• Community Bank of the South will not ask you to submit personal or Account information via email.
  
  
• For your protection, any email sent from Community Bank of the South including customer service emails or email alerts will require that you successfully login to our secure website before entering any personal information.
  
  
• If you ever receive an email appearing to be from Community Bank of the South that asks for personal information such as your Account Number or Social Security Number, do not respond to the email.  Please notify us immediately at info@cbsouth.com .

Smart ways to avoid ATM fraud

Always safeguard your information by following these steps when using an ATM:

• Maintain a safe distance from others in line. Do not allow anyone to distract you or offer assistance.



• Have your card out of your purse or wallet and ready for use.



• Stand close to the screen and shield your keystrokes from cameras and others waiting in line by using the knuckle of your middle finger to key in your PIN.



• If you think the ATM is not working properly, press cancel, remove your card, and report the machine to your financial institution.



• Secure your cash and card, and make sure the transaction is complete and the screen is clear before leaving the ATM.



• Keep your printed receipt to compare against your bank statement.

Watch for signs of foul play at ATMs

When choosing an ATM, keep the following things in mind:

• Use a familiar and trusted ATM, preferably one attached to your bank. Avoid using ATMs in unfamiliar or remote locations, or around suspicious persons.



• Check the card slot, keyboard and machine for signs of tampering. Do not use the machine if the card slot jiggles, the keyboard has an overlay or anything else seems suspect.



• Look for security cameras on the machine and in the vicinity. If they appear suspicious, do not use the ATM.



• Avoid ATMs with signs or messages affixed to them. Banks and legitimate ATM owners do not direct customers to another machine with signs attached to the machine itself

Customer Awareness program

Identity Theft and Fraud

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years and thousands of dollars cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of a good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims of identity theft may lose job opportunities, be refused loans and even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Humiliation, anger and frustration are among the feelings victims experience as they navigate the process of rescuing their identity. Community Bank of the South is proud to offer this identity theft and fraud information on our website in hopes of assisting our customers in mitigating their risks and ultimately avoiding being a victim of this serious crime.

While there are no guarantees about avoiding identity theft, it's important for you to know:

• We will never initiate a request for sensitive information from you (such as, social security number, personal login ID, password, PIN or account number) nor ask you to verify account information via email.
  
  
• We strongly suggest that you do not share your personal login ID, password, PIN or account number with anyone, under any circumstances.

If you receive an email that requests this type of action, you should be suspicious of it and contact us immediately at (770) 436-4567. We also suggest you report suspicious emails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Minimalizing Your Risk

• Find out how your information will be used BEFORE providing it.



• Review monthly statements promptly.



• Guard your mail.



• Use passwords that are not based on any information that can be obtained easily or bought from information brokers.



• Carry only what you must.



• Never pass out information over the phone unless you initiate the call.



• Watch where you leave information around the house or office.



• Do not print Social Security Number on checks.



• Order and check your credit report every year.

You're entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the main credit-reporting bureaus:

Equifax® www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111
Experian® www.experian.com 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion® www.transunion.com 1-800-888-4213