As you have probably seen or heard, the increased convenience the internet offers consumers has also brought added risks. These risks are not unbeatable if you are aware of the frauds and the precautions to take to avoid them. One recently publicized fraud involves a seemingly official e-mail or pop-up window with a link to an equally official looking website. The recipient’s personal financial information is requested (ATM/debit card number and PIN, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc.) and, because the site appears legitimate, people give this invaluable information away. Do not fall into this trap.

At Emigrant, we recognize that our relationship with you is based on trust, and the protection of your private financial information merits the highest priority. That is why we have taken stringent measures and established corporate-wide procedures that ensure the confidentiality of all of your personal information. Emigrant will never solicit you in this manner requesting your personal information. All communication of sensitive information is done via a secure message service once you are safely and securely signed on to our online banking web sites.

For more information on this type of fraud, you can go to:

• The Federal Trade Commission’s Site
  http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm
  
  
• The Better Business Bureau’s Site
  http://www.bbbonline.org/idtheft/virtual.asp
  

Here are a few simple procedures you can follow to help ensure you that your information remains in your hands alone.

• Be wary about sharing personal information. Never reveal personal information to companies that solicit over the phone, through the mail, or via e-mail including:
  • Account or credit card information
  • Account numbers
  • Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or passwords
  • Any pedigree information (mother’s maiden name, pets’ names, first school attended etc)
  • Social Security Number
  • Any other private information
    
    
• Protect PINs and passwords.
  • Change PINs and passwords regularly; do not use the same login credentials on other Web sites.
  • Change your online banking password frequently.
  • Store your card number and PIN separately; never write your PIN on your card. If possible, memorize your PIN number or store written PINs in secure locations such as a safe. Never carry PINs in your wallet or leave them around.
  • Never use your Social Security Number as a PIN, password or login ID.
  • When leaving the Emigrant online Web site, always make sure to log out. We also recommend closing your browser as an added precaution.
    
    
• Review financial data promptly. Always review your Emigrant statements as well as credit card statements and bills from utility and phone companies. If you have online access to your accounts, you can identify fraudulent transactions much more quickly than waiting for paper statements.
  
  
• Shred personal and financial data. Bank statements, pre-approved credit card forms, 401(k), stock, and mutual fund statements, and other financial data are all vulnerable to enabling identity theft. Also, do not leave financial information in mailboxes for the letter carrier. Use protected mailboxes or drop in a secured drop box at the post office.
  
  
• Order a copy of your credit report. Make sure it is accurate and includes only the activities you have authorized. Do this at least once a year to catch mistakes and fraud before they cause disorder with your personal finances. Call the toll-free number of anyone of the three major credit bureaus:
  
  
  • Equifax — 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian — 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
  • TransUnion — 1-800-680-7289
    

Once you receive your reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries you did not initiate, accounts you did not open, and unexplained debts on your true accounts. You also should check that information such as your SSN, address(es), name or initial, and employers are correct. Inaccuracies in this information also may be due to typographical errors. Please note that this contact information is being provided as a service to you. Emigrant Savings Bank is not affiliated with any of these services and cannot guarantee their effectiveness.

If you have received any e-mails like the ones mentioned above, please contact Emigrant Savings Bank via e-mail or call (212) 850-4444 to alert us to the matter. We are working hard to protect your privacy and ensure your information remains safe.

For further information on our privacy and security policy, you can go to our website http://www.emigrant.com/privacy.shtml or stop by any Emigrant branch for a brochure.