News and Alerts

Cyber Attack at Office of Motor Vehicles:

At Landmark Bank we take your security very seriously. We incorporate multiple verification practices into our daily operations to ensure the safety of our customers. Regardless, there are things that everyone should do to protect their private information.

In light of the recent cyber-attack reported at the Office of Motor Vehicles, it is best practice to frequently change your password and username on your online banking accounts. Early detection and reporting is key to protecting you from identity theft. For additional information on identity theft, please https://www.landmarkbankla.com/Security-Center#Identity-Theft. Also, it’s recommended by the governor’s office to freeze your credit. Freezing your credit may be done quickly online or by contacting the three major credit bureaus by phone:

Experian – 1-888-397-3742
Equifax – 1-800-685-1111
Transunion – 1-888-909-8872

For more details about this cyber-attack, please click this link to read Governor John Bel Edwards message. https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/4158

Cyber Security Awareness Tips

Mobile Security:

Security on mobile devices is a growing concern for many people as they begin to rely more on their mobile device for storing and accessing personal information. We put together some helpful security tips that you can do to better secure and protect your mobile device.

1. Auto-lock your phone. They’re small, we carry them everywhere, and unfortunately mobile phones are lost or stolen all too often. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, a password is the first line of defense for your personal data. To keep your information private, create a strong password for your phone and set your screen to auto-lock within five minutes.
2. Keep your apps and device software up to date. Hackers work diligently to discover new vulnerabilities in our apps or the software that operates our phones. Device manufacturers and app developers frequently update their software to fix newly exploited security gaps, but if you don’t download and install these updates your information is still at risk.
3. Use discretion when downloading apps. One of the most exciting things about getting a new smartphone is downloading all the great apps that are available. Unfortunately, even the most innocent-looking app can contain software designed to steal personal data, make fraudulent charges or even hijack your phone. Only download apps from trusted stores. Check the app’s rating and read reviews to make sure they’re widely used and respected before you download.
4. Stick to window-shopping on public WiFi. Be careful on public WiFi networks because they are not always secured and there may be others watching network traffic. In particular stay away from making purchases, banking transactions and any communication that conveys a password, account number or credit card number unless you are certain that you are on a secure connection.
5. Enable automatic or remote wiping. Most phones support automatic wiping after a certain number of unlocked attempts. This will make sure your data is erased if someone is trying to unlock your phone. Most phones support remote wiping so you can send your phone a message to wipe itself. Backup your phone regularly so your data is not lost if your device is wiped.
6. Protect your phone like you protect your PC. Most people already use software to shield their PC from viruses and spyware. With so much personal data on our phones and mobile malware on the rise, our mobile devices now need the same attention.

Fraud Alerts:

As a reminder to our customers: never give personal information to anyone over the phone, the Internet, or through the mail that you are not familiar with or did not initiate. Do not click on attachments included in unsolicited e-mails, especially those that encourage you to act quickly or else suffer some scary fate. These are almost universally scams or attempts to plant malicious software on your computer.

Text Message Scam:

Text messaging is another way thieves are trying to access your personal information. Consumers have reported receiving a text message on their cell phone that their credit card/debit card/cell phone service has or will be deactivated and they need to text back (or call a number and verify) account and PIN information. Of course if they do, they soon find their account has been hit by criminals.

Beware of Scam Callers:

We have received several calls from Landmark Bank customers who are receiving fraudulent calls regarding their debit card. These calls are not from the bank. Please DO NOT share information with anyone. HANG UP if you receive a call requesting your information.

Compromised Debit Cards:

We apologize to our customers who are having to replace debit cards due to network intrusions/security breaches from an outside merchant that may have put your card at risk. We at Landmark Bank take our responsibility to protect your account information seriously. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Why is my own phone number calling me?

If you do get a call from your own phone or a robo-call, here's some advice to consider:

• Just hang up. Don't engage the caller and don't press one of the buttons on your phone, even if it says that it will get you removed from their lists. You're just end up getting more calls.
• Remember that caller ID can lie. Don't completely rely on what appears on the screen.
• Guard your personal information. Whether it's a credit card, Social Security, or bank account number they're after, it's on you to hold those tight. Do not give out that information to anyone calling you unsolicited, and do not give them out at all unless you're sure of who you're talking to and that they need that information. If you think someone calling could be legitimate, call that business or agency at a known, published phone number from such sources as a bank statement or the back of your debit or credit card.

NOTICE OF EXPIRATION OF THE TEMPORARY FULL FDIC INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NON-INTEREST-BEARING TRANSACTION ACCOUNTS

By operation of federal law, beginning January 1, 2013, funds deposited in a non-interest-bearing transaction account (including an Interest on Lawyer Trust Account) no longer will receive unlimited deposit insurance coverage by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Beginning January 1, 2013, all of a depositor's accounts at an insured depository institution, including all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, will be insured by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount ($250,000), for each deposit insurance ownership category.

For more information about FDIC insurance coverage of non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, visit https://www.fdic.gov/ 

Corporate Account Takeover

Resources for Business Account Holders 

• Security Made Simpler: http://www.bbb.org;
• The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) interactive business guide for protecting data: http://www.ftc.gov;
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Fundamentals of Information Security for Small Businesses: https://csrc.nist.gov;
• The jointly issued “Fraud Advisory for Businesses: Corporate Account Takeover” from the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, IC3, and FS-ISAC available on the IC3 website (https://www.ic3.gov ); and
• NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association’s website has numerous articles regarding Corporate Account Takeover for both financial institutions and banking customers: https://www.nacha.org 

Examples of Deceptive Ways Criminals Contact Account Holders

1. The FDIC does not directly contact bank customers (especially related to ACH and Wire transactions, account suspension, or security alerts), nor does the FDIC request bank customers to install software upgrades. Such messages should be treated as fraudulent and the account holder should permanently delete them and not click on any links.
2. Messages or inquiries from the Internal Revenue Service, Better Business Bureau, NACHA, and almost any other organization asking the customer to install software, provide account information or access credentials is probably fraudulent and should be verified before any files are opened, software is installed, or information is provided.
3. Phone calls and text messages requesting sensitive information are likely fraudulent. If in doubt, account holders should contact the organization at the phone number the customer obtained from a different source (such as the number they have on file, that is on their most recent statement, or that is from the organization’s website). Account holders should not call phone numbers (even with local prefixes) that are listed in the suspicious email or text message. 

Information Security Laws and Standards Affecting Business Owners 

Helpful Tips

• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know whom you're dealing with.
• Don't carry your Social Security card with you; leave it in a secure place. Carry only the identification and credit and debit cards that you need.
• Don't put your address, phone number, or drivers license number on credit card sales receipts.
• Social Security numbers or phone numbers should not be put on your checks.
• Shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.
• Secure your credit card, bank, and phone accounts with passwords. Avoid using easily available information like birth date, the last four digits of your SSN, or your phone number. When opening new accounts, you may find that many businesses still have a line on their applications for your mother's maiden name. Use a password instead.
• Secure personal information in your home, particularly if you have roommates or hire outside help.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold.
• Ask about information security procedures in your workplace. Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that records are kept in a secure location. Ask about the disposal procedures for those records as well.
• Before revealing any personally identifying information (for example, on an application), find out how it will be used and secured, and whether it will be shared with others. Ask if you have a choice about the use of your information. Can you choose to have it kept confidential?

Check your credit report

Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies every year. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you have authorized. The law allows credit bureaus to charge you up to $9.00 for a copy of your credit report.

By checking your report on a regular basis you can catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances. Don't underestimate the importance of this step.

Credit Bureaus

Bank Contact Information

Linette Butler
lbutler@landmarkbankla.com
225-683-3371 ext. 243

Virdie "Chip" Moeller
vmoeller@landmarkbankla.com
225-683-3371 ext. 245

Watch for emails that:

• Urge you to act quickly because your account may be suspended or closed, or to update your personal information.
• Don't address you by name, but use a more generic one like "Dear valued customer."
• Ask for account numbers, passwords, Access IDs, or other personal information.
• The Bank will NEVER ask for sensitive information, such as account numbers, Access IDs or passwords, via e-mail.
• Tips for safeguarding your information from the American Bankers Association:
• Don't give your Social Security number or other personal credit information about yourself to anyone who calls you.
• Tear up receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
• Keep an eye out for any missing mail.
• Don't mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
• Review your monthly accounts regularly for any unauthorized charges.
• Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
• Do business with companies you know are reputable, particularly online.
• Don't open email from unknown sources and use virus detection software.
• Protect your PINs (don't carry them in your wallet!) and passwords; use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically.
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank and the fraud units of the three credit reporting agencies immediately.
  
  • TransUnion: 800-916-8800
  • Experian: 800-301-7195
  • Equifax: 800-525-6285

If you become a victim, contact:

• The fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus
• The creditors of any accounts that have been misused
• The local police to file a report.
• The bank to cancel existing accounts held in your name and re-open new accounts with new passwords.

The Bank is committed to safeguarding our customers' financial information. Maintaining our customers' trust and confidence is a top priority. To learn more about how we protect your information, please ask for a copy of our privacy policy or click on the link in our website.