Security Policy | Internet Privacy Policy
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Fraud Protection

Highland Federal cares about you, our customer, and your security.  Our number one goal is education and information to our customers to protect you from the many scams that can jeopardize your security and peace of mind.  There are many ways criminals can scam unsuspecting people.  The list grows every day with new scams and ways to take advantage of you and your family. 

The best way to stop criminals is to protect your personal information,  account numbers and PINS.

You can protect yourself by following these simple guidelines:

• Use caution in selecting your PIN number and passwords. 
  
  
• Be cautious about revealing account numbers, Social Security or Tax I.D. numbers and other private information to other persons.
  
  
• Protect your account numbers, card numbers, PINs and passwords.  Never give out personal data through the mail or via an e-mail solicitation unless you have initiated the contact.

• Do not email confidential information to the bank using your personal e-mail accounts.  You may email us using our secure Internet banking service.

SPYWARE

To learn more about spyware click here: http://onguardonline.gov/quiz/spyware_quiz.html

 
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PHISHING AN E-MAIL SCAM

HIGHLAND FEDERAL WILL NEVER SEND YOU AN E-MAIL OR TELEPHONE YOU REQUESTING INFORMATION such as your account number, social security number, passwords, or PIN.  All necessary information was obtained when you opened your account.

Should you receive an e-mail which appears to be from HIGHLAND FEDERAL requesting such information, please call us immediately at 931-484-6178 and speak with Jack Chadwell, Charlotte Goodwin, Barbara Hassler, Jon Tatum or Sandy Patton.  We are providing this notice to you because of a rapidly growing form of Internet fraud known as "PHISHING".  

PHISHING is the practice of sending fraudulent e-mails that deceive consumers into disclosing their bank account numbers, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, PINS or other sensitive information.  The e-mail is disguised to look like a request from a legitimate company with which you do business such as Highland Federal.  Often the message includes a warning regarding a problem related to your account. 

Some typical phrases used with phishing are: 

 "You need to update your account"
                       or
"You need to validate information"
                       or
"Please provide the following information to keep your account active"

This information can be used to gain access to your accounts, steal your identity, it can be sold to others seeking to do the same, or can be used to attempt to establish accounts or obtain credit at other businesses in your name.

DO NOT  reply to or click on a link in an e-mail that warns you that an account of yours will be shut down or closed if you do not "Update" or "Validate" your account information by providing confidential information.  Review your account statements as soon as you receive them.  Avoid e-mailing personal and financial information.

For more information about phishing click here: http://onguardonline.gov/quiz/phishing_quiz.html

 
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CHECK FRAUD

There are many variations to the fraudulent check scam.

The first warning of a check scam is a request that you send money to pay taxes or to claim your winnings.

To determine if a check is fraudulent take it to your bank and ask them to verify the check.  This can be done by calling directly to the issuing bank and verifying the account numbers and amount of the check.  Remember you are responsible for any checks you deposit or cash.

Always be skeptical if something doesn’t exactly add up or sounds to good to be true.  Many unsuspecting individuals have fallen prey to this type of scam.  Protect yourself by checking with your bank before cashing or depositing any questionable items.

You can learn more on this very popular way of scamming innocent people by clicking the following link: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre40.shtm

 
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CREDIT MONITORING

With Identity Theft on the rise, it has become very important for you to review your credit report from time to time.  A recently passed federal law gives all consumers the right to get a free copy of their credit report from each of the three main credit reporting firms one each year.  There are three ways to get your free report.  In each case, you will need to provide some personal verifying information, including your Social Security number and current address:

• Experian www.experian.com or 1-888-397-3742
• Equifax www.equifax.com or 1-800-685-1111
• TransUnion www.transunion.com or 1-800-916-8800

MASTERCARD SECURECODE

MASTERCARE SECURECODE ALLOWS YOU TO ENJOY ADDED SECURITY WHILE SHOPPING ON THE INTERNET.

To enroll in the MasterCard SecureCode program click the icon below:

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