Scam/Fraud Security

What is cybersecurity?

Protecting yourself against hackers and criminals or unauthorized use of your electronic data and measures taken to ensure protection.

Here are some ways to keep yourself safe:

• Keep software up to date
• Avoid opening suspicious emails
• Keep hardware and all devices up to date
• Use a secure file sharing solution
• Use anti-virus and anti-malware
• Use a VPN to privatize your connections
• Check links before you click, only open emails from addresses you know
• Do not give confidential information out over the phone
• Avoid using the same password for everything
• Make your passwords complex, but something you can remember
• Do not write passwords down on pieces of paper
• Do not provide confidential information on an unsecured website

Your mobile device is with you wherever you go and has potential to be hacked. Always use caution for whatever may pop-up on your screen. To learn more about how to be more secure on your mobile device, click here, and stay safe! 

• Do not click on any links in emails from unfamiliar sources.
• Never reply to an email you are unsure of the legitimacy.
• Hover over the link/sender to see the true link/sender. 
• Check the exact spelling in the link, business name, and sender

(ex: rn can look like an m when quickly reading).

• View and shop only the sites you trust and are familiar.
• If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. No deal is worth risking your personal security.
• Unsure of the legitimacy? Type the name of the business followed by fraud or reviews into Google.
• Your browser may also tell you if the site is not secure by the URL at the top of the screen.

• Don’t accept friend requests from anyone you don’t know and be cautious of adding someone you already added as it may be a fraudulent account.
• Never share posts for offers that are too good to be true, full of typos or from unfamiliar pages.
• Avoid the quizzes and fill in the blank links that may reveal personal information (school mascot, mother’s maiden name, first car, etc.).

• If anything feels off about the call or caller, hang up.
• Caller ID can be spoofed.
• Trust your gut!
• If anyone starts asking for your personal or banking information, hang up. If they said they were a business or person you may have a relationship with, give them a call back on the number you have for them.
• Organizations like the Social Security Administration will never call you.

If you receive an unexpected check in the mail, call the number listed for the issuing bank. If the call doesn’t go through or they are unable to verify the check, it is not legitimate and should be discarded.

The United States Postal Inspection Service recovers more than $1 BILLION in fraudulent checks and money orders each year. If you mailed a check that was paid, but the recipient never received it, criminals may have stolen it. To learn more about these scams and how to prevent this from happening to you, click here to download infographic. Stay safe!

• NEVER give out your personal information.
• Keep an eye on your Mobile or Online Banking to help keep track of your funds.
• If you ever have a question about the legitimacy of a check or any financial item, do not hesitate to ask!
• If your account may be compromised, call 1-800-472-3272 or any Bruning Bank location asap.

1. Log into Mobile Banking

2. Select Cards at bottom of screen

3. Screen will show you the cards you have loaded on your app

4. Select the card you need to turn off

5. Swipe the toggle for your card to OFF

6. Call Bruning Bank ASAP

Bruning Bank works tirelessly to keep your information safe and secure. However, scammers will do whatever they can to gain access into everyone’s life. Mortgage scams are happening more and more. Click here to learn how to avoid these scams.