Security

Password Security

  • Create a unique password for all the different systems/websites you use. Otherwise, one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable.
  • Never share your password over the phone, in texts, by email, or in person. If you are asked for your password, it's possible it could be a scam.
  • Use unpredictable passwords with a combination of lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use a password with at least 8 characters. Every additional character exponentially strengthens your password.

Avoid using obvious passwords such as:

  • Names (your name, family members' names, business name, user name, etc.)
  • Dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
  • Dictionary words

Choose a password you can remember without writing it down. If you do choose to write it down, store it in a secure location.

To learn more about information security, visit any of the following websites:

Online Security

  • Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, or online advertising. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.
  • Only submit sensitive information to websites using encryption to ensure your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with "https://" (the "s" is for secure) rather than just "http://". Some browsers also display a closed padlock.
  • Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could indicate your connection is being intercepted or the web server is misrepresenting its identity.
  • Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking and other activities involving sensitive information when possible.
  • Always "sign out" or "log off" of password protected websites when finished to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts directing you to a website or requesting information.

In a social engineering attack, an attacker uses human interaction to manipulate a person into providing them information. People have a natural tendency to trust. Social engineering attacks attempt to exploit this tendency in order to steal your information. Once the information has been stolen it can be used to commit fraud or identity theft.

Criminals use a variety of social engineering attacks to attempt to steal information, including:

The following information explains the meaning of these common attacks and provides tips you can use to avoid being a victim.

Website Spoofing

Website spoofing is the act of creating a fake website to mislead individuals into sharing sensitive information. Spoofed websites are typically created to look exactly like a legitimate website published by a trusted organization.

Prevention Tips:

  • Pay attention to the web address (URL) of websites. A website may look legitimate, but the URL may have a variation in spelling or use a different domain.
  • If you are suspicious of a website, close it and contact the company directly.
  • Do not click links on social media sites, pop-up windows, or non-trusted websites. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser is a safer alternative. Only give sensitive information to websites using a secure connection. Verify the web address begins with "https://" (the "s" is for secure) rather than just "http://".
  • Avoid using websites when your browser displays certificate errors or warnings.

Phishing

Phishing is when an attacker attempts to acquire information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing messages often direct the recipient to a spoof website. Phishing attacks are typically carried out through email, instant messaging, telephone calls, and text messages (SMS).

Protect Yourself From Scammers Pretending to be Your Bank

Cybercriminals are increasing efforts to steal personal and financial information by pretending to be trusted organizations, including banks. These scams are commonly known as phishing.

Phishing attempts may come through:
  • Phone calls
  • Text messages
  • AI generated "Deep Fake" videos
  • Emails
  • Social media messages

These messages often create urgency and pressure you to act quickly.

What Scammers May Ask For

Fraudsters may claim to be bank employees and request:

  • Online banking usernames or passwords
  • One-time passcodes or verification codes
  • Debit or credit card numbers
  • PINs
  • Social Security numbers
  • Account numbers

Our bank will never contact you unexpectedly and ask for this information

Know the Warning Signs

Be cautious if someone:

  • Urges immediate action ("Your account will be locked")
  • Threatens negative consequences
  • Asks you to verify personal or account information
  • Requests payment or gift cards
  • Calls from an unfamiliar or spoofed phone number

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

How to Protect Yourself

To stay safe:

  • Never share sensitive information with unknown callers, texters, or emails
  • Do not click links or open attachments from unexpected messages
  • Hang up if a call seems suspicious
  • Contact us directly using the phone number on our website, statement, or debit card
  • Monitor your accounts regularly for unfamiliar activity

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

What to Do If You Are Contacted

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:

  • Do not respond or provide any information
  • End the communication immediately
  • Contact our bank using a trusted number to report the attempt

Early reporting helps protect you and other customers.

Download our Phishing Alert Guide

Report Fraudulent or Suspicious Activity

Contact us immediately if you suspect you have fallen victim to a social engineering attack and have disclosed information concerning your Liberty Bank and Trust Co. account(s).

Call us at (504) 240-5288 or at (800) 883-3943. Additionally, you may visit your local Liberty Bank branch location.

Regularly monitoring your account activity is a good way to detect fraudulent activity. If you notice unauthorized transactions in your account, notify Liberty Bank and Trust Co. immediately.

We Are Committed to Your Security

Protecting your information is a top priority. While we have safeguards in place, your awareness is the strongest defense against fraud. If you ever have questions about a message claiming to be from us, contact us directly before taking action.