Security Features

Protect Yourself Online

Recently in the news you may have heard about individuals receiving phone calls from someone posing as a local bank, requesting personal and account information.

You may have also heard about emails that look like they are from an individual’s bank offering downloads or requesting personal and account information.

Everett Bank will NEVER call or email you asking for account or personal information. If you ever receive a phone call or email like this, do not give out your information and please notify us right away.

We will also NEVER ask you to download anything in an email and that includes Facebook or any other social networks.

To report a suspicious call or email, or to simply ask questions, please call Everett Bank during normal business hours, at 617-387-1110.

Online Security Tips

Control physical access to your personal computer (PC); that is, do what you can to prevent unauthorized persons from using your PC.
If you are using your PC and need to walk away from it for any reason, log off or lock your workstation.
Select passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and change them frequently.
Do not give your passwords to anyone. Do not save passwords on your website or leave written notes with your password near your PC.

For more Online Security Tips - review the following websites:

Report suspicious activity you notice relating to your PC or use of your PC to the appropriate parties and do so as quickly as possible. If you notice suspicious activity relating to accounts at Everett Bank that you access online, promptly report that activity to us.

Virus Management

Install virus management software on your PC and scan your PC regularly.
Keep your virus files up to date (i.e., latest signature files, product upgrades).
Be cautious when downloading and running programs or Java or ActiveX applets as they may contain unsecure data which cannot be filtered, for example, using firewall or anti-virus software.
Use extreme caution when opening email received from unknown sources and pay special attention to any attachments. Do not launch or open an attachment from an unknown source. When in doubt, delete the email without opening it.

PC Software

Understand and use the security features provided by your PC software, such as those included in many operating systems, browsers and word processing systems.
Ensure that your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the level of encryption used when you connect to various sites and applications. For example, Everett Bank currently requires the use of 128-bit encryption.
Use only software from reliable and known vendors.
Stay abreast of the latest release and patch levels of the PC software you use.

Cookies

When you visit our site, our web servers may place a small file called a "cookie" on your computer to collect information for internal Bank use. We do not use cookies to collect or store confidential personal information, such as your email address or other information stored on your computer's hard drive.

You may set your browser to disable or delete cookies; however, this may affect your ability to use certain site features, including some of our products and services.

Internet Email Tips

Email is not a secure transmission route so you should never include sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, account number, or personal identification number (PIN). If you would like to communicate this type of information to Everett Co-operative Bank, please call us directly at 617-387-1110.

Do not provide your email address to third-party websites without reading the privacy and security policies and terms and conditions of these sites to ensure you understand the circumstances in which your email address will be used. Third-party websites may have privacy policies that are different from Everett Bank. You may view our privacy policy at www.everettbank.com/privacy-policy.

If you suspect suspicious or fraudulent activity related to your Everett Bank account(s), please let us know right away. You should also contact your Internet Service Provider so they may block suspect companies from your email inbox. To learn more about how to control and manage your incoming emails, please refer to your Internet Service Provider's online resources.

Be Aware of On-line Financial Fraud/Email Scams (Phishing)

Increasingly, Americans are receiving fraudulent emails that direct recipients to websites where they are asked to provide confidential, personal and financial information. These emails may vary significantly. Some claim that the individual's personal information is necessary to assist in the fight against terrorism or for some other alleged legal purpose. Other emails purport to be from government agencies, legitimate financial institutions or even the new social media platforms, such as Facebook or YouTube. The email may claim that there is a problem with an account and will provide a link to a site that may look authentic. The email may even ask you to download something. You may be asked to input personal information such as bank account numbers, PINs or a Social Security Number. These fraudulent schemes are commonly known as "phishing." DO NOT provide any personal information by clicking on the link. DO NOT click or download items in an email. Everett Bank will never ask for personal information over the telephone or email.

If you suspect Identity theft or fraud involving Everett Bank, contact us immediately at at 617-387-1110.

Additionally, we advise that you report any suspicious email activity to the FTC. Submit information regarding the "phishing" file by entering a complaint with the FTC website. If you believe you have been defrauded, file your complaint at www.ftc.gov. You can also visit the FTC's identity Theft website to learn how to minimize the financial damage from identity theft.

Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial fraud is increasingly becoming one of the most common forms of elder abuse. Elder fraud targets older adults and attempts to deceive them with promises of goods, services, or financial benefits that do not exist or will never be paid or given. Elder financial exploitation occurs when someone “illegally or improperly uses a senior’s money or other property.” Scammers tend to target adults over the age of 50, and most often prey on those who are isolated, lonely, physically or mentally challenged, unfamiliar with their own finances, or have recently lost a spouse. Scammers can be a complete stranger; pose as a trustworthy helper such as a nurse, accountant, lawyer, or even be a family member. If you feel you may be a victim of elder financial fraud or abuse, we encourage you to report this abuse to one of the following agencies:

Everett Bank – 1-617-387-1110
Senior Citizen Service/Assistance Group -1-800-677-1116 (Elder Locator) or 1-800-394-2255 (INFO Link)
Local police or prosecutor’s office

Please visit the MA Division of Bank’s website for additional information regarding elder financial abuse, fraud and exploitation located at https://www.mass.gov/reporting-elder-abuse-neglect.