Pub. 12 2015 Issue 1

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Spring • 2015 17 T he weeks leading up to April 15–tax deadline day–are often vulnerable ones for consumers as W-2s and tax returns containing their personal information circulate over the internet and through the mail. “Identity thieves look for every opportunity to steal your in- formation, especially during tax season,” said Four Corners Community Bank’s President and CEO, Sheila Mathews. “Con- sumers should be on high alert and take every step they can to protect their personal and financial information.” According to a Javelin Strategy and Research study, 12.7 mil- lion Americans were victims of identity fraud in 2014. Though down from 2013, it remains the Federal Trade Commission’s number-one consumer complaint. To help consumers avoid identify theft during tax season, Four Corners Community Bank offers the following tips: • Don’t share your secrets. Don’t provide your social security number or bank account information to anyone who con- tacts you online or over the phone. Neither your bank nor the IRS will contact you requesting this information. • Beware of phishing emails. Phishing attacks occur when criminals use ‘spoofed’ emails and fake websites of trusted organizations to coerce consumers into sharing personal in- formation. During tax season, fraudsters often pose as the • IRS. Don’t be fooled. The IRS will never initiate taxpayer contact via unsolicited email to request personal or financial data. • Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, banks statements, and unused credit card offers before throwing them away. For papers you must keep, like tax documents, keep them in a secure place. • Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly credit card statements, W-2s, tax refunds, or other mail containing your financial information. If you don’t re - ceive your W-2s, and your employer indicates they’ve been mailed, or it looks like it has been previously opened upon delivery, contact the IRS immediately. • Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection soft- ware on your computer is active and current, particularly if you plan to file your taxes online. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is ac- tive. Look for a URL with an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure, such as https://www.thebankforme . com. • Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your finan - cial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $300 for example. • Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately. Ad- ditionally, if the IRS denies your tax return because one has previously been filed under your name, alert the IRS Identi - ty Protection Specialized Unit at 1.800.908.4490. n Four Corners Community Bank (FCCB) was established in 2000 by President and CEO, Sheila Mathews and four other community members who form the bank’s board of directors. Headquartered in Farmington, New Mexico, Four Corners Community Bank serves San Juan and Montezuma counties with six locations; each is a full-service operation equipped to handle complete personal and business banking services. The bank offers competitive, locally-based financial services and solutions tailored to fit the needs of its customers. FCCB prides itself on being safe, sound, and local and is dedicated to providing better than expected service to the communities it serves. For more information, visit TheBankForMe.com. Member FDIC. Four Corners Community Bank Offers Seven Tips to Frustrate Fraudsters During Tax Season