Security Center

“Security for our customers is a top priority at Range Bank. All of our employees are trained and educated in the area of security and stand ready to help you should your account be compromised or you fall victim to identity theft or fraud. Please contact your local Range Bank office with any questions or concerns regarding security and your accounts at Range Bank. In addition, the security FAQ section below provides useful answers to the most common security related questions.”

How Do I protect my child online?
Tips to Help Kids Stay Secure Online
  • Internet safety isn't so much different from physical safety when it comes to teaching it to children. There are many lessons to share to keep them physically safe, but they should know how to keep themselves safe in a virtual world too. Following are a few tips to help them be good and safe Internet consumers.
  • Let them know that not everyone online is looking out for them. Some really want to cause harm and sometimes, malicious software is the way they do it. Just because a site looks cool, doesn’t mean it is legitimate. Websites can spread viruses, clicking a bad link can hold their and your information for ransom, or spy on them. Teach them how to analyze a link and to be completely positive that it’s safe to visit and that it should always be manually typed into the browser.
  • Make sure all computers that kids use have anti-malware installed and that it updates automatically. Also, run regular and thorough anti-malware scans on all computers used by children. Keep them clean.
  • Adults tend to give children old computers. Unfortunately, those are more likely to be vulnerable to exploits because software companies stop providing patches for them. Instead, give computers that can be updated and patched to avoid inviting hackers in. And keep them updated with the most recent critical and security patches.
  • Avoid giving kids email addresses until they are old enough to understand how to identify phishing emails. When it is time, teach them not to click links or attachments without determining if they are safe.
  • Install security software that will block malicious websites and ads and enable popup blockers on all browsers. While some ads are fine, others hide malware behind them. Not all popups are providing valuable dialogue. Those often are vehicles for scareware.
  • Do regular backups of the computers, just in case you have restore one.
  • Let them know what information is appropriate and not appropriate to share, such as personal information about them or their families.
  • Teach kids how to create strong passwords and that each account they use online should have a different one. Remind them that while their pet’s name may be great, it does not necessarily make a great password.
  • Set controls on their social media and all online accounts so their exposure to the world is limited.
  • Teach them how to determine if an App in the App store is legitimate and teach them not to sideload. That means to install apps on their mobile devices from somewhere other than the official app store.
  • Be good role models for them. Scan, maintain, and backup your systems and don't share with the world what you wouldn't want your kids to know or share.
  • Explain the implications of their actions online and help them understand why being cautious is important.
Internet access isn't limited to your home or to your computer. Remember to update and maintain their mobile devices, gaming systems, the smart TVs and anything that connects to the Internet. It's important to engage with your children and teach them all the good and bad about being online so they can make good decisions when you aren't standing over their shoulders.
  1. Keep your PIN number a secret. Never write it down or share it with anyone – not even family members.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Make sure the ATM is free of sight obstructions. If you observe suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine.
  3. Bring someone with you when using an ATM at night. If you can’t, use an ATM that is located in a public area like a convenience or grocery store.
  4. Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM.
  5. Use your body to “shield” the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN.
  6. Always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
  7. Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.
  8. If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.
Pronounced "fishing," and that is exactly what thieves are doing; fishing for your personal financial information. They want your account numbers, passwords, social security numbers and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills in your credit cards. In the worse case, you could find yourself a victim of identity theft.

What can I do to help protect myself from a "Phishing" Scam?
  • Internet access isn't limited to your home or to your computer. Remember to update and maintain your mobile devices, gaming systems, the smart TVs and anything that connects to the Internet. It's important to engage with your children and teach them all the good and bad about being online so they can make good decisions when you aren't standing over their shoulders. Never provide your personal information to an unsolicited request, whether it is over the phone or over the Internet. Emails and internet pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake padlock icon that ordinarily is used to denote a secure site. If you did not initiate the communication, you should not provide any information.
  • If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact Range Bank yourself at 906-226-0587. You can find contact information on the monthly statements you receive from your financial institution, or you can look the company up in a phone book or on the internet. The key is that you should be the one to initiate the contact, using contact information that you have verified yourself.
  • Never provide your password over the phone or in response to an unsolicited internet request. Range Bank will never ask you to verify your account information online. Thieves armed with this information and your account numbers can help themselves to your savings.
  • Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct. If your account statement is late in arriving, contact your financial institution to find out why. If your financial institution offers electronic account access, periodically review activity online to catch suspicious activity.

What is Smishing?
Smishing is a combination of the terms "SMS" and "phishing." It is similar to phishing, but refers to fraudulent messages sent over SMS (text messaging) rather than email.
Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. Range Bank recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe.
  1. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
  2. Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
  3. Protect your phone from viruses and malicious software, or malware, just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
  4. Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
  5. Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
  6. Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your mobile device.
  7. Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
  8. Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re punching in sensitive information.
  9. Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
  10. Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
  11. Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network.
  12. Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. In 2014, there were 12.7 million victims of identity fraud in the U.S., according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Range Bank recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe.

  1. Don’t share your secrets. Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
  2. Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
  3. Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
  4. Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
  5. Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
  6. Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
  7. Protect your mobile device. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments – especially for senders you don’t know.
  8. Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately
Though the internet has many advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams. According to Symantec, 12 adults become a victim of cybercrime every second. Range Bank recommends the following tips to keep you safe online:
  1. Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
  2. Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  3. Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with. Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.
  4. Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
  5. Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
  6. Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
  7. Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
FEMA recently launched a new feature to its free smartphone app to enable users to receive push notifications to their devices to remind them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters. The reminder feature allows users to receive pre-scheduled safety and preparedness tips, including testing smoke alarms, practicing a fire escape plan, updating emergency kits and replacing smoke alarm batteries.

The app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and open recovery centers, and tips on how to survive natural and manmade disasters. The FEMA app offers a feature that enables users to receive push notifications of weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation.

The latest version of the FEMA app is available for free in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices.