Florence Bank
Protecting your accounts & personal information.
From information security to online security and fraud, Florence Bank is serious about making sure your financial information is 100% safe 24/7, 365 days a year. With a team of trained specialists who monitor all card transactions for fraud, you can be confident that we're doing everything we can to make sure your personal information and Florence Bank accounts are completely safe and secure.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your financial assets. Please take time to read the following information and websites we have collected and learn how to shield yourself from Identity Theft and fraud. Remember to check your accounts frequently through Online Banking and to take advantage of your right to a free annual credit report.
If you suspect that your Florence Bank account has been compromised, contact us at 413-586-1300 or reportfraud@florencebank.com.
Report Fraud
Your financial safety is as important to us as it is to you. Whether you suspect your debit card or online banking security has been compromised, or think you've been a victim of identity theft, contact us as soon as possible and we will take immediate action.
If you suspect that your Florence Bank account has been compromised, contact us:
During business hours call 413-586-1300 or email reportfraud@florencebank.com. Outside business hours, call the number on the back of your card or shut off the card through online or mobile banking.
Identity Theft
If you provided personal information or believe that your personal information has been stolen, visit the Identity Theft section at OnGuardOnline.com for steps you should take. If one or more of your Florence Bank accounts have been compromised as a result of Identity Theft, please contact us as soon as possible.
Online Security
We not only provide you with the ease of online banking, we also provide you with the security of knowing we're protecting your privacy and maintaining your safety online. In fact, we've put together a variety of resources that can teach you how to protect your online experience. And remember, we will never provide your login credentials to anyone. If you suspect your Florence Bank account has been compromised in any way, contact us immediately so we can take prompt action to protect your account.
1. Don't Be an Online Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams. An FDIC presentation designed to help you protect yourself from identity theft, as well as actions to take if you become a victim of identity theft.
2. Stop ● Think ● Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing. OnGuardOnline.gov provides a wealth of information to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
Debit Card Safety
Your ATM and Debit Card provide access to your Florence Bank Accounts. Make sure YOU are the only one accessing them!
- Treat your card like cash. Always store it in a safe place.
- Never disclose your card information or any other non-public personal information in response to an email.
- Keep your PIN a secret. Memorize it and NEVER write it on your card or store it near your card.
- No company or individual needs to know your PIN…not even Florence Bank.
- Only disclose your Debit Card information over the phone if you made the telephone call and you know the company.
- Make certain your Internet Shopping sites are secure. Look for secure transaction symbols. Always log off a site after your purchase or, if you cannot log off, close your browser.
- Keep your receipts to check against your monthly statements.
- Review your paper and online statements frequently for unauthorized transactions. Report any errors as soon as possible.
- Keep a record of your account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers in a safe place separate from your cards.
- Use caution at retail stores, restaurants and gas stations. Handheld skimming devices (which are used to illegally obtain your debit card information) are sometimes used by dishonest employees.
- To report a lost or stolen card, call Florence Bank during banking hours at 413-586-1300 or after hours at 833-337-6075.
ATM Safety
ATMs are a convenient way to get fast access to cash. Here are tips to help ensure that you and your accounts remain safe in the process.
- Always observe your surroundings as you approach an ATM machine. If anything appears to be suspicious, leave the area.
- Avoid poorly lit ATMs at night and take someone with you.
- Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to the ATM. If you suspect such a device, contact the owner of the ATM or Florence Bank immediately.
- Have your card out and ready to use.
- Never accept assistance from anyone at an ATM.
- Block the view of your transactions.
- Never count your money at the ATM.
- When your transaction is complete, put your money away immediately and leave the area.
- Always take your receipt with you.
- NEVER give your PIN to anyone. This is a leading cause of theft. Not even Florence Bank needs to know your PIN.
- Store the Bank's telephone number on your cell phone. If you lose your card or if it is retained, you will have quick, easy access to the Bank.
Telephone Safety
The telephone rings. You race to answer it only to find that there is a stranger at the other end, a telemarketer, trying to sell you something over the phone. More often than not, you are not interested in the product or service being offered. But sometimes, something catches your attention, something too good to be true. We all want to believe that it's our lucky day, that we can get a great deal, or that we can solve our problems...so you listen.
Listening is harmless. The danger is when you respond to a request for your personal information, your bank account or debit card numbers or your online banking user name and password! It's surprising how easily confidential information can be divulged, leaving you an unsuspecting victim of telephone fraud.
Telephone fraudsters understand human behavior and will prey on your hopes, your dreams and your fears. There are a number of telephone and telemarketing scams out there. To shield yourself from becoming a victim, visit The National Fraud Information Center's Telemarketing Fraud Information and Telemarketing Fraud Tips.
To make it easier and more efficient for consumers to stop most unwanted telemarketing calls, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched the National Do Not Call Registry in June 2003. You can register your home phone or your personal cell phone for the National Do Not Call Registry online or call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you wish to register. Registration is free. Make certain that you initiate contact. Be suspicious of an incoming telephone call regarding the Do Not Call List.
Remember: No one from Florence Bank will call you and ask for personal information or bank account information.
Email Safety ("Phishing")
It sounds so innocent...
"We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity."
"During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn't verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information."
Have you received email with a similar message? It's a scam called "phishing" and it involves fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information (ATM or Debit Card numbers and PINs, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims.
Gift Card Scams
It starts with a call, text, email, or social media message with someone claiming to be from the government or business. They'll say it's urgent and instruct you to purchase a gift card for a variety of reasons. This is the gift card scam.
If you find yourself heading to the store to buy gift cards because someone on the phone told you so, stop. No matter who calls, texts, or emails you telling you to pay with a gift card, it is always a scammer. The government and legitimate business will never call you demanding payment with a gift card.
Florence Bank is a full-service bank with branches conveniently located throughout Western Massachusetts.
