Protecting your personal and financial information is a shared responsibility. The Farmers Bank uses multiple layers of security to help safeguard your accounts, while providing tools and education to help you recognize and respond to fraud and identity theft.
Education and awareness are important steps in reducing the risk of fraud. The information below explains how to protect yourself, how our debit card security features work, and what to do if you believe your information has been compromised.
Debit Card Security & Card Management
The Farmers Bank debit cards are designed with advanced security features and customer?controlled tools to help protect your account and give you greater flexibility and peace of mind.
EMV & Contactless Debit Cards
The Farmers Bank debit cards include EMV chip technology and contactless (tap?to?pay) capability for secure, convenient transactions.
- EMV chip technology generates a unique, encrypted code for each transaction, helping to prevent counterfeit fraud
- Contactless transactions use secure encryption and do not transmit your actual card number to merchants
- No personal or account information is stored on or shared through contactless payments
These features help reduce fraud while allowing you to complete everyday purchases quickly and securely.
Card Management Tools
Customers can manage their debit cards directly through The Farmers Bank’s Online banking services, providing greater visibility and control.
You may be able to:
- Turn your debit card on or off instantly
- Set travel preferences or usage controls
- Restrict transactions by location, merchant type, or dollar amount
- Review recent card activity in real time
These tools allow you to respond quickly if something doesn’t look right, without waiting for bank business hours.
Debit Card Alerts
Alerts provide an additional layer of protection by helping you stay informed about account activity.
- Receive notifications when your debit card is used
- Identify suspicious or unexpected transactions more quickly
- Manage alert preferences within online banking
Monitoring alerts helps you spot potential fraud early and take action promptly.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe your debit card, account, or personal information may be compromised:
- Immediately disable your debit card using The Farmers Bank Card Management tools
- Contact The Farmers Bank as soon as possible by calling your local branch or
(615) 325?2265 - Review recent transactions and report any unauthorized activity
- Update online and mobile banking passwords if applicable
- Continue monitoring alerts and account activity
If your debit card is lost or stolen, notify the Bank immediately so the card can be disabled and replaced.
Identity Theft Awareness
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission for financial gain or fraud. Common warning signs may include:
- Unauthorized or unfamiliar transactions
- Unexpected loan or credit denials
- Collection notices for debts you do not recognize
- Errors on bank statements or credit reports
For more detailed guidance and reporting tools, visit the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
Tips & Best Practices for Protecting Your Information
Safe Banking Habits
- Review your bank and credit card statements regularly
- Do not share login credentials, one?time passcodes, or full card numbers
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting personal information
- Do not trust caller ID alone; phone numbers can be spoofed
The Farmers Bank will not request your online banking credentials, one?time passcodes, or full debit card information through unsolicited communications. If in doubt, contact the Bank using a published phone number.
Password & Account Security
- Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts
- Avoid reusing passwords across multiple websites or applications
- Update passwords periodically and whenever suspicious activity is suspected
- Enable alerts or additional verification options when available
Online & Mobile Security
- Use secure, private internet connections when accessing financial accounts
- Avoid banking on public Wi?Fi networks
- Keep devices, operating systems, and banking apps up to date
- Log out completely when finishing online sessions
Child Identity Theft Prevention
Children are increasingly targeted for identity theft. To help protect your child’s personal information:
- Secure documents containing Social Security numbers or personal data
- Share personal information only when necessary and with trusted parties
- Monitor school and medical records for unauthorized use
- Educate children about safe online behavior and the dangers of sharing passwords
- Safely dispose of documents with personal information
Warning signs of child identity theft may include denied government benefits, collection notices, or IRS notifications regarding duplicate information.
Additional Resources
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows consumers to obtain one free credit report every 12 months from each nationwide credit reporting agency.
To request your free credit report:
- Call 1-877-322-8228
- Visit consumer.ftc.gov