Your Security

Fairfield County Bank uses multi-factor authentication to help keep your accounts secure. When logging into online or mobile banking from an unrecognized or untrusted device, you’ll be asked to enter a verification code for added protection. You can also opt into strict authentication, requiring MFA each time you log in.

Use Face ID or fingerprint to access your mobile banking with Fairfield County Bank, ensuring only you access your account. Not having to remember or re-enter your password every time you access your online banking is an added convenience.

Choose from 14 different alert types and receive notifications by email, text message, or both when important account activity occurs. Customized alerts can help you monitor transactions, track balances, and quickly identify unexpected activity.

You may be presented with a One-Time Passcode when banking online or with your mobile device. A One-Time Passcode (OTP) is a heightened security feature that may be triggered when accessing your accounts. As an extra security measure, an OTP will be sent when using Zelle®. The OTP will be sent via SMS (text message) to the mobile number on file. After entering the passcode, you will be able to access your account.

Our email form allows you to contact us safely by sending secure information through our form rather than through public email. The form is encrypted when it is sent over the Internet, which helps protect this information from being intercepted.

Strong passwords are your first line of defense against fraud and identity theft. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for scammers to access your accounts, steal personal information, and commit financial fraud.

• Use at least 12 characters
• Include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid personal details (birthdays, names, addresses)
• Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts
• Update passwords immediately if you suspect suspicious activity

• Create and edit real-time account activity text and email alerts
• Quickly activate or deactivate your debit card with Guard My Card
• Make secure payments through Bill Pay
• Enroll in eStatements to receive your monthly statement earlier via email
• View pending transactions
• Monitor your credit score using our Credit Score Tool
• Use Money Manager 360 to view all your account activity at once

Closely monitoring transactional activity on your bank and credit card accounts, checking your credit reports, and freezing or locking your credit are a few other steps you may want to consider to help protect yourself.

Considering freezing your credit? The Federal Trade Commission provides additional information at consumer.ftc.gov.

To establish a credit freeze, you will need to place it with the major credit bureaus listed below.

• Equifax: equifax.com or 1-800-349-9960
• Experian: experian.com or 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: transunion.com or 1-888-909-8872
• Innovis: innovis.com or 1-800-540-2505

Sometimes called “phishing” or “vishing,” impersonation scams happen when scammers pretend to be your bank, a government agency, or even a loved one in distress by “spoofing” their Caller ID information. The person on the other end of the phone may even sound like someone you know. These bad actors then use fear and urgency to pressure you into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

Warning signs:

• Demands for immediate action
• Requests for personally identifiable information (PII) like account numbers, Social Security Numbers, or PINs
• Familiar-looking caller ID that doesn’t feel right

Don’t Trust Caller ID AloneIt can be easily spoofed; always confirm the phone number.

Verify FirstHang up and call back using the official number from the organization’s website.

Don’t Send MoneyLegitimate entities will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

Know Your Bank’s PolicyFairfield County Bank will never call you to ask for:

• Bank account numbers, Social Security Numbers
• Debit card security numbers or PINs
• Online and mobile banking credentials or passwords

The Bank will never text a link to verify account information.

Scammers post fake job listings or reach out directly with offers that promise easy money. Their goal is to collect your personal or financial information under the guise of employment.

Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” OffersIf a job promises high pay for little effort or asks for personal details upfront, it’s likely a scam.

Research the CompanyLook up the company’s official website and verify the job posting before applying or responding.

Remote access software has been used by scammers to gain access to personal information. Several apps with legitimate purposes, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and RemotePC, are exploited by scammers impersonating customer service representatives. Fairfield County Bank will never ask you to download remote access software.

How does it work?Scammers place calls disguised as a customer service representative and will try to tempt you to download an app, claiming there is an issue and the application is necessary to resolve the problem. They will oftentimes try to create a sense of urgency around an issue in order to pressure someone into installing the application. Once the software is downloaded and access has been granted, the fraudster can search for sensitive information, including online banking details.

Avoiding Remote Desktop Scams

• Never download remote access software based on over-the-phone instruction
• If a representative asks you to download software to your phone or mobile device, hang up immediately
• Contact the service provider by using the phone number or contact method listed on their official website

Scammers create fake identities to build online relationships through dating apps or social media. Once trust is established, they ask for money, often citing emergencies or travel needs.

Watch for these signs:

• Quick declarations of love
• Avoidance of video calls or in-person meetings
• Requests to keep the relationship secret
• Asking for money
• Limited or suspicious online presence

Talk It OutShare your experience with friends or family—they may notice red flags you’ve missed.

Consult Your BankerBefore sending money to someone you haven’t met, remember to Stop, Evaluate, Talk to your banker.

Fraudulent ads may appear at the top of search results, leading to fake banking or shopping websites designed to steal your information.

Type URLs DirectlyAlways type the web address into your browser or use saved bookmarks.

Use Official AppsLog into your bank or favorite retailers using their official apps—not through search engines.

Scroll Past Sponsored ResultsBe cautious of links labeled “Sponsored” at the top of search results—they may not be legitimate.

Watch for ErrorsBe on the lookout for misspellings and grammatical errors on websites—they’re often signs of a scam.

Scammers claim you’ve won a prize in a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered. Their goal is to trick you into paying fees or sharing personal information to “claim” your winnings.

Warning signs of a fake prize scam:

• You’re notified of a win—but never entered a contest
• You’re asked to pay money to receive your prize
• Requests for sensitive info like your SSN, bank account, or credit card
• Urgent deadlines and instructions to keep your win secret
• Poor grammar, generic greetings, or unofficial email addresses
• Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

Be SkepticalIf it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ignore Unsolicited OffersDelete or disregard messages claiming you’ve won something you didn’t enter.

Never Pay to Claim a PrizeLegitimate sweepstakes never ask for money upfront.

Protect Your InfoDon’t share personal or financial details with unknown contacts.

Verify IndependentlyIf a company is mentioned, look up their official contact info yourself—don’t use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.

Check washing is a type of check fraud that occurs when a written check has been stolen and washed, oftentimes with common household chemicals, to remove the ink. The scammer can then change the check amount and payee.

Tips to Prevent Check Washing:

• When writing a check, use a black gel pen. Visit any Fairfield County Bank branch office if you need one
• Do not raise the red flag and place valuable mail in your box. The flag acts as an invitation for criminal attention
• Do not use free-standing USPS receptacle boxes when mailing checks
• Mail checks by handing them directly to a USPS employee inside the Post Office
• Monitor your accounts frequently via online and mobile banking
• Use Bill Pay to send your payments

Practice Safe ChecksIn coordination with the American Bankers Association, Fairfield County Bank is committed to educating our clients on the best way to stay secure, including practicing safe checks. It should come as easily as airline safety, so buckle up for this one. Learn More

Skimming occurs when criminals place hidden devices on card readers—like those at ATMs, gas pumps, or registers—to steal your card information during a transaction.

How to Protect Yourself:

Use Contactless PaymentsTap your card or use your digital wallet to avoid swiping or inserting your card altogether. It’s a safer, faster way to pay.

Inspect Card ReadersBefore using a card reader, take a quick look. Avoid machines that appear loose, damaged, or tampered with.

Mail theft happens when criminals steal letters containing checks, credit card offers, account statements, or other sensitive financial information—putting your identity and money at risk.

Go PaperlessSwitch to eStatements and digital payments to reduce the amount of sensitive information sent through the mail.

Collect Mail PromptlyPick up your mail as soon as possible—especially if you’re expecting checks or important financial documents.

• Unexpected Contact
• Request
• Threat
• Secrecy
• Urgency

Bad actors pay for sponsored results on the web to be the first item that shows up when you search. Always scroll past when looking for accurate contact information. Instead, use the number or contact that you know.