The Fact Act

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, passed by Congress, allows all individuals the right to check their credit report once every year.

You can obtain a FREE credit report once a year from each of the credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.

ONLINE AT:
www.AnnualCreditReport.com

TOLL FREE AT:
877.322.8228

Read FDIC's free publications to become better informed.

ONLINE AT:
www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/index.html

Your Decorah Bank Bancard credit card information is available online.

You can:

·       View your credit card information including charges, payments, and credit

·       Make payments without ever writing a check

·       Access your credit card account information securely

ONLINE AT:
https://www.nobel-net.com/bancardcenteronline/GetLoggedIn/Welcome.asp

Protect yourself from payment fraud by exercising caution when accepting cashier checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, online payments, credit card payments or wires – as these monetary instruments are currently being used in scams.

KNOW with whom you are doing business.  “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”

TALK with us if you are the least bit suspicious about the authenticity of any item you are depositing.  We can help you verify its authenticity.  We don’t want you to be at risk of an overdrawn account because of fraud.

TAKE the cashier check or other monetary instrument you receive as payment to a branch of the bank on which it is drawn if possible.  That bank is in the best position to determine the check’s authenticity.

NEVER use the phone number or mailing address on the monetary instrument to verify its authenticity.  Always use a more reliable source to get contact information, such as a phone book or phone information services.  When online, consider using separate search engines and compare contact information.  Don’t use the link or email address provided.

REMEMBER that online fraud is just as prevalent.  A best practice is to know whom you are dealing with and personally ask to verify the safety of the email, link, or web address before clicking on it.

 Fraud Victims Should…
File a report with local law enforcement.
File a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General at 1 888-777-4590.
Work with your bank on repayment options if the reversal of the deposit has overdrawn your account.

Decorah, Iowa – You understand GPAs and test scores but do you understand your credit score or the value of saving?  Maybe you should read this just to be sure.  Decorah Bank’s top 10 tips are designed to provide an edge on mastering your personal finances. By following these simple tips, you’ll be setting yourself up for a great college experience.

Click here for Personal Finance 101 for college students.

The Money Talks newsletter series contains tips, practical advice, thought-provoking ideas and age-appropriate activities to bring money lessons alive for young children, tweens, teens and young adults.  This newsletter is designed for parents, grandparents and other caring adults to help them teach children and young adults about money.