Facebook....coming soon!

On October 7th, High Country Bank will be launching their Facebook page. We look forward to engaging our community, keeping things current, and having a little fun. Don forget to give us a "like"!
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Dear High Country Bank Customers,
 
 
High Country Bank Provides Tips to Protect Your Identity
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
 
    Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in America. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 17.6 million U.S. residents were victims of identity theft in 2014, up from 16.6 million victims in 2012. 

    "Cybercriminals are becoming more and more sophisticated and are using every tactic imaginable to carry out their offenses," said Brenda Spezze, High Country Bank's Vice President of E-banking. "It is extremely important that individuals create barriers to their personal information by enabling passcode locks on their smartphones and activating virus protection software on their computers and mobile devices." 

    In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, High Country Bank is offering the following tips to help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft:
  • Don't share your secrets. Don't provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
  • Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
  • Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don't mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
  • Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
  • Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
  • Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser's padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an "s" after the "http" to be sure the website is secure.
  • Protect your mobile device. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer's recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments - especially for senders you don't know. Make sure virus protection software on your mobile device is active and up to date.
  • Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.
 
High Country Bank is a full service bank that continues to offer home mortgages for purchases, refinance, and new construction. We also provide financing for second homes, second mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans. High Country Bank has been serving the Arkansas River Valley for 130 years. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.   NMLS# 419324.
Service to Our Community

High Country Bank is proud to announce its October Charities of the Month;
Habitat for Humanity in Salida, Buena Vista, and Canon City. High Country Bank has been choosing a Charity of the Month for over 20 years. All notary fees for the given month are donated to this charity, along with a $100.00 donation to that organization. There are also donation jars next to each teller window which allow the public to make a donation to the organization as well.


High Country Bank is pleased to make a donation to the Salida Middle School fifth grade class, for their Camp 100 Elk Outdoor Center excursion this spring.  Camp 100 Elk is located outside of Buena Vista. At Camp 100 Elk the educators work towards each student gaining an appreciation for the outdoors and therefore live with a greater respect and care for the environment.


Salida Middle School Fifth Grade (Pictured...Back Row..LeaAnn DePetro, Jeanie Kropog, Nick Tessitore, Valerie Kononen, Samantha Bahn, Mitch LaLiberte, Priscilla Steinmetz, Jade LeVicchi, Niki Tracy  Front Row...Eva Capozza, Lucia
Zettler)
 







High Country Bank is proud to make a donation to Historic St. Elmo to help in the restoration of this special gem of a spot in Chaffee County.  

 

Historic St. Elmo (Pictured...Val Austin, Melanie Roth, Scott  Erchul)













High Country Bank is proud to make a donation to the Buena Vista Strong Dinner. This annual event brings the community together to celebrate life and the town we live in.




BV Strong Dinner (Pictured... Scott Erchul, Jodi Baldwin, Glynis Laub, Leslie Quilico)











High Country Bank is proud to make a donation to Salida Soup's September recipient, Fast Forward to Literacy.  Fast Forward to Literacy is a Colorado based non-profit, providing home libraries  to students in economically challenged communities. The two goals of Fast Forward to Literacy are: 
1) Providing parental academic involvement in a very positive
manner. Children receive books through the classroom teacher, often with
reading tips and motivational ideas. 2) By owning, handling, talking
about, and listening to books, students are in a much better place for
academic success.  




Salida Soup representative, Mark Monroe presents a check to September winner, Connie Shieman from Fast Forward to Literacy.









High Country Bank presents...October Fest!!!
 
On October 2, 2016, High Country Bank will be partnering with the Salida Steamplant and hosting the 1st annual High Country Bank October Fest.  This event will be held in the Steamplant courtyard from 11 am - 5 pm. Besides food and libations, there will also be some rockin' polka. Come on out to this family-friendly affair and let's make this event Salida's local favorite!





 
We are grateful to have the opportunity to engage our neighbors and work with them in "Building Futures Together."  Visit us at www.highcountrybank.net Member FDIC.
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