Mobile and SMS Banking Security Tips

Generally, the same security measures you are already familiar with from e-banking at home should also be taken here.  In addition, please note the following additional tips:

•  Activate your mobile device's code, PIN, Screen, fingerprint or strong password lock. This ensures that unauthorized parties cannot gain access to your data and applications (apps). Change your security code, PIN or password periodically.
• Do not store your access data such as PIN, or password on your mobile device. Do NOT set your device to auto-fill User ID’s or Password information
• Make sure no-one is looking over your shoulder when entering your PIN or password.
• Also, don’t forget to lock your SIM card with a code.
• Use caution when downloading banking apps. Only install apps from reputable sources such as the Apple® App Store, Google™ Play, or a direct link from our website.
• Protect your sensitive apps, such as First General Bank’s Mobile Banking app, with a code, for additional protection.
• Make sure to download and install system and app updates regularly, as often times these include fixes to security flaws.
• Install reputable anti-virus software on your mobile device, and install update promptly.
• Don't use an unsecured Wi-Fi network, such as those found at coffee shops, because fraud artists might be able to access the information you are transmitting or viewing.
• Do not share personal and financial information via email, text or phone. Social Security number, birth date, passwords, and account numbers should be kept private and never stored on your mobile device.
• Watch out for unsolicited e-mails or text messages appearing to link to a financial institution's Web site. Those could be "phishing" messages containing some sort of urgent request (such as a warning that you need to "verify" bank account or other personal information) or an amazing offer (one that is "too good to be true") designed to lead you to a fake Web site controlled by thieves. First General Bank will not send you e-mail or text message to ask for your sensitive information such as account number, social security number or password.
• Delete security verification codes and other sensitive message alerts such as banking information you may receive via text from legitimate sources.
• Always log off completely after using a mobile banking site or application. Close/exit the app only after you log off from your session.
• Do NOT” Jailbreak” or “Root” your mobile devices, as these will remove restrictions, including security protection, put in place by the device’s manufacturer, opening your device up to malware or other security flaws.
• Make sure to clear out all information on your phone before discarding it.
• If you change your mobile phone number, be sure to notify us promptly.
• Report a lost or stolen mobile device. Contact us immediately to update your information. Also, if possible, activate “remote wipe” to delete data stored on your lost device. 
• When depositing a check through our mobile banking app, retain your check in a secure location for 14 days, verify that it was posted to your account, and then destroy the check in a secure manner.

Please contact us 626-363-8878, Ext 118 or e-mail us at customerservice@fgbusa.com for any questions. Again, when sending us an e-mail, please do Not send your personal or other sensitive information.

You can obtain additional information about protecting your internet and online banking security at:

https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnwin1213/mobilebanking.html