Security

Protecting Your Money & Personal Information Online

Your security is our priority. As more of our daily lives move online, from banking to shopping, so do the risks. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, but with the right tools and awareness, you can stay one step ahead.

We’re here to help you bank confidently with simple, effective ways to protect your accounts and personal information.

F&M Bank offers effective cybersecurity tips and services.

Cybersecurity is defined as the “art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.”

How We Help Protect You

When you bank with F&M, you benefit from built-in security features designed to keep your information safe:

Secure Online & Mobile Banking with encrypted data protection
Multi-Factor Authentication to verify your identity on new devices
Account Monitoring that detects unusual activity
Card Controls that let you freeze your debit card instantly
Biometric Login Options like fingerprint and facial recognition

These tools work behind the scenes so you can focus on what matters most.

Mobile Banking Security Awareness

F&M Mobile is F&M Bank’s secure mobile application that allows clients to manage their bank accounts from a mobile device from any location with mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Our mobile app allows clients to view account transaction history details, freeze their debit card, transfer funds, submit check-imaged mobile deposits, open anew account, and chat with a bank representative.

Tips For Secure Mobile Banking

F&M Bank will never ask for your password under any circumstances. Do not tell your password to others under any circumstances (including mobile phone support operators or mobile phone sales representatives, etc.). Fraudsters will try to obtain mobile banking passwords by e-mail, letter and phone calls. If you have any doubts, please contact F&M Bank.
Please use strong passwords that are not easily guessable. They should be composed of numbers, letters (upper case and lower case) and special characters.
It is good practice to change your mobile banking password regularly.
Do not lend others your phone with the mobile banking function opened.
F&M Mobile offers facial and fingerprint recognition on iOS and Android devices. Enabling this feature on your device further protects your account from being accessed by an untrusted source if your device is misplaced or stolen.

Online Banking Security

Like F&M Mobile, F&M Bank’s Online Banking platform is a secure portal for clients to access account details, freeze their Visa debit card, set up Bill Pay payments, transfer funds, open a checking account, and chat with a bank representative. Our Online Banking uses several methods to protect your information.

Our system tracks your pattern of accessing our site – meaning it can detect when you are signing into your account from a new device or browser.
Attempts to access your account from a new or unfamiliar device prompts our system to verify your identity with multifactor authentication and security questions you established at account opening.
All information within Online Banking uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol for transferring data. SSL is a cryptosystem that creates a secure environment for the information being transferred between your browser and F&M Bank.

Tips For Secure Online Banking

Never give out any personal information including: User names, passwords, Social security number, date of birth.
Create difficult passwords, which include letters, numbers and symbols when possible.
Don’t use personal information for your user names or passwords, such as birth dates and social security numbers.
Avoid using public computers to access your Online Banking.
Don’t give any of your personal information to any website that does not use encryption or other secure protection methods.

Debit Card Protection

Debit card usage and cybershopping have increased dramatically in recent years, and fraudulent use of debit cards has also increased.

We at F&M Bank have some suggestions for you for the care and usage of debit cards.

NEVER give your debit card information when requested by phone, email, or texting. F&M Bank, or any other reputable financial institution will never ever request thank you provide your full debit card number in this manner. Please contact us if you receive any such request.
If you suspect your card has been compromised, misplaced, or lost, contact F&M Bank immediately. You can freeze your card on F&M Mobile and Online banking which will turn your card off to prevent unauthorized charges.

Key Contacts

For more information about identity theft and other tips on protecting yourself and your information, please visit the following websites or call the agencies.

iOS and Android Users

Download the F&M Bank app on your mobile device.

Business person with F&M Bank website on mobile device.

Compute5r Security

Federal Trade Commission

FDIC Consumer Alerts

U.S. Department of Justice

Watch Out for Scams

Fraudsters often try to trick you into sharing personal information. Be cautious of:

Emails or texts asking for your login credentials
Phone calls claiming to be from your bank
Links that direct you to fake websites

Remember: F&M Bank will never ask for your password, PIN, or full debit card number.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and contact us directly.

Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft can happen when personal information falls into the wrong hands. Help protect yourself by:

Shredding sensitive documents
Monitoring your accounts regularly
Reporting lost or stolen cards immediately
Avoiding sharing personal details online unless necessary

What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you notice anything unusual:

Contact F&M Bank immediately
Freeze your debit card using mobile or online banking
Change your passwords
Monitor your accounts closely

Quick action can help minimize potential impact.

The security of your finances and identity is as important to us as it is to you.

Let’s work together to protect it.

F&M Bank Contacts

You are protected in a variety of ways when you use F&M Mobile and Online Banking; however it is important to contact F&M Bank in the event you that your company’s online access has been compromised. Also, report any unauthorized or unexpected transactions immediately.

Your account is protected against fraudulent transactions in a number of ways, so monitor your account balances and transactions frequently. If you want to report suspicious activity in your account(s), or if you have questions about the security of your account(s), you can call us at:540-896-8941, contact your local F&M Bank location, e-mail us at csc@fmbankva.com, or start a chat with a banking representative on our mobile banking app or online banking portal.