Fraud Prevention

Phishing / Email Fraud

On the Web, there are new types of criminals called "phishers". These people may send very realistic e-mails pretending to be from your bank or some other organization you trust.

Webopedia defines "phishing" as the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

The email directs the user to visit a Web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has.

The Web site however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information. Because it is relatively simple to make a Web site look like a legitimate organizations site by mimicking the HTML code, the scam counts on people being tricked into thinking they were actually being contacted by a legitimate company and are subsequently going to a bogus site to update their account information.

By spamming large groups of people, the "phisher" counts on the e-mail being read by a percentage of people who actually have listed credit card numbers with the company they are portraying.

The best way to protect yourself from this type of scam is to never give out personal information by email or phone if you have not initiated the request.

How Do I Protect Myself?

Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request.

  • If you believe the contact may legitimate, contact them yourself.
  • Never provide your password over the phone or in response to unsolicited internet request.
  • Never reply to an email that ask for personal information and tells you to access the link provided in the email.
  • Change your password frequently. It is recommended that you change your password at least every 60 days.
  • Watch out for emails that say “urgent” or “time sensitive”. This is generally a scam for your financial information.
  • Review account statement regularly to ensure all charges are correct and make sure that they are arriving in a timely manner.
  • Never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or the Internet, if you did not initiate the contact.
  • Never click on the link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.

What Do I Do If I Think I Am a Victim?

You should report all suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission through the internet at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov, or by calling 1-877-ID Theft or you can visit the following websites to get more information:


Where Do Customers Go For Help?

If a customer suspects they have given information to a phishers, it is important for them to act immediately. For information on how a customer can put a "fraud alert" on their files at the credit reporting bureaus, and for other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Clearinghouse at: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-438-4338.

Report any phishing ATTEMPTS by contacting the National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch. Alert the company the phisher was impersonating, and their local law enforcement agency. http://www.fraud.org/


Online and Computer Security Tips

Before you surf the web, you should follow the following steps to ensure the computer’s security:

  • Use an Internet firewall-Firewalls provide additional protection for you home computer. Many operating systems come with firewall protection.
  • Update your computer-If your computer is older than five years, its operating system may not offer the same level of protection as newer systems.
  • Use up-to-date antivirus software-Virus protection software helps to reduce the risk of contracting computer viruses that can compromise your computer and personal security while online.
  • Use up-to-date antispyware software- Spyware software monitors or controls your computer use, it may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to the theft of your personal information.
  • Use a current web browser-We continually upgrades our online services to providing you with the most secure online services. If you have problems accessing our online banking services, you may need to upgrade you browser.
  • Use secure websites-Make sure the web page you are viewing offers encryption of your data. If you see a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window, or if the web address of the page you are viewing begins with https://, this indicates that web page is secure and uses encryption. We provide 128-bit encryption, the highest level available today.
  • Use stronger password-Your passwords are the keys you use to access personal information that you’ve stored on your computer and in your online accounts. To an attacker, a strong password should appear to be a random string of characters. A strong password should be lengthy, combine numbers, letters and symbols.
  • Disconnect the Internet-If you're not using your computer for an extended period, disconnect it from the Internet. When it's disconnected, the computer doesn't send or receive information from the Internet and isn't vulnerable to hackers.
  • Don’t download program from file-sharing-File-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information, you download special software that connects your computer to an informal network of other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. Often, the software is free and easy to access.
Computer Criminals-The FBI needs to hear from you: http://www.ic3.gov/.

Internet Fraud - If a scammer takes advantage of you through an Internet auction, when you're shopping online, or in any other way, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at: https://www.ftc.gov/.

Phishing Email - If you receive a phishing email, you may report the email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org.

Divulged Personal Information - If you believe you have mistakenly given your personal information to a fraudster, file a complaint at https://www.ftc.gov/, and then visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website at https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

ATM Card Security Tips

  • Treat your ATM card like cash. Always keep your card in a safe place. It's a good idea to store your card in a card sleeve. The sleeve protects the card's magnetic stripe and helps ensure the card functions properly.
  • Keep your "secret code" a secret! Your ATM card will only work with your Personal Identification Number (" PIN"). Memorize your code. Never write it on your card or keep it with your card. Never tell your code to anyone. And never let someone else enter your code for you.
  • Take your ATM receipt with you. Do not leave it at or near the ATM.
  • Do not give out any information about your ATM card over the telephone. No one needs to know your PIN; not even your financial institution.
  • Report a lost or stolen card at once. Promptly report a lost or stolen card to reduce the chance that it will be used improperly. You will be issued another card.
  • Check your receipts against your monthly statement to guard against ATM fraud. You get a receipt every time you make an ATM transaction. Verify each transaction by checking the receipts against your monthly account statements.
  • Always observe your surroundings before conducting an ATM transaction. If you are driving to an ATM, park as close as possible to the terminal. Observe the entire area from the safety of your car before getting out. If you see anyone that appears to be suspicious, leave the area at once.
  • If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. Report the problem to the financial institution that operates the ATM.
  • When possible, take a companion along when using an ATM, especially at night.
  • Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. If the ATM is in use, give the person using the terminal the same privacy you expect. Allow them to move away from the ATM before you approach the terminal.
  • Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount. Once you have completed your transaction, take your money, card, and receipt, and immediately move away from the terminal.
  • If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave immediately.
  • If anyone follows you after making an ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area, and call the police.
If you suspect unauthorized use of your Card or to report your Card lost or stolen, immediately visit your Royal Business Bank branch of account during lobby hours or call us at 1-213-627-9888 during regular business hours, which are Monday through Thursday, 9:00AM to 4:30PM and Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM.  To report unauthorized use of your Card or to report your Card lost or stolen AFTER BUSINESS HOURS, please call our Fraud Prevention Center at 1-800-554-8969.

Credit/Debit Card and Bank Account Security Tips

  • Report lost or stolen cards and checks immediately.
  • Check your account activity online or telephonically frequently and report any discrepancies or suspicious charges immediately.
  • Review account statement carefully. Regular account review helps you to quickly detect and stop fraudulent activity.
  • With Royal Business Bank online banking you can monitor your account activities any time.
  • Don’t imprint or write down your driver’s license number or Social Security number on your checks.
  • Always keep your credit/debit card, new and cancelled checks in a safe and secure place.
  • Use tamper-resistant checks. Royal Business Bank includes many safety features to deter alterations.
  • Do not give out your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
  • Cancel and cut up unused credit and other cards.
  • Ensure no one sees your PIN when you enter it.
  • When selecting a Personal Identification Number (PIN) don’t use any number or word that appears in your wallet (such as name, birth date, or phone number).
  • When conducting online purchases, make sure the site is secured with encryption to protect your account information.
  • Memorize your PIN. Don’t write it down anywhere, especially on your card, and never share it with anyone.
  • Shop with merchants you know and trust.
  • Always log off from any website after a purchase transaction made with your credit or debit card. If you cannot log off, shut down your browser to prevent unauthorized access to your account information.
  • Safe-keep or securely dispose of your transaction and ATM receipts.

Cyber Security Tips for Small Business

  • Businesses need a cybersecurity strategy to protect their own business, their customers, and their data from growing cybersecurity threats. Visit FCC for a Cybersecurity Tip Sheet which outlines the top 10 ways entrepreneurs can protect their companies - and customers - from cyber attack.