NBT Bank Offers Tips to Avoid Fraud

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in keeping with this year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” NBT Bank security experts are offering tips on how people can protect themselves from fraud. 

“Bad actors and scammers are constantly evolving their technology and tactics to access our personal information,” said NBT Bank Senior Director of Information Security Terra Carnrike-Granata. “Even simple steps like monitoring your accounts and changing passwords regularly can protect your information and help you and your loved ones avoid falling victim to fraud.” 

NBT recommends employing the following tactics to help keep personal information and accounts secure. 

Secure your devices: 

• Stay on top of software updates that help protect your system from vulnerabilities, and use trusted, reputable spyware and virus protection software.
• Log out after each online banking session. Whether on a mobile device or in a web browser, take the extra precaution of logging out of your banking session and browser to ensure your account information is not easily accessed if your device is compromised.
• When not using your computer, consider turning it off. You’ll keep your computer off the internet, denying scammers and hackers a chance to get in. 

Secure your accounts: 

• Avoid using personal information, such as birthdays, phone numbers, or children’s or pet’s names, as passwords.
• Passwords aren’t enough. Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security. 
• Never share your passwords. And remember that NBT Bank, like other banks and financial institutions, will never ask you for your digital credentials. 
• Use different passwords for each account. 

Monitor account activity:

• Checking your account activity frequently can help to detect fraud earlier.
• If you see a charge you don’t recognize, contact your bank immediately.
• Regularly check your credit report. Banks and credit cards offer access to your credit rating, through the major credit rating agencies including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Those reports can help you identify any suspect activity. 

NBT bank offers information about a number of common scams and how to identify and avoid them in its online Fraud Information Center