Be extremely cautious during this current financial turmoil. Over the next few months, online criminals may take advantage of recent business and economic changes. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with common fraud tactics, such as phishing emails and fraudulent Web sites, and learn ways to protect yourself online.

What is Phishing?

You may receive emails that attempt to collect your personal and confidential account information. These scams are often referred to as "phishing."

A phishing email may fraudulently state that you are required to update your account, your account has been deactivated, or some other problem has arisen. Often this type of email includes a link that, when clicked, directs you to a Web site, which is designed to resemble the target Corporate Web site. These emails could also contain links that attempt to download malicious software (unauthorized software commonly referred to as a virus or malware).

Be Suspicious If You Notice These Warning Signs

* Botched Design - Distorted or oddly sized logos.
* Poor Grammar - Legitimate companies will avoid using incorrect grammar.
* Misspellings - Misspelled words, especially if there are several misspelled words within a single message.
* Sense of Urgency - Urgent messaging designed to solicit and capture confidential account and personal information or that contains links to patches and downloads.

Protect Yourself

* Do not share your login access codes for Online Services with any third party.
* Install anti-virus/anti-spyware software and make sure your software is up-to-date.
* Review your account statements carefully. Regular account review helps to detect fraudulent activity quickly.

What To Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email

If you receive a suspicious email with any of the warning signs noted above, or you have reason to suspect an email may be a phishing attempt, do not respond to or click on any links within the email. Please forward the email to the abuse email address of the target company and then delete it.

When forwarding a suspicious email, do not modify the original subject line or content within the email, and do not include any personal or confidential information such as checking account numbers, User ID and Password, credit card numbers or Social Security Numbers.

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Chairman	Perry Scott, Covington	Email
NE Vice Chairman	Bob Green, Covington	Email
NW Vice Chairman	Bruce Davis, Dalton	Email
SW Vice Chairman	John Quinn, Griffin	Email
Advisor	PSP Jim Pilgrim, Gainesville	Email