Fraud prevention starts with eStatementssm 

You want the safest, most reliable process for accessing your financial information. eStatementssm (electronic statements) allow you to view and reconcile your accounts more quickly. You’re in total control — you say where; you say when. Intercepting or rerouting your mail is a common fraud tactic. eStatementssm eliminate the worry of lost or stolen statements.

To sign up to receive your account statements electronically instead of the traditional paper statement, simply login to online banking and follow the steps. We highly recommend all our customers take advantage of this free service. eStatementssm will simplify your life, help the environment — and provide an extra level of security.

Your protection continues with MasterCard SecureCode® 

 
We have enhanced security to your debit card by participating in the MasterCard SecureCode® program. This free online security service guards you against unauthorized use of your MasterCard when shopping online at participating merchants. It is just like entering your PIN at an ATM. 

1. Have your MasterCard debit card in hand.
2. Register and create your SecureCode®. You will be asked to select a six digit pin. Note: your SecureCode® is never shared with the merchant or the bank.
3. When you make online purchases, a window pops up at checkout asking you to enter your SecureCode®. Enter your SecureCode® in the window.
4. Your card issuer confirms you are the authorized cardholder and your purchase is completed.

Click here to register.

Most participating merchants display the MasterCard SecureCode® logo on their site.  If the merchant is not a SecureCode® participant, you will simply use your card as you have been doing.

Click here for more MasterCard SecureCode® frequently asked questions.

Out-of-the-norm Transaction Verification

Added protection for your ATM/debit card

If a questionable transaction is detected on your card, you will be contacted by the bank, or a fraud specialist (third party vendor) calling on our behalf, to verify the transaction in question. For example: while you’re at the neighborhood grocery buying a few staples, you simultaneously make a purchase in Europe. Not only is this unlikely — it’s impossible.

If the transaction is valid, no action is taken. If you confirm the transaction as fraudulent, we immediately eliminate the card’s access to your account, making it impossible for the card to be used for further unauthorized transactions. By identifying our customers’ general spending patterns, and watching for transactions that appear out of the ordinary, we reduce your risk of fraud.

Important: All information is kept strictly confidential. You will always be contacted by phone. That is why it is critical we have your current telephone numbers on file. If we are unable to make timely contact with you, your ability to use your debit card will be impeded. We don’t want you experiencing such an inconvenience!  For your security, no one at First American Bank, including fraud specialists working on our behalf, will ever send a text message to your cell phone, or email you regarding potentially fraudulent transactions.

To update your contact information, or if you have questions about this system, please contact your personal or business banker.

Multi-factor Authentication System: Online Banking Security

First American Bank delivers the highest level of security for our personal online customers by adding an additional layer of security to our log in process called Online Banking Security. Every time you log in to personal online, First American Bank identifies you, and lets you identify First American Bank using a private image and phrase. Click here for more information.

128-bit Encryption: the Highest Level of Protection

First American Bank’s website utilizes 128-bit encryption to secure your confidential account information. When data is sent, it is scrambled so it cannot be understood by unauthorized people. The data is then unscrambled when it is received by First American Bank personnel.

Privacy Statement and Practices

First American Bank promises to respect your privacy, keep your information secure and use your information responsibly. If you have a concern about our privacy practices, please contact your personal or business banker. To view the full statement, click here. 

Fraud Alerts

Identity thieves prey on the uninformed and unsuspecting. Knowledge is protection. First American Bank is dedicated to raising awareness of identity theft and fraud. Our website is updated regularly to keep you advised of prevalent scams. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission.

Are You at Risk for Identity Theft?

First American bank is dedicated to helping you reduce your risk of being victimized. Identity theft is the fastest-growing white-collar crime and can rob you of your money…your credit…and your good name. Are you doing everything you can to protect your identity? Test yourself with our ID Theft Quiz.

Protect Your Identity While Traveling

As you make travel plans, take into consideration these tips for protecting your identity while traveling.

Before You Leave

• Go through your wallet, purse and/or briefcase, remove any of the following items and place them in a locked safe or safety deposit box at your local bank:
            - Social Security card
            - Checkbook and deposit slips
            - Birth certificate
            - Credit card receipts
            - Library card
            - Video rental card
            - Bills
            - Extra credit cards
• Minimize the number of credit and debit cards in your wallet or purse.
• However, ALWAYS have an alternate form of payment other than your debit card. A credit card may be the best alternative. Increasing security surrounding debit cards may temporarily suspend your card until transactions can be verified.
• Write down all the phone numbers from the back of your credit and debit cards and keep them somewhere other than your wallet or purse.
• Provide your bank with up-to-date contact information, including your cell phone number.
• If you are leaving the country, advise your bank of your plans so they won't be alarmed when they see transactions taking place in another country and will be able to better assist you if you need help from overseas.
• Pay bills before you go out of town.
• Place mail on "postal hold" with the Post Office. Arrange so mail may only be picked up by you, and request that identification must be shown to receive the held mail.
• Stop delivery of newspapers or any other items you normally have delivered.
• Make copies of your itinerary, passport data page, visas and driver's license to leave with a designated emergency contact.
• Notify a trusted neighbor to watch your house.

During Your Travel

• Lock up all your valuables (jewelry, laptops, passports and any other important documents) in a room safe or hotel safe while you are out of the room.
• Heighten your awareness of people and crowds around you - pickpockets thrive in most major cities. If you are able to carry cards and cash in your pockets, rather than a purse or bag, all the better.
• Avoid ATMs that appear to have been tampered with.
• Cover the PIN pad when using ATMs. This will make it difficult for criminals to capture your PIN visually or with a camera.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times - "shoulder surfing" is a viable method of obtaining personal information when you least suspect it.

Click here for a handy tool to take with you on your travels, just in case!