Some consumers may want to know how their personal information is used by their bank and whether it is shared with affiliates of the bank or other parties.

Starting July 2001, banks are required to give you a copy of their privacy policy once you become their customer, regardless of whether you are conducting business online or offline. You may also see a copy of it posted at the bank’s Web site. By reviewing this policy you can learn what information the bank keeps about you, and what information, if any, it shares with other companies.

Help Keep your Transactions Secure
The Internet is a public network. Therefore, it is important to learn how to safeguard your banking information, credit cared numbers, Social Security Number and other personal data.

Click on this link for more information about our security practices, or contact us directly at (620) 251-5500.

Also, learn about and take advantage of security features. Some examples are:

• Encryption is the process of scrambling private information to prevent unauthorized access. To show that your transmission is encrypted, some browsers display a small icon on your screen that looks like a “lock” or a “key” whenever you conduct secure transactions online. Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through unsecured e-mail.
• Passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) should be used when access an account online. Your password should be unique to you and you should change it regularly. Do not use birthdates or other numbers or words that may be easy for others to guess. Be careful who you give your password to. For example, if you use a financial company that requires your passwords in order to gather your financial data from various sources, make sure you learn about the company’s privacy and security practices.
• General security over your personal computer such as virus protection and physical access controls should be used and updated regularly. Contact your hardware and software suppliers or Internet service provider to ensure you have the latest in security updates.

If you have a security concern about your online accounts, contact us to discuss possible problems and remedies.

• Remember that nonfinancial Web sites that are linked to your bank’s site are not FDIC-insured.

 As an added convenience to their customers, some banks offer online links to merchant’s, retail stores, travel agents and other nonfinancial sites. An outside company’s products and services are not insured by the FDIC, and we do not guarantee the products and services.

As in everyday business, before you order a product or service online, make sure you are comfortable with the reputation of the company making the offer. Only then should you give out your credit card or debit card number. And never give the number unless you initiated the transaction.

For More Help

Answers to your questions.

Many regulations provide consumer protection for both traditional and online transactions. If you have any questions or concerns, first try to get answers from your bank. If you’re still not satisfied, contact the appropriate federal regulator.

For a brief overview of the regulations, log on to the FDIC’s Consumer Rights web page at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/rights/index.html. If you’d like to review the regulations, you can look them up at http://www.federalreserve.gov/regulations/.

Where to file a complaint.

If you know your bank’s primary regulator, you may file your complaint online or via e-mail using one of the following methods. If you are not certain where to file your complaint, you may contact any of the agencies listed below and they will direct you to the appropriate office.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (e-mail):
Customer.assistance@occ.treas.gov

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/complaints

Where to report a suspected fraud:

Contact the FDIC at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/sspcious.html if you have been a victim of banking fraud, or if you have visited a bank Web site that appears to be fraudulent.