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2020 Financial Markets Update

Fraud Prevention Tips

July 3, 2012

At First Western Trust, we make the security of our client information a priority. Our committment to the safety and confidentiality of your records are elements of our risk-aware approach. Every day, unscrupulous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the unsuspecting public. Keeping you informed on the best ways to avoid fraud is one way we apply the ConnectView approach to our relationships.

  • Watch out for copycat websites that deliberately use a name or web address very similar to, but not the same as, the real one. The intent is to lure you into clicking through to their website and giving out your personal information, such as a bank account number, credit card number or online banking login information.
  • Always use your pre-established links to access websites and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails. If you ever receive a suspicious e-mail representing itself as First Western Trust, please forward the message in its entirety to security@fwtb.com.
  • Set up a personalized “phishing phrase” for your online banking profile so that you always know when you are on our secure website.
  • Ensure that your own personal computer has updated anti-virus and firewall protections. Apply security patches for all of your programs and operating systems regularly.
  • Passwords should be unique to you and changed regularly. Do not use birthdays or other numbers or words that may be easy for others to guess. Never write down your password or give it to another person.
  • Monitor your account activity frequently using our free online banking services.
  • Sign up for free online banking eStatements to avoid having your paper statement sitting in an unsecure mailbox where it could be compromised.
  • Set up free security and balance alerts through online banking to be notified via email when there is login activity or changes in your expected balance.

Please keep in mind that we will never ask for or email you requesting your online banking password. If you plan to travel and use your online banking or debit card, it is very helpful to call us in advance to avoid your account being temporarily disabled for security purposes.

In case of errors or questions about your electronic transfers, please contact us right away. We must hear from you no later than 60 days after we sent the FIRST statement on which the problem or error appeared.

For personal accounts, limitations on your liability for unauthorized electronic funds transfers and other electronic errors that are covered by Regulation E are explained in our EFT Disclosure. However, if you use online services for any business activity, you assume all risk of loss for unauthorized transfers and payments, and you must establish your own internal security procedures for employees you authorize to prevent all unauthorized use by other employees or persons.

If at any time you have questions regarding security or possible fraud, please contact us.

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