Online Account Access

Identity Theft

Has someone been “phishing” in your email?
The internet has become the new venture for con artists and petty thieves who prey on unsuspecting users of online services. One form of online fraud is called “phishing” and it utilizes fake messages from organizations that you trust to try to get access to personal information such as social security numbers, passwords or PIN numbers, and bank account and credit card numbers.
Our Web site (www.westbankiowa.com) is currently carrying security alert after several of our customers reported receiving email messages form “West of the Bank”, “Bank of the West” or “West Credit Cards” seeking verification of ATM/debit card/credit card information. West Bank has no connection to these or similar email requests. West Bank will not ask you to verify any information via email. Do not respond to these or similar requests!
The Microsoft Office Assistance Web site offers the following hints for protecting yourself from online fraud.

• Never reply to email messages that request your personal information.
• Don’t click on suspicious links.
• Use unique passwords and change them often.
• Don’t send personal information in regular email messages.
• Do business only with companies you know and trust.
• Make sure the Web site uses encryption- the Web address should be preceded by https:// instead of the usual http://.
• Monitor your transactions.
• Use credit cards for transactions on the internet
  Buy a shredder and destroy and document carrying personal information of any kind before discarding them. And, as Microsoft advises, when using your computer, be careful and think before you click.