Preparing Before Something Happens
A lost wallet can trigger a cascade of identity theft. Being proactive is the strongest safeguard.

Build a Secure Wallet Inventory
Create a list that includes:

• Debit & credit card numbers
• Checkbook information
• Insurance cards (health, auto, homeowner)
• Membership cards (gym, library, retail)
• Identification cards (driver’s license, student ID)
• Passport details

Store your inventory in a secure folder, safe, or encrypted digital file.
Never carry your Social Security card.
If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen: Immediate Steps

1. Report your cards lost/stolen
2. Change major online banking or shopping passwords
3. Contact your insurance providers if applicable
4. Monitor accounts closely for 30–60 days
5. Alert credit bureaus if sensitive documents were lost
6. File a police report (optional but helpful for disputes)

Pro Tip:

Replace nonessential items in your wallet with digital versions when available (insurance cards, membership cards, etc.).

Password Strengthening
Strong passwords are your first line of defense.

Password Tips

• Use 12+ characters whenever possible
• Make each password unique—no repeats across sites
• Avoid dictionary words or predictable sequences
• Use a passphrase or acronym meaningful only to you
• Enable multi factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible

What NOT to Do

• Don’t write passwords on sticky notes
• Don’t store them in browser autofill on shared devices
• Don’t reuse banking passwords anywhere else

Pro Tip: Use a reputable password manager to keep track securely.

Keeping Your Devices Safe

Update & Patch Regularly
Outdated software leaves you vulnerable.

Always update:

• Operating system
• Browsers
• Banking apps
• Office suites
• Antivirus & antimalware tools
• Adobe products when needed

Antivirus & Firewall Protection

• Use active antivirus and anti malware programs
• Ensure your firewall is ON (Windows, macOS, or router-level)
• Schedule weekly scans

Safe Disposal of Technology

Before giving away, selling, or recycling a device:

1. Back up what you need
2. Wipe the drive with data erasing software
3. For sensitive devices, physically destroy the hard drive

Even “deleted” files can be recovered if not properly erased.

Secure Your Home Network

Protect Your Wi Fi

• Immediately change default router passwords
• Rename your network to something unique
• Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption
• Disable remote router access if not needed

Pro Tips

• Hide your SSID (optional but adds a layer)
• Keep your router firmware updated
• Create a “guest” network for visitors

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Review your statements:

• Look for small “test charges”
• Check withdrawals you don’t recognize
• Verify all automatic payments
• Set alerts in Online Banking (email or app-based)

Online Reporting

You can report suspicious activity through Online Banking:

1. Log in
2. Go to Customer Service Center
3. Select Requests and Messages
4. Choose “Report Suspicious Activity”
5. Provide details to help GFB investigate

Response time: 1–2 business days

Check the URL

• Look for https://
• Avoid URLs containing misspellings or extra characters

Look for Security Indicators

• Padlock icon in the address bar
• Valid certificate when clicking the padlock

Leave Immediately If

• Certificate warnings appear
• The connection is labeled “Not Secure” on a page requesting data

Smartphones store an enormous amount of personal and financial information. Losing one—or having it compromised—can expose access to your accounts.

Secure Your Device

• Set a strong passcode, not just biometrics (FaceID/TouchID).
• Enable auto lock after 30 seconds.
• Turn on Find My iPhone / Find My Device so you can remotely lock or wipe your phone.
• Never leave your phone unattended in public spaces.

Secure Your Banking Apps

• Only download GFB’s mobile app from official stores (Apple App Store / Google Play).
• Do not install financial apps from pop ups, ads, or links.
• Enable multi factor authentication (MFA) whenever available.
• Disable app previews in notifications.

Avoid Public Wi Fi

• Never access online banking on public Wi Fi (airports, coffee shops, hotels).
• If needed, use your phone’s secure hotspot instead.

Check fraud is on the rise nationwide. Criminals steal, alter, or duplicate checks to commit financial theft.

Tips to Protect Yourself

• When writing checks, use gel pens—they’re harder to wash/alter.
• Mail checks inside a post office, not in a public mailbox.
• Review your account regularly for checks cleared with altered amounts.
• Consider switching more bill payments to secure electronic options.

If a Check Goes Missing

• Contact your bank immediately to place a stop payment.
• Monitor the account closely for attempts at check washing or duplication.

Criminals mine social media for personal details that help them crack passwords or impersonate you.

Protect Your Online Presence

• Avoid posting your full birthday, address, or school.
• Do not publicly list your hometown or mother’s maiden name.
• Be cautious when sharing travel plans—it signals when you’re not home.
• Reject friend requests from people you don’t know.
• Beware of quizzes like “What was your first car?”—these often mimic security questions.

Travel—domestic or international—creates increased opportunities for fraud and theft.

Before You Travel

• Notify GFB of upcoming travel to avoid fraud alerts.
• Bring only essential cards.
• Use a hotel safe for important documents.
• Photograph your wallet contents (front/back of cards) and secure them digitally.

While Traveling

• Avoid connecting to airport or hotel Wi Fi for banking.
• Use ATMs inside banks, not standalone machines abroad.
• Check accounts regularly for unusual activity.
• Keep your phone physically secured—tourist areas are high risk for theft.

Identity thieves rummage through trash to steal sensitive information.

What to Shred

• Old bills
• Pre approved credit offers
• Receipts
• Bank statements
• Medical insurance documents
• Anything containing personal or financial information
• Use a cross cut shredder for best security.

If You’re Ever Unsure… Contact Goppert Financial Bank
We are here to help you stay informed, protected, and confident.

Immediate Fraud Concerns

• Local branch (business hours)
• 816-408-0400 (lost/stolen card after hours)

Your mailbox is one of the easiest entry points for identity thieves.

Warning Signs of Mail Tampering

• Bills or statements suddenly stop arriving
• Unexpected USPS forwarding orders
• Packages marked “delivered” that never arrived
• New credit cards received without applying

How to Reduce the Risk

• Use USPS Hold Mail when out of town (3–30 days)
• Deposit outgoing mail inside a post office
• Avoid placing checks or documents in personal mailboxes
• Consider installing a locking mailbox

Switch to eStatements for Maximum Security
Paper statements are vulnerable at every step of the mailing process.

Benefits of eStatements

• Eliminates risk of interception or stolen mail
• Same format and detail as paper
• Easily downloadable, storable, and printable
• Accessible through GFB Online Banking
• Environmentally friendly

Visit any GFB branch to enroll.

Fraudsters are highly sophisticated. Knowing what to look for is crucial.

Phishing (Email Scams)

Red Flags

• Unexpected “urgent” messages
• Threats of account closure
• Poor grammar, misspellings, weird formatting
• Email addresses that nearly—but not exactly—match legitimate sources
• Attachments from unknown senders
• Links that redirect to strange URLs

How to Protect Yourself

• Never click unknown links
• Type website URLs manually
• Use browser tools to inspect links before visiting
• Don’t open attachments unless you trust the sender
• Assume unsolicited “security updates” are fake

If You Receive a Suspicious Email

• Delete it immediately
• Do NOT reply
• Report it to spam@uce.gov
• Notify GFB directly

Smishing (Text Message Scams)

Scammers send texts pretending to be your bank.

How to Stay Safe

• Never click links in texts from unknown numbers
• Never reply to texts requesting account information
• GFB does not send text alerts—treat any such text as fraudulent
• Block the sender

Vishing (Phone Scams)

Fraudsters spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate.

How to Recognize a Scam Call

• The caller asks for personal or financial info
• They pressure you into acting urgently
• They claim your account is in danger
• Their story doesn’t match prior communications

Protect Yourself

• Hang up immediately
• Call GFB directly at 816 408 0400
• Never provide account numbers or PINs over the phone unless you initiated the call

Financial Red Flags

• Unexplained purchases
• Loans or accounts you didn’t open
• Calls from collectors about unfamiliar debt

Credit Report Red Flags

Pull your free annual reports from:

• Equifax — 800 525 6285
• Experian — 888 397 3742
• TransUnion — 800 680 7289

Look for:

• Unknown credit inquiries
• Accounts you didn’t open
• Incorrect personal information

Medical Identity Theft
Bills for care you didn’t receive can signal misuse of your identity.

Employment/Background Check Issues
If you’re denied employment for “credit concerns,” investigate immediately.

Spoofing disguises a scammer’s identity by altering:

• Caller ID
• Email “From” names
• Website appearance

If anything feels off—contact GFB directly.

While GFB’s ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs are secure, criminals sometimes attempt to install card skimming devices on non bank machines.

How to Stay Safe at ATMs

• Inspect the card reader for anything loose, misaligned, or unusual.
• Shield your hand when entering your PIN.
• Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit, isolated areas.
• If anything “feels off,” walk away and find another ATM.
• Always take your receipt and card—never leave them behind.

After Visiting an ATM

• Check your account for recent withdrawals or irregular activity.
• Report any unfamiliar transactions immediately.

P2P platforms are convenient but also heavily targeted by scammers.

Rules for Staying Safe

• Never send money to someone you don’t personally know.
• Treat P2P transfers like cash—there are no refunds.
• Double check names, phone numbers, and usernames before sending.
• If someone claims to be from GFB asking you to “reverse a transaction,” it’s a scam.
• Never share your verification codes with anyone.

Common P2P Scams

• “Refund” scams
• Marketplace scams
• Fake job or mystery shopper scams
• Romance scams requesting money

Always pause, verify, and question unexpected payment requests.

E commerce fraud is rampant, especially during holiday seasons.

Before Making a Purchase

• Only shop on sites you recognize.
• Look for “https://” before entering payment information.
• Use a dedicated credit card for online purchases for easier dispute resolution.

Red Flags for Fake Shopping Sites

• Extremely low prices
• No physical address listed
• Misspelled domain names
• No customer service contact information
• Multiple complaints from online reviews

Spoofing has become so convincing that even tech savvy users can be fooled.

Types of Spoofing

• Caller ID spoofing: appearing as “Goppert Financial Bank” or local numbers.
• Email spoofing: fake “From” addresses that look legitimate.
• Website spoofing: fraudulent sites imitating official bank pages.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never trust caller ID alone—fraudsters can fake it.
• If a message feels urgent, threatening, or off, assume it’s a scam.
• Always type website addresses manually.
• Bookmark GFB’s official homepage.