Our Commitment to Security

We take the protection of your information very seriously. In response to an ever more dangerous online threat environment, we must all do our part to protect sensitive information from fraud. Scams and hacking techniques are more sophisticated. New threats are continually being developed, and organized crime groups both in the United States and internationally have become a major force in expanding online fraud and theft.

If you notice any unusual account activity, contact the bank immediately at (229) 794-3883. If you need to deactivate your debit card during after hours, holidays, or weekends, please contact the Fraud Center at (888) 297-3416.


Cybersecurity

Citizens Community Bank is continually defending against malicious attacks. We utilize a wide variety of security practices and layers to secure our network, applications, and your information from unwanted attacks. The cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace and so does our measures to combat against it.

  1. CCB uses a layered approach. We utilize firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, 24/7 monitoring, patch management, anti-virus and malware protection to name a few.
  2. We protect the confidentiality of your data by encrypting any sensitive information that is being transmitted with at least a minimum 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or greater encryption. This helps secure sensitive information can only be viewed by designated parties.
  3. We build information security right into our systems and networks using recognized security standards, regulations, and industry-based best practices.
  4. We employ strong authentication controls following guidelines provided by the government and banking regulators.
  5. We require our employees to take information security awareness training and to apply this training to their job every day.

You should report suspicious activity or email communications to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Send the actual email you received to spam@uce.gov. If you believe you’ve been scammed, file your compliant at www.ftc.gov, then visit the FTC’s Identity Theft Website www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft to learn how to minimize your risk of damage from identity theft.

If you want to learn how to avoid a scam, what to do if you were scammed, or want to report fraud, scams, and bad business practices go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts


Customer Education

Citizens Community Bank will never call, email, or otherwise contact you to request your access ID, password, or other login credentials. If you receive such a request, do not provide any information.

  1. Do not share your access ID or passcodes with anyone. They are the keys to your account access on our system.
  2. Beware of any unsolicited phone calls or emails asking you for this information.
  3. Do not click on links or attachments on unexpected emails.
  4. After performing transactions online be sure to use the LOG OUT button when you are finished. Then close your browser or App completely. This ensures no who uses the computer after you can see your information.
  5. Install and regularly update your anti-virus and anti-malware software. Perform frequent scans of your computer. Protect your computer with a firewall. Load operating system security updates regularly.
  6. Learn how to spot suspicious emails to stop threats.
  7. Never email financial information or your Social Security Number unless you are using an encrypted secure email.
  8. Read disclosures before downloading software and Apps.
  9. Evaluate your browser’s privacy settings
  10. Explore security settings for all Internet connected devices, including gaming systems.
  11. Do not conduct your banking while on an unsecure wifi connection.
  12. Secure your at home wireless network, so unauthorized users cannot access your personal information.
  13. Before disposing a computer, mobile device or any Internet connected item, completely remove all personal information from it.

Business customers should be encouraged to perform a periodic risk assessment and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the controls they have in place to minimize the risks cyber attacks. Use layers of security. Utilize a firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware programs, keep your systems up to date, secure any wifi, backup your data regularly, and shred confidential information.

Is a scam targeting both businesses and individuals performing a transfer of funds. Visit https://www.ic3.gov/Home/BEC to learn about Business Email Compromise and filing a complaint.

Electronic Funds Transfer PDF

Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults – English | Español


Identity Theft

Identity theft is a federal crime. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or permission for financial or other gain.

It can damage your finances, credit rating, and reputation, and complicate many areas of your life. This is done by draining your bank account, making purchases with your credit cards, opening new accounts (cell phone, bank, utilities, & credit cards) in your name, get identity and government documents issued with your name and their photos, receive medical care under your insurance, take out loans in your name, and create a false criminal record for you by using your identifying information when they get arrested.

  1. Monitor your accounts for fraudulent transactions frequently by logging into your online account.
  2. Check your credit report at least once a year. Each of the 3 major credit reporting agencies provide a free credit report once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com or you can contact each credit bureau directly at:
  3. Stop receiving paper statements by mail to limit fraud. Use online or e-statements.
  4. Shred your financial documents
  5. Do not give your personal information out unless you are initiating the request and KNOW/TRUST who you are giving dealing with.
  6. Never click on links or unsolicited emails
  7. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam.
  1. Go to https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/ and complete a FTC Identity Theft Affidavit
  2. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review the reports carefully.
  3. Contact the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or charged without your okay. Close all fraudulent accounts.
  4. File a police report with your local law enforcement. Say you are a victim of identity theft and you wish to file a police report. Bring a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, any other proof of identity theft, proof of your address, a government-issued photo I.D.
  5. Get proof of fraudulent activity. Ask the businesses for copies of documents the identity thief used to open a new account or make a purchase in your name. Speak with a supervisor if necessary.
  6. Dispute all fraudulent charges
  7. Correct credit report errors, dispute errors. Consider about placing a credit freeze on your credit report.