Online Services
Security Alerts and Tips
The Holidays are a peak time for Internet crimes. Click here for tips to keep your information safe!
Past Alerts & Notifications
Security Tips
Check the strength of your passwords!
Phishing & E-Mail Fraud Alert
Parkvale Bank will never send an e-mail requesting that you provide personal information, such as account information and passwords. DO NOT provide your personal information OR "click" on any links you receive from an e-mail that appears to be from Parkvale Bank.
Consumer Alerts
FDIC Consumer Alert Page - Continuously Updated Information
PA Department of Banking Alert Page - Continuously Updated Info
PA State Attorney General's office - Continuously Updated Info
OH State Attorney General's office - Continuously Updated Info
WV State Attorney General's office - Continuously Updated Info
FBI Alerts concerning Online Auctions
FBI Alerts concerning fraud against Senior Citizens
FBI Report concerning a Jury Duty Phone Scam
FBI Report concerning a Mystery Shopper Scheme
Useful Links
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Information
FBI List of Common Fraud Schemes
PA Association of Community Bankers Consumer Tips
US Postal Inspector's service - current scams and what to do if you are a victim
To report cybercrime plus helpful information on scams
FTC List of Telemarketing scams
Identity theft is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the U.S. and occurs when someone uses your personal and/ or financial information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, to commit fraud or other illegalities. Parkvale Bank is concerned that our customers know how to prevent this type of crime. We offer a list of simple yet powerful proactive tips to assist you.
Guard Yourself Against Identity Theft
- Guard your Social Security number. It is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals.
- Refrain from carrying your social security number in your wallet and do not write it on your checks.
- Keep track of your credit report, which contains your SSN, a listing of all credit cards and loan account numbers, including those that have been closed, and your overall credit score.
- Shred your documents like bank and credit card statements and "junk mail" credit card offers with a crosscut shredder. Crosscut shredders cost more than regular shredders but are superior in protection.
- Shred or destroy and cancel old, unwanted or unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough.
- Do not carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents with you except when absolutely needed.
- Don't give personal information to anyone unless there is a legitimate need for the information.
- Do not give out personal data over the phone, through the mail or online unless you initiate the contact.
- Memorize your pin numbers, do not write them down. Your pin number should not contain your social security number, mother's maiden name, birth date or address.
- Make your passwords difficult to guess. Don't use passwords associated with family names, birthdates, social security numbers, etc.
- Be observant of who is around you at ATM machines. "Shoulder surfers" can get your PIN, and gain access to your account.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay on the lookout for pickpockets and people watching you while you use your card.
- Never click on a link embedded in an e-mail that appears to come from a financial institution, even if it looks official right down to the logo.
- Do not click on links to offers for free software and goods that you receive in e-mail, especially from a sender or company that you've never heard of.
- Never download software from unfamiliar web sites unless you are absolutely sure you need it and it's legitimate.
- If a site tells you that you need to download special viewing software to see its videos, don't do it. Even if it is legitimate viewing software.
- Use a Web browser that includes built-in features to warn you about, or block access to, known phishing sites. Also, consider security software that tries to detect and block phishing sites.
- Use only secure sites when making online purchases. Secure pages start with "https".
- Shop online with credit cards, not debit cards, to assure that you get what you paid for and to limit your liability.
- Take care of your computer. Always update virus protection software, especially after new virus alerts have been announced.
- Be sure to remove mail from your mailbox immediately. It's also a good idea to request a vacation hold from the Post Office when you are out of town.
- Always deposit sensitive mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office rather than in your home mailbox.
- Inspect credit and debit card receipts and monthly statements for accuracy.
- Be aware of your billing cycles. Contact creditors if bills don't arrive on time.
- Always know where your checkbook is located.
