Fraud Prevention

Ways to keep your information safe.

• Know that most providers you do business with, including ALPHA, will never reach out to you to ask for your account access credentials
• Never give out your account access credentials such as passwords, user ID, security questions, digit password for Ebanking, PIN, or any passcode delivered via text
• Be aware of scams that request personal information through calls, direct mail, emails or texts

Check regularly.
We urge you to carefully and regularly check your statements and reconcile your accounts daily. Please call us immediately if you notice any unusual activity on your account.

• Keep your mobile device secure.
• Keep your mobile device’s operating system, software and apps up to date
• Set up a password for your device and lock it when not in use
• Don’t install or run any app or program on your device unless it’s from a trusted source
• Be aware that when you “root” or “jailbreak” a mobile device it voids the manufacturer built-in security, leaving your device vulnerable to malware attacks, which hackers can use to access your personal information

Safeguard your internet access.

• Be cautious using public Wi-Fi, as even reputable hotspots can be compromised
• Install and regularly update anti-virus software on your desktop, laptop and mobile devices
• If you use text banking and lose your device, be sure to update your text banking profile in ALPHA Online Banking

Be careful with your sensitive Information.

• Log out when finished using online banking
• Never store personal or financial information, including passwords, on your device or computer
• Don’t click links in spam emails or links in suspicious emails.
• Monitor your financial statements regularly for unexplained activity and promptly dispute any activity that looks suspicious.
• Use a dedicated computer for online banking that’s not used for any other purpose
• Update antivirus software and operating systems on all devices
• Don’t log in to online banking using public Wi-Fi hotspots
• Always log out of online banking when you have completed your transactions

Stay alert for suspicious activity.

• Monitor accounts frequently and reconcile them daily, if possible

Understand the potential for fraud.

• Do not use the same login ID and password across multiple systems
• Do not store or save login IDs and passwords on your browser, on a computer or on paper
• Do not share account information, login credentials, passwords or other sensitive data with anyone requesting it by phone or email. ALPHA will never call or email you or your employees to request this information
• Do not open suspicious email attachments that you have not requested or click on any links in emails you receive from unknown sources
• Do not visit websites you think may be suspicious

Take advantage of ALPHA’s security tools for your business.

Watch for signs your system may be compromised.

• Inability to log in to online banking
• Unusual timing of transactions
• Changes in web pages or appearance of graphics, text or icons
• Unusual pop-up messages, such as “try back later”
• Dramatic loss of computer speed, or unexpected restarting of computer
• Unexpected request for a one-time password or token during an online session