Safety & Security Center
Electronic banking at Local Bank combines exceptional convenience with the highest standards of security. We deploy the latest technology to ensure your transactions and personal data are protected at all times.
As a valued customer of our community bank, your role in safeguarding your personal information and accounts is crucial. Awareness and education are your primary defenses against fraud. Criminals may attempt to access your accounts through deceptive tactics to obtain personal information. By staying informed about these common methods, you can help prevent unauthorized access and keep your accounts safe.
Protect Yourself with Good Habits
- Protect your user names and passwords or PIN’s. Don’t give them to anyone
- Contact your bank regarding any suspicious activity
- Keep your social security number in a safe place - never carry it with you
- Report lost or stolen credit cards, debit cards, drivers license or ID cards immediately
- Shred any documents you no longer need that have personally identifiable information
- Report any missed account statements to your bank in case they have been stolen from your mailbox
- Sign up for eStatements. This keeps your information out of the hands of thieves who might steal them from the mail or trash
Regulation E
Reg E protects consumers when they use electronic fund and remittance transfers.
Electronic fund and remittance transfers include:
- ATMs
- Direct Deposit
- Gift cards
- Overdraft
- Point of sale transfers
- Remittances (international money transfers)
- Telephone transfers
The regulation covers topics such as:
- Disclosure of fees and limits
- Cancellation and error correction resolution procedures
- Liability
- Preauthorized transfers
- Receipts
Click here to learn more about Regulation E.
Safe Online Computing Practices
- Use anti-virus software – These are programs that have been designed to detect viruses which may infect your computer through emails you receive or programs you download from the internet
- Firewalls – Used to block outside attacks from hackers, filter infected files or emails, and alert you if an unauthorized user tries to access your system
- Encryption – With this technology, your data is encrypted, or scrambled, so even if it is intercepted by criminals it won’t be easy to read or use
- Passwords – The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be deciphered by a perpetrator using even the most sophisticated techniques
- To create safer passwords:
- Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters
- Create a completely unique password for each application or account
o Avoid using everyday words that can be found in the dictionary - Don’t create passwords that are specific to you such as your spouse’s name or your birthdate
- Change your passwords often
- To create safer passwords:
- Software Updates – many viruses take advantage of bugs in software. Updating frequently will protect your computer
- Log-Off – always log off and close your browser especially when using a public computer. The next person to use it might be able to access your account if you haven’t logged off properly
Here are some tips to help keep your accounts safe!
- Use wired accessories in public areas and spin up a hotspot from your phone, ideally protected by a VPN. This is because Bluetooth and public Wi-Fi give hackers a path to your data. Don’t forget to disable your Auto Join Wi-Fi Networks setting!
- Never leave work devices unattended, even if they are out of sight. Devices can be reached and/ or stolen!
- Turn on account alerts on our new Local Bank mobile app!
- Finally, remember to review emails for security risks before clicking links or downloading files. You want a vacation, not a phishing expedition!
Other Helpful Resources
We want you to know about ways you can protect your information. The following web sites offer helpful information and consumer guidance, and we encourage you to visit them. If you are ever in doubt about a request for information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your bank is aware of most scams and has access to key resources when new ones appear.
- Tips on privacy, identity theft and online security.
- Scam alerts
- Protecting yourself online
- Information about types of Internet Fraud
As a reminder, Local Bank will never call you and ask for your Local Bank credentials, like your online banking login password, expiration date, three-digit code located on the back of your card, or the code texted to you. We have set up MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) to confirm that only you are getting access to your account with confirmation codes sent to you via authenticator app, phone call, or text message.
Do not share this information with anyone to keep your account as secure as possible.
Local Bank places your financial security a priority. If you suspect suspicious activity on your account, or you received a call from someone asking for your credentials, account, or card information, please contact us right away at any of our branches.
Hulbert (918) 772-2572
Park Hill (918) 456- 3900
Tahlequah (918) 456- 3900
Sallisaw (918) 414- 3000
Grove (918) 801- 0390
Reporting Fraud
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam or financial fraud, the following are different organizations to file reports with:
- FBI portal to file an Internet crime complaint.
- Report Identity theft
- Report Mail Fraud (Mailed Scams, example: Sweepstakes, lotteries, work-at home scams)
- Report Identity Theft
Information about current fraud scams:
- Online Onguard(Opens in a new Window) - Hosted by the Federal Government and the technology industry
- Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Protection(Opens in a new Window)
- FDIC – Consumer Protection Tips(Opens in a new Window)
- The ID Theft Center(Opens in a new Window) is an organization focused on the understanding and prevention of identity theft
- Free annual credit reports(Opens in a new Window) to help consumers monitor their credit to prevent or minimize the affects of identity theft