Arm yourself against e-mail and Web criminals by being informed. West One Bank provides this information to protect its customers. In addition, West One Bank has implemented a new policy to further protect you and the Bank: We will now hold all cashier's checks until they can be verified as legitimate and backed by sufficient funds. If we cash a cashier's check that later proves to be fraudulent, even through no fault of yours, you will be responsible for reimbursing the Bank in full. West One Bank will never ask you over the telephone, via e-mail, or on an unsecured Web page, for your Social Security Number, account numbers, or other financial information. Never. Several kinds of technological robberies are being practiced over the Internet and via e-mail these days. Counterfeit cashier's checks, phishing, pharming, the Nigerian Scam Variation, bogus contests, and great stock deals are all examples of scams being used against anyone with a bank account. Counterfeit cashier's checks: If you receive something that looks like a cashier's check from us, bring it to us for verification before you cash it. It is possible for thieves to steal our logo and print it on so-called checks. If you cash a bogus check, you will be responsible for reimbursing the entire amount. Phishing and Pharming: Phishing attacks use both social engineering and technical subterfuge to steal consumers' personal identity data and financial account credentials. Social-engineering schemes use e-mails to lead consumers to counterfeit Web sites designed to trick recipients into divulging financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames, passwords and SSNs. Hijacking brand names of banks, e-retailers, and credit card companies, phishers often convince recipients to respond. Technical schemes plant crimeware onto personal computers to steal credentials directly, often using Trojan horse keylogger spyware. Pharming crimeware misdirects users to fraudulent sites or proxy servers, typically through Domain Name Service (DNS) hijacking or poisoning. Remember: If you receive any unsolicited e-mail that asks for your personal financial information, and seems to come from West One Bank, call us and verify it first. Do not reply until you check with us. Remember, if it doesn't feel right, if it doesn't smell right, it probably isn't right. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive any unsolicited request for a donation that requires you to give them your SSN or account number, if it's via e-mail, delete it. Don't click on any links, and don't reply in any way. If you receive a phone call from someone who says he or she is with West One Bank, ask the caller for a return phone number. It should match the number at the top of this Web page. If you get one, call West One Bank and verify that the call came from us. For more information on fraud and scams, via US Mail, e-mail, telephone, or with counterfeit checks, see these helpful Web sites: The Financial and Tax Fraud Education Associates, Inc. The Federal Bureau of Investigation The US Securities and Exchange Commission
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