Fraud FAQs

I received an email from Union Bank and Trust asking me to click on a link to update my information. Is this legitimate?
How do I identify email fraud?

Recognizing email fraud may not be easy. The criminals who use email and online fraud to get your personal, financial or account information are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques for duping consumers. You should approach unsolicited email containing urgent appeals for security or personal information with great caution. You should always confirm the validity of email messages that appear to come from trusted sources. Union Bank will never ask you to provide your Social Security Number, ATM or Check Card PIN or any other sensitive information in response to an email. If you receive an email from Union Bank and you're not sure if it's real, don't click on any links in the email or download any attachments.

 

If you receive a fraudulent e-mail that says it is from Union Bank & Trust, please inform us by contacting our Customer Support Team in Lincoln at (402) 323-1777 or toll-free at (800) 297-2837. 

What can I do to protect my personal information?

Some tips for protecting your personal information:

  • Be cautious when providing personal data such as your Social Security Number and bank account or credit card account information over the telephone, in person or on the Internet. Do not give out this information unless you are sure of the person with whom you are dealing.
  • Carry only necessary identification with you. Do not carry your – or other family members' – Social Security card(s). Do not carry passports or birth certificates unless needed that day.
  • Monitor bills and bank statements frequently and immediately report any suspected fraudulent transactions to the holder of your account.
  • Receive and store as many of your account statements electronically as you can.
  • Store cancelled checks, new checks and account statements in a safe place.
  • Question suspicious emails. We will never send you an email asking for your online ID or pass code.
  • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on your home computer. Keep these programs updated.
  • Don't write your personal identification number (PIN), Social Security Number, driver's license number or credit card account number on checks, or on your ATM, credit card or debit card. Stand directly in front of the ATM when entering your PIN.
  • Keep mail secure. Do not mail bills or sensitive information from your home or unsecured mailboxes. Retrieve and review your mail promptly.
  • Tear up or shred pre-approved credit offers, receipts (including ATM receipts) and other information that could link your name to your account numbers.
  • Check your credit report periodically and be sure all information is up to date and accurate. Have any fraudulent transaction deleted. For a free annual copy of your credit bureau report contact www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Can I trust Union Bank to keep my personal information private?

Keeping our customers' financial information secure is one of our most important responsibilities. We value your trust and handle information about you with care. Our associates are bound by a code of ethics requiring confidential treatment of customer information and are subject to disciplinary action if they fail to follow this code. All associates receive awareness training annually regarding their responsibilities for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of customer information entrusted to them.

How do I know an online transaction is safe?

Secured connections to websites are provided by a technology called Secure Socket Layers, or SSL. SSL secures Web sites by providing "certificates" of data, verifying that your browser is actually communicating with a particular Web site, rather than an Internet "hacker" who is attempting to replicate the site.



Whatever site you visit and whenever you need to input personal data, be certain to confirm that the site shows the small lock in the lower portion of the browser window -- NOT inside the window. It signals that your information is secure during transmission. If you double-click on the padlock, you can view the security certificate. The URL in the “Issued to” field for legitimate Union Bank & Trust sites will end in “ubt.com.”

I shared information about my account. What should I do?

If you have shared information about your account, we suggest you follow these steps.

  • Contact your financial institution(s) immediately and close any card(s) or account(s) in which you provided information.
  • Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
  • If you shared your SSN, contact Annual Credit Report

    Online: www.annualcreditreport.com

    By Phone: 1-877-322-8228

    By Mail: Annual Credit Report Request Services

    PO Box 105281

    Atlanta, GA 30348-5281



    Order a copy of your credit report to determine if there are any unauthorized transactions on your credit.
  • You have the option of placing a fraud alert on your credit by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Refer to the Security & Fraud section of our website for more information about fraud, scams and what to do if you become a victim.

What can I do to protect my accounts and personal information while I am banking online?

When using the internet, there are several ways to protect your accounts and personal information, including:

  • Memorize your Username and Password. Do not store them in documents that can be accessed through your computer unless those documents can be password protected.
  • Do not use easily verifiable information, such as birth dates, social security numbers and addresses when creating usernames or passwords.
  • Frequently change your password. You can change your UBTgo password when you're logged in by clicking Profile > Profile Updates > Change Password.
  • Completely sign off after each online session
  • Be aware of potential online scams - many scam websites will ask you to provide account information for you to receive "free trials" of products or services, which they then charge you for.

If you ever have doubts about the website you are visiting, simply call the company that runs the website and ask questions. Most legitimate companies will have no problem speaking with a potential customer about security and online safety.

What is the padlock icon in my browser?

When locked, the padlock icon on your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) indicates the console is running in secure mode. In this case, communications between the client platform running the console and the managed computer are encrypted using SSL. The padlock icon is open when secure communications are not active.

The location of the padlock can vary by web browser, but is typically located on either the left or the right end of the field where the url (web address) is listed.

You may also confirm you are on a secure site (like Union Bank's web site) when the url (web address) for the page you are on begins with "https://" 

How do you recognize my computer?

When you add extra security to your computer, a secure cookie will be placed on your computer. This secure cookie is unique, and when used in combination with your login information, creates a unique way to identify you to the system. For every login attempt after you add extra security to one computer, this secure cookie is validated along with the login identification you normally enter. This secure cookie is only used by Union Bank & Trust to validate your identity and does not contain any personal information.

When do I need a Signature Guarantee?

If you hold securities in physical certificate form and want to transfer or sell them, you will most likely need a Signature Guarantee before a transfer agent will accept the transaction. Securities transactions include Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds and legal documents in connection with the sale or transfer of ownership of these assets. Any other transaction that does not include a security related event can be Signature Validated.

Can I obtain a Signature Guarantee even if I am redeeming an asset that is not a Security?

No. If a company requests that you obtain a Signature Guarantee for an asset not involved in a securities-related transaction, we will be unable to fulfill the request. You may have the company requesting the Signature Guarantee contact us so we can explain the specific requirements of this type of documentation to them directly, and help determine the correct type of documentation for that particular asset. However, we do offer the SVP stamp for non-security related events.

What is the Signature Validation Program (SVP) stamp?

The SVP began as a answer to many improper requests from commercial entities that wanted the effectiveness of the MSG but were for non-securities related events. The SVP stamp bridges the gap between the MSG and a Notary Stamp.

What is a Non-Securities Event?

A Non-Securities Event is any transaction/event that does not pertain to a sale, assignment, transfer or redemption of a security. The SVP stamp can be used for Non-Securities events.

Is there a fee to get a Signature Guarantee/Validation?

Yes, a fee will be charged for providing the Medallion Signature Guarantee and Signature Validation Program services (currently $50.00).

Who can provide a Signature Guarantee or Signature Validation?



You can obtain a Signature Guarantee or Validation from Union Bank & Trust or another financial institution – a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker dealer – that participates in one of the Medallion Signature Guarantee programs. Authorized Union Bank & Trust employees who provide the Signature Guarantee service are required to complete a

certification program.

May I send a signed document through the mail to obtain a Signature Guarantee or Validation?

No. We must warrant that the signature is genuine at the time of signing. Therefore, we request you sign the document in the presence of an authorized Union Bank & Trust employee.

I own the security jointly with someone who lives in another state. How can we guarantee both signatures?

You may sign a Specific Power of Attorney for multiple security owners. We will affix the Medallion Signature Guarantee on this document for you to then forward to your co-owner living in another state.

Why do you ask for additional documents when all I need is my signature guaranteed?

In addition to guaranteeing your signature, we are also validating:

  • You are the appropriate person to endorse the document.
  • You have the legal capacity to sign the document.
  • Therefore, we need documentation showing the owner(s) of the security. If you are acting on behalf of someone, we must have documentation showing your legal authority. 
Why are there so many requirements for obtaining a Signature Guarantee or Validation?

Issuers of securities and Transfer Agents rely upon the Signature Guarantee/Validation process for the transfer of securities. The Transfer Agent is liable for improper securities registration, but cannot witness you signing your documents or review the documentation showing your legal authority and capacity to sign the documents. The Signature Guarantee/Validation provides this service as well as protecting the individual signing the securities from fraudulent action.

I received a text message about a suspicious transaction, is this legitimate?

Yes, UBT will send you suspicous activity texts regarding your debit card from short code 70756. To confirm the activity, simply reply "Yes" and continue using your card.  Reply "No" is that activity was not you. Our automated system will call you to start the stolen card reporting process and restrict access to the card.

What is UBT doing to protect against cyberattacks?

We want to assure you that UBT has a team devoted to cybersecurity whose job it is to monitor for potential threats and vulnerabilities. They have extensive technical controls in place to protect our networks and data — including your information.

Is my UBT account information secure?

Yes. We want to assure you that Union Bank’s cybersecurity team is continually assessing threat information and monitoring our systems to keep your information — and your money — safe and secure.

What can I do to protect my identity and account information?

Great question! At UBT, we’re doing all we can to keep your data safe, but you can do a lot on your own keep your account information secure. Here are ways to protect yourself against cybercrimes and fraud.

  • Make sure your password is strong with a combination of words, numbers, and symbols that is easy to remember but hard to guess. Using a unique username and password (not just a strong password) for your banking account is critical security and best practice.
  • Be leery of emails you weren’t expecting even if they appear to come from someone you know, and never open attachments or click on hyperlinks in these emails.
  • Remember that no UBT employee or any other bank or IT professional will ever call, text, or email you to ask for your password.
  • Don’t trust unsolicited phone calls or emails asking for payment or personal information.
  • Don’t share or provide a password over the phone or through a link you receive in an email.
  • Don’t click on links or attachments sent by people you do not know through social media messaging apps.