Security Center

PCB is committed to providing a secure banking environment for our customers. In addition, we at PCB realize the importance of sharing important security information and tips with you. One of the most important tips is for you to keep in mind that PCB will never contact you to solicit your account or other personal identification information via e-mail, text messages or over the phone.

Security Alerts

Keep up with the latest threats that may affect you.

Internet Banking Security Update

To help prevent infection by this and other nasty malware, always make sure that you browse trusted sites, you install software that only comes from reputable manufacturers, your system contains the latest anti-malware, and is fully patched with the latest OS and software patches.


Debit and Credit Card Fraud

In the event of possible debit card fraud, Phelps County Bank is pleased to provide an enhanced system of Fraud Monitoring Alerts including text messages, phone calls and e-mails (when available). 


What should I do if I have lost my debit card?

If your debit card is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately. To report a lost or stolen card after business hours, please call (866) 546-8273.


How does debit or credit card fraud occur?

Card fraud is theft and fraud committed using a credit or debit card. The fraudster may use the card to obtain products or services or to withdraw money from your account. Credit and debit card information is most often obtained through phishing and skimming. You may click on a link in an e-mail that downloads malware onto your computer. The malware will then enable the fraudster to steal your logon credentials for internet services.


What can I do to protect myself from card fraud?

  • Sign the back of your card as soon as you receive it.
  • Get e-Statements instead of paper statements which could be stolen from your mailbox.
  • Review your statements immediately for any activity that you do not recognize.
  • Be sure that all websites into which you put your card information are secure. The URL should start with https; not http.
  • Protect your cards like you would cash; try not to let them out of your sight.
  • Shred credit card applications you receive in the mail.
  • Keep a record of account numbers, expiration dates, phone numbers and addresses for each card in a secure place.
  • Never give your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call and are dealing with a trusted source.
  • Do not keep your PIN with your debit card.


Protect Yourself

Help protect yourself and your computer with these resources.

What is malware?

Malware, short for malicious software, is software written for ill-intended purposes. The term malware is used to describe viruses, worms, Trojan horses, adware, spyware, ransomware, crimeware, rootkits, and other unwanted and potentially dangerous software.


How do I help protect myself from malware?

  • Install good quality anti-malware software from a reputable vendor. If unsure what software to obtain, contact a professional computer services company.
  • Keep your computer’s and device's operating systems (OS) up to date with the latest security patches. You should also keep all software that resides on your devices up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Visit only websites by reputable companies. Browsing questionable websites will increase your risk of being infected with malware.
  • Ensure you are using a firewall and that it’s configured to allow access only to needed ports and applications.


What is phishing?

Phishing is a combination social engineering and high-tech tactic that uses fake e-mail, fraudulent Internet addresses, imposter websites, and "pop-ups" to impersonate a financial institution. Identity thieves send mass e-mails purported to be from a reputable institution. These e-mails direct you to a site where you are asked to divulge information such as usernames, passwords, account numbers, etc. While fraudulent e-mails vary in content, they generally carry a common theme essential to their success; i.e. you must take action immediately or risk losing access to your account. Criminals will try to make their site look exactly like that of your bank.


How do I help protect myself from phishing?

  • Do not respond to e-mails that ask for confidential information. PCB will never request personal information such as usernames, passwords, etc. through an e-mail.
  • Install good quality anti-malware software from a reputable vendor. If unsure what software to obtain, contact a professional computer services company.
  • When on PCB’s website, you can help insure you’re on the correct site by verifying that web address is correct and in a secure session (https)


How do I report phishing activity?


What is identity theft?

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing types of financial fraud. Without stealing your wallet, a crook can steal your financial identity with as little information as your Social Security Number. The practice is also know as "account-takeover fraud" or "true-name fraud," and it involves crooks' assuming your identity by applying for credit, running up huge bills and stiffing creditors - all in your name.


How do I protect myself from identity theft?

  • Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure they are accurate. You can call each of the three national credit reporting agencies because each may contain different aspects of your credit history, or you can contact AnnualCreditReport.com for one free credit report each year.
  • Keep an eye on your accounts throughout the year by reading your monthly/periodic statements thoroughly. That's an easy way for you to be sure that all of the activity in your accounts was initiated by you.
  • Tear up or shred pre-approved credit offers, receipts and other personal information that link your name to account numbers. Don't leave your ATM, debit or credit card receipt in public trash cans. Crooks (a.k.a dumpster divers) are known to go through trash to get account numbers and other items that will give them just enough information to get credit in your name.
  • If your credit card or other bills are more than two weeks late, you should do the following:
    Contact the US Postal Service to see if someone has forwarded your mail to another address.
    Contact your bank to ask if the statement or card has been mailed.
    Contact the businesses that send you bills.
  • When paying your bills, don't put them in your mailbox with the red flag up. That's a quick way to have someone steal your mail. Use a locked mailbox, the post office or pay them online.
  • Protect your account information. Don't write your PIN on your ATM or debit card. Don't write your Social Security Number or credit card account number on a check. Cover your hand when you are entering your PIN number at an ATM or point of sale machine.
  • Don't carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate unless you need it that day. Take all but one or two credit cards out of your wallet, and keep a secured list at home of your account information and customer service telephone numbers.
  • Never provide personal and/or confidential information over the phone, unless you initiated the call.
  • If you have been denied credit in the past 60 days, the credit reporting agency that sent the report to your prospective creditor must provide you with a copy of the report for free. However, it will not be sent automatically so you have to request a copy from the credit reporting agency.

AnnualCreditReport.com: (877) 322-8228

TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

Equifax: (800) 525-6285

Experian: (888) 397-3742


My identity has been stolen. What do I need to do?

  • Call your local police department and report the theft. Identity theft and financial fraud is a crime.
  • Contact PCB as soon as possible. We can help you obtain new account numbers for all of your PCB accounts.
  • Close all of your credit card accounts and open with new account numbers.
  • Call the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft hotline at (877) IDTHEFT. The hotline is staffed by counselors trained to help identity theft victims.
  • If you suspect mail theft, notify the US Postal Inspector.
  • If you suspect your Social Security Number was taken, contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
  • You also may want to contact your telephone, long distance, water, gas and electrical companies to alert them that someone may try to open an account in your name.
  • Maintain a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down each person's name, title, and phone number in case you need to contact them again or refer to them in future correspondence. 
  • Contact the fraud units of all three credit bureaus. Ask them to flag your account, which tells creditors that you are a victim of identity theft. Also, add a victim's statement to each of your credit bureau reports that asks creditors to contact you in person to verify all applications made in your name. You can reach the fraud units of the credit bureaus at:


TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

Equifax: (800) 525-6285

Experian: (888) 397-3742

How do I know if I’ve received a counterfeit check?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions involving the check you have received, please contact a PCB customer service representative immediately. You could have a counterfeit check. 

  • Are the check proceeds for an item you sold on the internet such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc.?
  • Is the amount of the check more than the selling price of the item?
  • Have you been instructed to send funds to another person as soon as possible?
  • Is the check from an individual you have communicated with via e-mail?
  • Is the check drawn on a business or individual different from the person buying your item or product?
  • Have you been informed that you were the winner in a lottery that you did not enter?
  • Have you been asked to assist in the distribution of money from another country?
  • In addition to resources in our Security Center, the FDIC has posted an Identity Theft and Fraud page on their website.


Business Services

ACH Security Framework:  This video is for businesses that process ACH transactions and covers the protection of sensitive consumer/employee information.