Information About Online Fraud Alert for Consumers

For more than 100 years, protecting your confidential information has been one of our highest priorities at Southern Bank. That’s why we have state-of-the-art security technology in place to protect your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, criminal activity and fraud are on the rise everywhere. Our protection technology is outstanding, but the best line of defense begins with you. That’s why we want you to be aware of a growing type of online fraud that is impacting people and businesses worldwide.

The Challenge

Sophisticated identity thieves are now targeting home and business computers directly to acquire sensitive and confidential information. This identity theft technique does not involve a breach of the bank’s security systems — rather, it involves what is called “keylogging spyware.” Criminals are able to access your computer system, then capture and use your IDs and passwords to pose as you.

The Risk

The criminal could use the information obtained from the keylogging spyware to transfer funds electronically from your deposit account using Bill Pay. Funds withdrawn from your account are typically routed through banks in the U.S. and credited to accounts opened by the criminals or their accomplices. The funds are then promptly withdrawn or wired overseas, making recovery extremely difficult.

How Can It Happen?

Criminals use spyware embedded on your computer to record and steal your user ID and password combinations. The spyware enters your computer system when you visit a website online or through a variety of other methods, including “phishing” attempts (fraudulent emails that ask for confidential information or simulate bank or other internet sites) or viruses distributed through email. Public computers at hotels or libraries are also susceptible to viruses and spyware, so please use caution.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Information?

We strongly advise you to take the following actions in order to guard your information and finances as securely as possible.

• Make sure your computer uses up-to-date anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Don’t rely solely on your online service provider for anti-virus protection. You can download some popular anti-virus products, such as:
  • AVG anti-virus (for private, non-commercial, and single home computer use only)
  • McAfee — http://us.mcafee.com/root/downloads.asp
  • Microsoft — http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
  • Panda Software anti-virus — http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm
  • Symantec — http://www.symantec.com/downloads/index.jsp

• • Review and reconcile your accounts frequently. Pay close attention to any electronic transfers.
  • The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of good information on ways to protect you and your family from all kinds of identity theft.
  • To learn more visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html.

Please know that we will continue to be diligent in our efforts to protect you and hope you share in our commitment by protecting yourself.

If you ever suspect a fraudulent transaction has occurred, please immediately call the Southern Bank Customer Care Center toll free at 1.855.275.7226.