* ATM and debit cards provide a fast, easy way to get cash, make purchases and conduct a variety of transactions. To enjoy the many conveniences atm / debit cards offer, make protecting your card a priority. Listed below are some helpful and important safety tips.

- Watch for skimming devices - Skimming devices that capture card and PIN data may be attached to card readers and / or keypads at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.

- Keep your PIN to yourself - No one ever needs to know your PIN number, including your financial institution. Never write your PIN on your card or store it with your card. Never let a teller, cashier or stranger enter your PIN for you.

- Report a lost or stolen card immediately - If your card is lost or stolen, contact your financial institution immediately in order to reduce the chance of improper use. This step will also limit your potential liability for unauthorized transactions.

- Review account statements - Verify all transactions by matching receipts to your account statments.

- Never respond to an unsolicited request - Never provide your card number, PIN, or any other private information to any unsolicited emails, pop-up messages, or phone requests. Your financial institution will never ask you for your PIN.

- Observe your surroundings - If anything or anyone appears suspicious, leave the area immediately. If you drive to an ATM, park close to the terminal and observe the area before getting out of the safety of your car. Always leave enough room between you and other cars to allow for quick exits. If anyone follows you after making an ATM transaction, drive to a well-lit, crowded area and contact the police.

- Only use well-lit, open area ATMs - If an ATM is obstructed from view or is poorly lit, leave the area and conduct your transaction at another ATM location.

- Block the view of the keypad - Prevent "shoulder surfing" by standing between the ATM and anyone waiting for use of the terminal. Shield the keypad from unauthorized cameras and other patrons when entering your PIN at terminals.

- Minimize the time spent at the ATM - Once your transaction completes, put your card, money and receipt away and immediately leave the area. Never count your money while at the ATM.

- Privacy Policies - We the bank instill privacy policies to protect your personal and financial information. These policies are enforced and training is provided reguarly to employess to protect you the customer.

- Internal Confidentiality - Nonpublic information about you the customer is limited only to employess who need to know the information. This is used only to provide you the customer with our products and services.

- Information Security - Keeping your financial information secure is one of the banks most important responsiblity. The bank maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safegaurds to protect our customer information.

- A FDIC on-line tool is available to help educate consumers how to better protect their computers and themselves from identity theft, and steps to take if they have been victimized. The presentation: Don’t Be an On-Line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams is on the FDIC’s website at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/index.html.