• Home
  • Mobile Banking
  • Personal
    • Certificates
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • Additional Services
    • Credit, Debit, ATM Cards
    • Loans
    • Switch Kit
    • Online Account Opening
  • Business
    • Cash Management
    • Business Checking
    • Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Agriculture
    • Real Estate Banking
    • Loans
  • About Us
    • Giving Back
    • Locations & Hours
    • Careers
    • Contact
  • Local Events
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Site Map
Citizens First Bank Logo Log In Click for contact info
Open an AccountOpen an AccountClick for Mobile bankingMobile Banking Click for online banking Online Banking Click for contact info Contact Us
Citizens First Bank Logo
  • Personal
    • Certificates
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • Additional Services
    • Credit, Debit, ATM Cards
    • Loans
    • Switch Kit
    • Online Account Opening
  • Business
    • Cash Management
    • Business Checking
    • Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Agriculture
    • Real Estate Banking
    • Loans
  • About Us
    • Giving Back
    • Locations & Hours
    • Careers
    • Contact
  • Local Events
Citizens First Bank Logo

You are now leaving Citizens First Bank's website and are going to a website that is not operated by the bank. We are not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites.

Citizens First Bank offers links to other third party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors. The links provided in our website are provided solely for your convenience and may assist you in locating other useful information on the internet. When you click on these links you will leave the Citizens First Bank website and will be redirected to another site.

These sites are not under the control of Citizens First Bank. Citizens First Bank is not responsible for the content of linked third party websites. We are not an agent for these third parties nor do we endorse or guarantee their products. We make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the linked sites. We suggest that you always verify the information obtained from linked websites before acting upon this information. Also, please be aware that the security and privacy policies on these sites may be different than Citizens First Bank policies, so please read third party privacy and security policies closely. If you have any questions or concerns about the products and services offered on linked third party websites, please contact the third party directly.

Proceed
Home Blog 12 Days of Safety Tips for Your Funds
Single Post Featured Image

December 13, 2022

12 Days of Safety Tips for Your Funds

Know the signs of a scammer and stay safe this season.

Unfortunately, the holidays see a large increase in scams due to the extra shopping, travel, and charitable
giving during the season. Here are some helpful tips to keep your funds secure and avoid scams.

1. Protect your passwords.

Pick passwords that contain letters, numbers, and symbols and don’t contain obvious patterns. Reusing the
same password across multiple platforms is tempting, but a data breach at Netflix could mean that your
bank account is also at risk if you are using the same password for both of your accounts. Remembering all
of those passwords can be difficult. Install a password manager such as Lastpass, Nordpass, or Dashlane, or
keep a document of all your passwords in a safe location.

2. Avoid public WiFi.

When checking your bank account or making purchases online, use secure, personal WiFi. An encryptionfree connection means that hackers can monitor all file sharing and traffic that is sent between the user (you) and the server on a public WiFi network. Since anyone can join a public network, you have no idea who is
watching or intercepting your information.

3. Learn from others’ experiences.

Always read customer reviews before purchasing from an online retailer. It’s important to gather a real idea
about the company you’re purchasing from before you willingly give them your sensitive information.

4. Beware of email scams.

Don’t click on any suspicious links that ask for personal information like updating your account or changing
your password. If you receive an email from an unfamiliar email address, a good rule of thumb is to never
click on any links the user may have attached.

5. Use a credit card for online purchases.

If your card number does get stolen online, a stolen credit card number is much less of a hassle than a stolen
debit card number. Credit cards have better consumer protections against fraud compared to debit cards.

6. Watch for package theft.

If you are worried about package theft, arrange for a delivery that requires your signature upon receipt, or
track the drop off time so you are ready when it arrives.

7. Shop on secure sites.

When shopping online, check the URL before ordering. Fake sites are often similar to popular sites, but will
have something like an extra letter or the ‘s’ missing in “https”.

8. Watch out for “freebies”.

Oftentimes, scammers will try offering you an outrageous free gift over text, email or even social media in
order to get you to download a virus or get information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

9. Avoid defunct gift cards.

During the holidays, many scammers will sell expired or empty gift cards. Make sure to examine the card and
check to see if the activation code is exposed already.

10. Don’t fall for fake temp jobs.

For seasonal jobs, apply in-person or go directly to the company site. Some fake job postings direct to bogus
sites and request personal information to apply.

11. Watch out for fake charities.

Scammers take advantage of your generosity during the holiday season and create fake charities and other
fundraising activities. Make sure to check for authenticity before you donate.

12. Know your spending limit.

Set a holiday spending limit that you will stick to. Take the opportunity to organize your budget and think
about where gift funds will be coming from.

Shopping during the holiday season can be a lot of fun. Make sure to always be aware and cautious when
shopping online or in person. To find financial resources and learn how to keep your funds secure, visit your
local Citizens First Bank online or in person. Our experienced team can help you find the right financial plan
for you. Feel free to stop in, give us a call or visit our website today.

Facebook0
Other posts you may like

6 Ways to Save on Date Night

A memorable and fun date night doesn’t need to break the bank! Whether you’re getting to know a new potential match, or are in an established relationship, dates play an important role in making connections. While an elaborate night out can be an exciting occasion, there are many other date night options that won’t break […]

Other posts you may like

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Follow these steps to avoid and prevent financial fraud. Discovering fraudulent activity on your account can be a frustrating experience. While you can’t always stop fraud from occurring, there are steps you can take to minimize it. Here are some helpful tips to help protect yourself from financial fraud: Stay alert while online. When you’re […]

Recent Article


6 Ways to Save on Date Night

February 1, 2023

Recent Article Featured Image

You May Also Like


How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

January 25, 2023

Will Your Retirement Savings Be Enough?

January 18, 2023

5 Common Investing Mistakes to Avoid

January 11, 2023

3 New Year’s Money Resolutions

January 4, 2023

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Site Map

©2023 Citizens First Bank. Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

FDIC logo