Safe use of Zelle®‎

Zelle, the service that allows customers to instantly send money to their acquaintances, is booming. Thousands of new users sign up every day and $75 billion zoomed through Zelle’s network last year. However, the same features that make Zelle so useful to customers, its speed and ubiquity, have also made it irresistible to thieves.

Steps to stay safe while using Zelle:

1.  Do not use Zelle to purchase retail products

• If an online retailer requires payment via payment to payment service, it’s likely a scam.
• Scammers will often place bogus online classified ads for merchandise, tickets to concerts/sporting events, and other sales.
• Only buy from verified source. The purpose of Zelle is send money to people that we KNOW.

2.  Always triple- check the username, email and phone number of the person with which you are conducting the transaction

• If you make a mistake and send the money to the wrong person, it can be very difficult to get the money back.
• If you’re worried you may have the wrong person, we recommend sending a small amount first to confirm that intended recipient receives it.

3.  Always Opt-in for stronger security

• C&F Bank customers use of Zelle is built into the mobile banking app. This is GREAT because it allows for additional security features.
• Set up additional authentication steps in mobile banking such as Touch ID, strong passwords, and obtaining alerts.
• Obtain proper notification when threshold amounts are met, or security info is changed.

Mobile Deposit Check Fraud

Mobile deposit has rapidly become one the most convenient ways to deposit a check. Simply snap a photo and deliver the image through the mobile banking app. But with every convenience there is a potential for fraud. Fraudsters are devising new scams while posing as prospective employers or lenders, and we want you to be on guard against these tactics.

How the Scam Works:

• Fraudsters contact their victims through email, social media or websites such as Craigslist, posing as a potential employer or lender.
• The fraudster will oftentimes provide the victim with an opportunity to earn quick money by depositing a check into the victim's account or by asking for help in moving money from overseas.
• The fraudster will often request bank account information and may even ask for online or mobile banking information.

Here are Three Helpful Tips:

• NEVER give out personal information. This includes debit/credit card numbers, PINs, bank account numbers and any online or mobile banking login information.
• If you are offered money in exchange for personal information, it's a SCAM!
• Check your online bank statements and mobile banking REGULARLY. If you see something unfamiliar, call us immediately.

Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft is the use of another person’s identity for economic gain. Anyone can be a victim of identity theft and people often put themselves at risk unknowingly. Identity thieves can steal assets in multiple ways. Two common methods involve identity thieves using existing accounts to make purchases, pay for services, or withdraw money and identity thieves opening new accounts/service agreements with stolen information.

Below are helpful prevention methods.

Online Prevention: Only use secure bank connections to review your account or authorize transactions. Only use secure websites for making online purchases. Use strong passwords for all accounts. Set up security questions and answers for access to accounts. Never save credit/debit card information online. Home Prevention: Shred all documents that obtain your personal information before discarding. Destroy labels on prescription drugs before discarding. Be guarded when entering PIN numbers. Keep a list of credit card, account numbers, and other personal information in a secure place.