Secure lock and credit cards on a laptop

Security Center

Authorities and industry experts agree that you are your own best protection against fraud. Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company is pleased to provide you with security information and links to other resources.

Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card number, bank account number or other information and uses it without your permission to commit fraud.

Identity Theft Thieves may use a variety of methods to obtain your personal information such as Mailbox Theft, Malware, Phising, Vishing, Spoofed Websites, Auction Fraud, Internet Scams, Email Fraud, Nigerian Letter/419 Scam, Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam, Overpayment Scam, Collection Scam, Online Job Scam, Money Mules and many more. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. The best way to prevent becoming a victim of fraud is to learn to recognize the types and signs of fraud. The following may be signs of Identity Theft:

  • New accounts on your credit report that you did not open
  • Receiving an unexpected bill or statement/not receiving an expected bill or statement
  • Receiving credit cards you did not apply for
  • Denied credit for no known reason
  • Calls regarding merchandise you did not buy

Please visit Identity Theft | Consumer Information (ftc.gov) for more information.

Corporate Account Takeover

What is Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)? 

Corporate Account Takeover is a form of Identity Theft that targets business bank accounts. Cyber Thieves go to extreme measures to steal employee credentials to bank accounts so they may initiate fraudulent ACH and wire transfers.

For more information about Cyber Crimes please visit Cyber Crime — FBI

Fraud Prevention
Protect your Bank Account
  • Review your account activity at least once per week and report any unauthorized or suspicious activity immediately 
  • Set up Account Alerts via Online Banking 
  • Sign up for eStatements and turn off paper statements 
  • Store new and cancelled checks in a secure location 
  • Create a strong complex password and change it often. 
  • Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible 
  • Questions suspicious emails.  Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company will never email you requesting your username or password or other sensitive information 
  • Shred old checks, receipts, account statements and other documents that contain sensitive information 
  • Log out of online banking when not in use. 
  • Do not carry your checkbook with you unless it is necessary 
  • Request your free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com 
  • Visit Consumer Alerts | Consumer Information (ftc.gov) for more information 
Computer Safety
Internet Safety
  • Verify the security certificate of the website 
  • Click the padlock to confirm the site is secure 
  • Please visit On the Internet — FBI  and for more information 
Email Safety
  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails containing urgent request for security or personal information 
  • Never open attachments or click links from suspicious or unknown emails 
  • Do not respond to suspicious emails 
Elder and Dependent Adult Financial Fraud 

Elders are the principal target of con artists, sweepstake fraud schemes, and home repair fraud operators. By some estimates, older persons account for 90% of all fraud victims. Seniors are thought to lose tens of billions of dollars to fraud every year.  The offenders can be new acquaintances, friends and family, contractors, merchants, landlords and others.  To learn more about or to report Elder and Dependent Adult Financial Fraud, please visit: 

Adult Protective Services (APS) – Protection & Advocacy (illinois.gov) 

ATM & Debit Card Security Tips
  • Be aware of your surroundings.  If anything looks suspicious, come back later or use another ATM 
  • Be wary of any ATM device that appears to have been altered as a skimmer may be attached 
  • After completing a withdrawal, secure your card, cash and receipt 
  • Report all crimes immediately to the ATM operator and local law enforcement 
  • Never lend your card to anyone 
  • Memorize your PIN and change it regularly 
  • Never share your PIN 
  • Review your account activity regularly 
  • Use the card management feature in online banking to turn your card off when not in use. 
  • Ensure alerts are turned on to instantly notify you via text when your card has been used 
  • Report lost or stolen cards immediately  Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company (cornerstonenb.com)