an e-mail to get to any Web page. Instead, log onto the Web site directly by typing in the Web address in your browser.

5. Do not complete forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal financial information.

6. Only communicate information, such as credit cards numbers or account information, via a secure Web site or the telephone. Do not send personal information via e-mail!

7. Regularly log on to your online accounts and check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.

8. Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied.

9. Use online statements to reduce the volume of paper mailed.

10. Keep all personal devices such as lap tops, cell phones and PDA's secured at all times. Do not leave these devices unattended in public areas.