Phishing occurs when you receive texts, calls, or emails from people or companies that seem to know you. In reality, these are scammers trying to communicate with you. These criminals want you to click a link or submit personal information such as a password so that they can steal your identity or your money, and possibly both. Scammers often access your computer as a way to steal key information. Finding out your bank account numbers is another way that scammers attempt to steal your money. Provident State Bank wants to protect you from phishing with these key tips:

• Check out the website or phone number of the person and/or company who is contacting you. Contact that person or company directly via a number you are sure is right, not the one from your email or text. Once you are in contact with them, let them know you were contacted.

• If you don’t have an account with the company, do not respond to the emails.

• If the message has poor grammar or spelling errors, then it is more than likely a scam.

• Companies, ESPECIALLY PSB, would never ask for personal information such as passwords. Never share a password or other secure information through email.

• Make sure that you update your computer security and backup your data regularly. If a password is compromised, then change it right away.

If you feel like you may be experiencing phishing regarding your PSB account, then please report it immediately.