How To Avoid Costly Mistakes With Your Checking Account 

To err is human...and sometimes it can be expensive. That's the case for many consumers who have to pay fees and penalties for mistakes they've made when using their checking account.

First State Bank wants to help you make smarter decisions and avoid some of these mistakes.  Follow our tips and you can enjoy a more satisfying banking relationship and keep more of your cash.

How can you avoid unnecessary costs?

• Keep your check register u to date.  Deduct for all withdrawals, not just foreach check written but also for ATM transactions and debit card purchases.  Do not rely on your ATM receipt balance information because it may not reflect outstanding checks or debit card transactions.
• Update your check register by deducting for all automatic withdrawals on a timely basis.
• Promptly compare your check register with your bank statement as soon as it arrives in the mail or check your information more frequently online or by phone.
• Take additional precautions to avoid fees for insufficient funds.  For instance, make sure you have enough money in your account before you write a big check, use your debit card or arrange for an automatic payment.

Protection Basics

First State Bank will never send unsolicited e-mail that requires our customers to provide personal or account information.  Any unsolicited request for First State Bank account information you receive through e-mails, web sites, or pop-up windows should be considered fraudulent and reported immediately.

Card and PIN Safety

We like to remind everyone of ways to protect themselves and their cards as they journey from home, near or far.

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
• Sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it.
• Protect your cards as if they were cash.
• Don’t leave your credit or debit cards in the glove compartment of your car.  An alarming high proportion of all card thefts occur in glove compartments.
• Never write down your PIN—memorize it.
• Ensure that you get your card back after every purchase.
• Always check sales vouchers for the correct purchase amount before you sign them, and keep copies of your vouchers and ATM receipts.
• Make a comprehensive list of all your cards and their numbers and store it in a safe place.
• Don’t volunteer any personal information when you use your credit card, other than by displaying personal ID as requested by a merchant.
• Don’t lend your card to anyone.  You are responsible for its use.  Some credit card misuse can be traced directly to family and friends.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone.  No one from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN.

Mail and Phone Safety

Mail and telephone solicitations bring many tempting offers, but not all are legitimate!  Be especially careful about deals that sound too good to be true, and keep the following advice in mind:

• Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, especially if the sale must be completed immediately.

• Record the name, address, and phone number of the soliciting organization, and obtain names of other customers who can supply references.

• Ask questions.  The fewer questions a telemarketer can answer, the less likely that he or she is calling from a legitimate business.

• Do not give your account number over the phone unless you initiated the call.

• When in doubt, consult the Better Business Bureau or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

• Notify the Post Office immediately if you change your address