The safest bet is to know which card to use in different situations. Here are some helpful hints.

Use your debit card:

For convenience
Why? Carrying a debit card is a lot safer than carrying a lot of cash and quicker than writing checks. A debit card is great for smaller, everyday purchases. But, be sure you don’t spend more than you have in your account, or it could end up costing you.

For controlling your spending
Why? Because a debit card withdraws money directly from your account, checking your balance frequently (via online or mobile banking) provides an instant peek at how well you’re managing your money. Remember, when you pay by credit card, you’re spending future money, and interest on top of that if you don’t pay the balance in full.

For easy “cash back” and ATM cash withdrawals
Why? Using your debit card at the grocery store (where you can usually even get cash back) or ATM is as easy as pie. (But, pass them right by if anything about the machine seems suspicious. Crooks have been known to “hot wire” machines in order to steal your card information, PIN included.)

Use a credit card:

When purchasing items such as a television, electronics or other big-ticket items
Why? The money comes straight out of your account when you pay by debit card. Pay with a credit card and, if there’s a problem after the sale, you can dispute the charge and, by law, the credit card company will pursue the matter. On the other hand, a debit card transaction means the money has left your account; it’s up to you to resolve the problem and get your money back. Meanwhile, that money is no longer in your account.

When you’re buying online
Why? A debit card is connected directly to your bank account. If the seller turns out to be less than reputable, or the site is a hoax, you could lose much more than the cost of your purchase.

When you’re dining out.
Why? This is one time when you offer your card and it leaves your sight — and leaves you, and your bank account, extremely vulnerable.

When you’re paying “in advance”
Why? Hotels, car rental agencies and self-serve gas stations take your card information upfront, but traditionally “block” a larger amount than you’re expecting to pay – just in case you end up spending more! This “blocking” freezes that amount of money in your account, reducing the total you may have counted on access to for other purposes. The “block” may remain in effect for days.

When you’re trying to build up your credit history
Why? Debit card usage has no effect on your credit history or credit score. Using a credit card and paying your balance in full and on time can help build a positive credit rating.

One final warning. Whether it’s a debit card or a credit card, be sure to cancel it immediately if it’s lost or stolen. And, if you notice anything suspicious about your account, contact your bank or the issuer of the card as soon as possible, to prevent further damage.

Although it’s just a little piece of plastic, each card represents your hard-earned money. We want to help you keep it safe.

Here is an example of the text message:

“JEWETT CITY SAVINGS BANK ALERT: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 860-556-4887″

Cyber criminals are using email messages (phishing) and text messages (SMiShing) to attempt to get consumers to divulge account numbers, debit and credit card numbers, and other personal confidential information.  Never respond to the message or use the telephone number or website link provided.  When there is a question about your account information, you should always contact the bank at a telephone number or website that you know to be legitimate (from a statement or receipt).

If you called the number included in the text or email message and provided your debit card number, IMMEDIATELY call a branch office near you for assistance during business hours.  After business hours, notify our HOT CARD Lost & Stolen Service at 1-800-264-5578.

If you received a text or email message, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTCcomplaintassistant.gov.

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PayPal

Hello
As part of our security measures, we regularly monitor the ongoing activities in the PayPal system. We have recently contacted following a problem with your PayPal account.
Information you have been requested for the following reason:
Our system detected unusual flows on a credit card associated with your PayPal account.
File #: PP-4523-935-178
This is a final reminder invite you to log in to PayPal as soon as possible.

Please restore access to your account. (link to fraudulent web site)

Please do not reply to this mail. The mails sent to this address can not be answered.

Copyright 1999-2012 PayPal. All rights reserved.

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Cybercriminals use phishing email messages to direct you to fraudulent web sites or to install malicious software on your computer in an attempt to steal your personal information.  For tips on how to protect yourself from phishing scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm.

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Dear Customer,

Our Technical Service department has recently updated our online services, due to this upgrade we sincerely call your attention to download the file attached to this e-mail and reconfirm your login details.

Failure to confirm your Virtual Merchant account details will permanently suspend you from accesing your account online.

*** Please note – Only Retail accounts are locked.***

*** If you own another account type please ignore this message***

© Copyright 2012 Elavon , Inc. All rights reserved.

$Elavon_VT: 147CZFTJJDL0AB4SUWXL8NHY5MTH54SRM0KGENLAXBRQ40DTHZRSS5BNUMNQ2VCUC25RQ

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Cybercriminals use phishing email messages to direct you to fraudulent web sites or to install malicious software on your computer in an attempt to steal your personal information.  For tips on how to protect yourself from phishing scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm.

Nearly all of the recipients accepted their Foundation awards at a reception held in early December. One exception was the St. Mary Food Pantry in Jewett City, whose $5,000 grant was delivered early, after the Bank learned that the Pantry did not have the donations or resources to provide Thanksgiving holiday foods to those in need.

“We are pleased to be able to help in this way,” said Merchant, “especially in today’s economy, when so many people are having a difficult time feeding themselves and their families.”

In Danielson, the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry received a Foundation grant of $4,500 for the purchase of diapers, gift cards for emergency items, and grocery cards. Community Kitchens of Northeastern CT, Inc. received $1,000 to purchase food, paper goods, and other necessities for the provision of hot meals at five sites.

The Preston City Congregational Church received $2,000 to stock food pantry shelves and provide vouchers for farm produce, and the Town of Pomfret Food Pantry received $500 from the Foundation to help sustain its program for individuals and families in need in that community.

The grants awarded by the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation in 2011 totaled $52,300, supporting a variety of community initiatives in the Bank’s marketplace.

FOOD PANTRY GRANTS awarded by Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation are celebrated by: Front (l to r) – Stella Dawley and Harriett Rosiene, Preston City Congregational Church Food Pantry; and Laura Kroll, Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson. Rear – Phyllis Jaeger and Brenda Tupaj, Community Kitchens of Northeastern CT; Kevin Merchant, Foundation president; Garry Brown, Town of Pomfret Food Pantry; and Paul Baillargeon, Saint Mary Food Pantry in Jewett City

Sample mailer

It has come to our attention that some of our customers have received a letter entitled “Litigation Notification” from the Law Offices of Christopher J. Van Son DBA Consolidated Litigation Group, a Professional Law Firm. A direct quote from the letter asserts that the law firm “has recently filed claim against Jewett Cty Svgs Bk aimed at improper lender actions.”

Jewett City Savings Bank has no knowledge of any such “claim” filed against it. This letter is merely an advertisement for the law firm. This is confirmed in the second to last sentence of the letter itself: “This advertisement does not contain or constitute legal advice.” It appears that the advertisement is part of a campaign targeting property owners based upon information likely obtained from public records found in town halls throughout the state.

If you receive this, or any other suspicious looking notifications, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our offices, or call 860.376.4444 to speak with a member of our staff.

Using your web-ready cell phone or mobile device, you can:

• Check your account balances
• View account history
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Pay bills or cancel scheduled payments
• And more

Mobile Banking is ready and waiting for all Online Banking customers – no additional sign up, no additional charge, and no hassles! Just use your web-ready mobile device to visit web site – JCSBank.com– to log in today. Your phone will be automatically redirected to the mobile banking log-in page. Or, click here to check out our online demo.

Not signed up for Online Banking? Click here to start banking online today!