Security Alert

The bank has become aware of a social engineering tactic being conducted in our area using conventional telephones and cell phones for identify theft attempts. This threat is called Vishing.  

Vishing is the criminal practice of information gathering under false pretenses for fraudulent purposes through the use of Voice over IP (VoIP). VoIP also allows caller ID spoofing, which means that the telephone number displayed on the recipient's caller ID is not the actual originating number. The fraudster can "mask" the number to make it appear that the call is actually coming from a phone number associated with Century Bank.
 
A typical attack involves receiving an automated message on your home phone or cell phone stating that your bank account information has been compromised or your account has been suspended, deactivated or terminated due to suspicious activity.  Cell phone users may also receive a text message on your cell phone.  The message provides a phone number to call to take corrective action on your account.  When the targeted individual calls the phone number, he or she is instructed to provide identifying information such as social security number, account number or other confidential information.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, visits, or email messages from individuals asking about account information. Century Bank will never contact you requesting that you provide your social security number, account number or other confidential account information. 

• Do not reveal personal or financial information over the phone or email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information. This includes links sent in an email.

For more information on identify theft and security, please visit our "Identify Theft & Security" page.

   FDIC Deposit Insurance

On October 3, 2008, FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009.

FDIC insurance covers funds in deposit accounts, including checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). FDIC insurance does not, however, cover other financial products and services that insured banks may offer, such as stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities.

There is no need for depositors to apply for FDIC insurance or even to request it. Coverage is automatic.

To ensure funds are fully protected, depositors should understand their deposit insurance coverage limits. The FDIC provides separate insurance coverage for deposits held in different ownership categories such as single accounts, joint accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and trust accounts.

Basic FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage Limits^*

Single Accounts (owned by one person)	$250,000 per owner**
Joint Accounts (two or more persons)	$250,000 per co-owner**
IRAs and certain other retirement accounts	$250,000 per owner
Trust Accounts	$250,000 per owner per beneficiary subject to specific limitations and requirements**

^* These deposit insurance coverage limits refer to the total of all deposits that an accountholder (or accountholders) has at each FDIC-insured bank. The listing above shows only the most common ownership categories that apply to individual and family deposits, and assumes that all FDIC requirements are met.

^** The legislation authorizing the increase in deposit insurance coverage limits makes the change effective October 3, 2008, through December 31, 2009.

If you have questions about FDIC coverage limits and requirements, please visit http://www.myfdicinsurance.gov/, call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC, or ask a representative at your bank