• Be cautious when providing personal information such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, or credit card information over the telephone, in person or on the Internet. Don't give out this information unless you are sure who you are dealing with.

• Review your monthly account statements thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to minimize any possible fraud before it occurs.

• Memorize your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and refrain from writing it, your Social Security number or credit card number on a check.

• Report lost or stolen checks, credit or debit cards immediately. Bank of the Sierra will block payment on checks and account numbers involved. Call 1(800) 423-7503 or 1(800) 325-3678 MasterCard/Visa. Lost or Stolen Bank of the Sierra CheckCard call 1(800) 554-8969.

• Store cancelled checks, new checks and account statements in a safe place in your home.

• Review your credit report at least once every year. Make sure all information is up-to-date and accurate. Bank of the Sierra has arranged with Equifax and MyFico to provide you the latest Identification and credit reports, Check your Credit.

• Tear up or shred any pre-approved credit offers you receive that you do not want. Thieves can use these offers to steal your identity.

• Keep your mail secure, retrieve and review your mail promptly. Thieves may use the personal information contained in your mail to steal your identity.

• If you do not receive your regular bills when expected, call the company to find out why.

• Sign Credit Card Panel - Sign the signature panel on your credit cards as soon as you receive them and keep duplicates in a safe place.
  
• Check statements - Verify that your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized. Also, watch for multiple charges.
  
• Memorize your PIN - Don't carry your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Memorize it or keep the number at home for reference.
  
• Verify your card - Be sure your credit card is returned after a purchase, and that it is indeed your card.
  
• Save your receipts - Check them against your monthly billing or account statements to make sure you can identify all of your transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately. After you have reconciled your billing statements, tear up all receipts and discard them at home.
  
• Keep it out of sight - Never leave your purse or wallet unattended and always keep your cards out of plain sight.
  
• Never lend your card - Your credit card is your responsibility. Periodically check to make sure you have all your cards, including those seldom used.
  
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately - No matter where you are, report lost or stolen cards to minimize loss and liability. Call 1(800) 423-7503 or 1(800) 325-3678 MasterCard/Visa. Lost or Stolen Bank of the Sierra CheckCard call 1(800) 554-8969.
  
• Check statements and watch your charges - Be cautious when giving your card number over the phone. Verify that your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized. Also, watch for multiple charges.

At Bank of the Sierra, the security of your accounts and personal information is our top priority. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about fraudulent emails, pop-up advertisements, and phony Web sites that attempt to trick people into providing confidential personal information.

EMAIL FRAUD

Fraudulent email activity is increasing. These emails may appear to be from legitimate companies that you do business with — such as your bank, an online auction site, or your Internet service provider. How can you tell the difference? Fraudulent e-mails typically include attachments, request personal information, or both. You are often asked to validate or confirm your personal information by sending a reply, clicking on a link, or opening an attachment. These messages can contain viruses, known as “Trojan horse” programs, designed to record your keystrokes. These emails may also direct you to a counterfeit Web site that appears to be genuine.

Avoid email fraud

With a few simple steps, you can help protect your Bank of the Siera accounts and personal information from fraudulent activity:

• Delete any email without opening it, if you don’t recognize the sender.
• Be suspicious of any email that asks for personal information, requests your authentication, or indicates a problem with your Bank of the Sierra accounts. If you receive an email like this, do not reply by email. Instead, call Bank of the Sierra at 1-888-454-BANK to verify the legitimacy of the email. On occasion Bank of the Sierra will provide online customer service surveys, but will never request personal information from customers via email or pop-up windows.
• Do not open attachments. Bank of the Sierra does not send email attachments.
• Use virus protection software and keep the virus lists current.
• Keep your computer operating system and Web browser up-to-date.

Avoiding Pop-Ups

Pop-up blocking software can be purchased and installed on your computer, but it may not prevent all pop-up advertisements. With the following precautions, you can help protect your Bank of the Sierra accounts and personal information from suspicious pop-up advertisements:

• Avoid downloading files from unknown sources. Files obtained from file-sharing sites are frequently infected with computer viruses and Trojan horse programs.
• Be suspicious of any software program being offered for free over the Internet. Research the software thoroughly before downloading it to your computer. Often you can find an advertisement-free alternative for little or no cost elsewhere.
• Keep your computer operating system and Web browser up-to-date with the latest security patches. Occasionally, known security flaws are exploited and you can get illegitimate pop-up advertisements.
• Keep your Web browser security settings on high, or at least medium. By keeping your security settings on high, you can minimize the chance for Web sites to download software onto your computer without your permission. See your Web browser help files for additional information.

Avoiding phony Web sites

With the following precautions, you can help protect your Bank of the Sierra accounts and personal information from fraudulent Web sites:

• Avoid clicking on links provided in an email. Instead, open a new browser window and type the Web site’s address (URL) directly into the address bar of your browser.
• Save or “bookmark” frequently visited and trusted Web sites to you list of favorites, then access those sites through your saved links.
• Inspect a URL carefully for the presence of an “@” symbol, for example billing@bankofthesierra.com. This is a common sign of fraudulent Web sites. Even if the URL contains the phrase “bankofthesierra, ” it does not ensure that Bank of the Sierra controls the Web site.
• Be very suspicious of Web sites that display an IP Address, or numerical address (e.g. 192.134.2.1), in your Web browser’s address bar instead of a domain name (e.g. bankofthesierra.com).

Anti-virus Software

Viruses downloaded without your knowledge can erase important information from your computer. To reduce the risk of infection:

• Install anti–virus software and update it regularly with the most current version.
• Purchase a program that regularly upgrades your virus protection.
• Scan all files on your computer periodically for viruses.

• Install firewall software and update it regularly with the most current version.
• Remove sensitive information from your hard drive and place it on removable diskettes and CDs.

Protect Your Identity While At The ATM

• Protect your privacy - Be aware of others in line behind you. Position yourself in front of the ATM keyboard to prevent anyone from observing your PIN.
  
• Be prepared - Fill out deposit forms and have your card out and ready to use before approaching the ATM.
  
• Drive-up ATMs - Remember to keep your doors locked, your other car windows up and your car running.
  
• Treat your ATM card like cash - Guard your ATM card, checks and credit cards.
  
• Keep your PIN (Personal Identification Number) private - Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet. Memorize it or keep it at home. Stand directly in front of an ATM when entering your PIN.
  
• Save your receipts - Do not leave your receipt at the ATM. Remember to record each transaction and match it to your monthly statement.
  
• Stay alert - Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Park in a well-lighted area and have someone accompany you. If you notice anything suspicious, use another ATM or come back later.
  
• Report suspicious behavior - If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave immediately. Go to a safe place and call the police if you suspect dangerous or illegal activity.
  
  Report a lost or stolen card immediately - Call Bank of the Sierra as soon as you realize your card is lost or stolen. If you witness a crime, report it to the police and to the ATM operator. Call 1(800) 423-7503 or 1(800) 325-3678 MasterCard/Visa. Lost or Stolen Bank of the Sierra CheckCard call 1(800) 554-8969.

• Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-888-4213
• Fair Isaac Company: 1-800-726-1421