It is often hard to detect a fraudulent Email. That is because the Email address of the sender often seems genuine (such as support@cfsbank.com), as do the design and graphics. However, there are telltale signs for spotting fraudulent Emails.

Tips for spotting a fraudulent Email:

• Frequently these Emails make some form of urgent appeal to provoke you to take action immediately. For example, stating that your account may be closed if you fail to confirm, verify or authenticate information immediately.
  
  
• There are embedded links that look legitimate because they contain all or part of a real company's name. These links take you to fraudulent sites (or pop-up windows) that ask you to enter, confirm or update sensitive personal information. Sometimes the Emails instruct the recipient to enter the information into the body of the Email.
  
  
• There may be obvious spelling or grammatical errors.
  
  
• The writing may be awkward or   inappropriate.
  
  
• The visual or design quality may be poor.
  
  
• Fraudulent Emails typically will not provide alternative methods for communicating the requested information (i.e., telephone, mail, and physical locations).
  
  
• Fraudulent Emails often provide a general greeting and do not identify you by name.
  
  
• Fraudulent Emails may contain attachments asking you to install software so that fraudsters can use it to record your keystrokes and online activity.

Citizens First does not:

• Send urgent or time-sensitive Emails that ask you to provide, update or confirm sensitive data like your Online User ID or Password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), Social Security Number, ATM/Debit Card or account number, credit card number or expiration date, or mother's maiden name.
  
  
• Require you to enter anything other than your Online User ID and Password to login to Citizens First Online.
  
  
• Send you an Email that tells you to provide personal information because it is for your own security.
  
  
• Send you an Email with input fields that ask you for sensitive information.
  
  
• Send Emails without providing alternative methods of communication.
  
  
• Send Email with attachments asking you to install software.