What you can do to protect your information:

• Never click on a link in an e-mail that you suspect is fraudulent
  
• Never provide personal financial information over the phone or Internet if you did not initiate the contact. Personal financial information includes your Social Security number, financial account numbers, and PINS or passwords.
  
• Do not be intimidated by an e-mail suggesting dire or extreme consequences if you do not immediately verify or provide financial information.
  
• If you receive an e-mail with a link back to newsouthfederal.com, double check the URL or domain address when you are redirected.
  Report suspicious e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-877- IDTHEFT (877-438-4338).
  
• Review your account statements as soon as you receive them or track your account activity online to make sure that no unauthorized activity has occurred.
  
• Shred confidential mail, receipts, and other personal documents when you no longer need them to prevent others from obtaining your private, personal information.
  
• Keep account numbers, PINs and passwords, copies of statements, and other personal information in a secure place.