To help protect you against fraud, we would like to alert you to the following types of phishing scams.

E-mail phishing. Fake e-mails are sent in order to trick victims into divulging sensitive personal information such as usernames, passwords and credit card numbers. These emails may contain fake toll-free numbers, links to counterfeit websites or even harmful viruses to infect your computer. These messages often appear to be from reputable organizations.

Phone phishing (Vishing). You may be contacted by phone (either with a "live person" or recorded message) and asked to provide or confirm your personal/financial information.

Text phishing (SMiShing). You may receive a text message directing you to call a toll-free phone number or visit a website which then asks for sensitive information.

Don't get hooked! If your identity is stolen, thieves can run up bills and commit other crimes in your name. Use the following tips provided to protect your identity from phishing.

Tips to protect your identity against phishing:

1) Never provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited request via phone, e-mail or text message. Contact the company directly using the phone number provided on your monthly statement or credit card to verify the validity of the message.

2) Do not open attachments or download files from unknown websites or an e-mail from an unknown sender.

3) Use a firewall and install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer and keep them updated.

4) Don't send sensitive information, such as your SSN or account number, via un-encrypted e-mail, as it is not a secure way to transmit information.

5) Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. You can use our Net Banking service to check your account activity anytime you want!

6) Change your password(s) every three months and choose one that is hard to guess.

Please note: We will never request that customers provide personal information to us via e-mail, text message, or popup windows. Any unsolicited request for your account or personal information you receive should be considered fraudulent and confirmed by contacting your local branch directly to verify the validity of the message.

If you wish to report a suspicious e-mail message, that appears to be from us, forward the e-mail to phishing@sterlingsavings.com. Do not respond to or use any links within the e-mail. If you wish to report a suspicious phone or text message, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-650-7141.

To learn more on how to protect yourself against Internet fraud, please visit the Federal Trade Commission at: ftc.gov/idtheft.